Date: Tuesday, 19 August 2025
Time: 11:00 AM (AEST)
Format: Online panel discussion
Duration: 60 minutes

About this session

Join the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) for an engaging panel discussion that explores how intentional teaching within play-based learning can transform outcomes for all children in early childhood education and care settings.

This panel presentation will share insights from AERO's recently published discussion paper, Play-based learning with intentionality, and highlight evidence-based strategies that leaders, educators and teachers can use to maximise learning opportunities through purposeful, responsive interactions.

This webinar is designed for:

early childhood educators and teachers

educational leaders and service managers

ECEC sector professionals

anyone interested in evidence-based approaches to early childhood education.

Why attend?

Opportunities for learning and development through play are maximised when children have intentional educators and teachers. This is true across all learning domains, with evidence of the benefits of intentional and responsive interactions being strongest for children experiencing disadvantage.

While evidence supports the value of intentional teaching, research also suggests that misconceptions about intentional teaching exist. This session will clarify what intentional teaching truly means and how it can be effectively implemented in practice.

Expert panel

Panel chair: Dr Katey De Gioia, AERO Director, Strategic Engagement ＆ Implementation (ECEC)

Featured panellists:

Dr Anne Kennedy - AERO Board Member and respected early childhood academic
Dr Luke Touhill - AERO Senior Teaching and Learning Specialist
Amy Shine - Director, Forbes Preschool

Session format

The panel discussion will include:

scene setting and introduction to AERO's intentional teaching research
key findings from the discussion paper
practical insights from current research trials
a panel discussion drawing on submitted questions – please add your questions as part of your registration, below.

About Early Learning Matters Week

This webinar is part of Early Learning Matters Week, an initiative designed to:

raise awareness of the importance of early learning in shaping children's development and wellbeing
highlight the significant role that early learning plays in laying the foundation for future success
emphasise the value of quality early childhood education and care.

Register now

Registration is free and includes access to the live webinar session and an opportunity to submit questions for the panel. A recording will be made available following the webinar.

Registration closes at 10:00 AM on 19 August 2025

If you're interested in hearing more about AERO's work, please subscribe to their newsletter using the link below

https://analytics-au.clickdimensions.com/cn/adyti/AERO_Evidence_Matters

Contact the host of Play-based Learning with Intentionality: Maximising Outcomes for All Children