Episode Overview
Stephen Anderson fuels excitement for the 2025 DATTA QLD Conference in Episode 79, recorded on May 5 and 7, 2025, with Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi educator Sally Lawrence and QUT PhD researcher Leighann Ness-Wilson. This episode previews their June 19 sessions at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, offering insights for design and technology educators. Sally and artist Lesley Gordon Morabalista Warraba dive into Aboriginal tools, fibres, and plant uses, linking cultural knowledge to design. Leighann shares her work on the engineering syllabus and PhD insights on teacher confidence at the conference dinner. Stephen ties it together with reflections on teaching, making this a must-listen for educators prepping for June 19–20. Plus, get details on conference registration and the 2025 Teacher Excellence and Service Awards!
Key Topics Discussed
- Sally Lawrence’s Workshop: Exploring Aboriginal tools, fibres, and medicines (e.g., kurrajong for cordage, cinnamon myrtle for axe handles) with Lesley Gordon Morabalista Warraba; ties to 8 Ways of Aboriginal Learning; webinar for ongoing access.
- Leighann Ness-Wilson’s Contributions: Morning workshop on senior engineering syllabus with MSQ/QUT; dinner speech on PhD findings about pre-service teachers’ confidence and misconceptions in design and technologies.
- Cultural and Educational Connections: Sally’s past DATTA contributions (e.g., Cherbourg prefabrication, banya); Leighann’s research on teacher optimism and curriculum alignment.
- Conference Details: June 19–20, 2025, at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre; register via DATTA QLD.
- Awards Nominations: Teacher Excellence and Service to Design & Technology Education Awards, due May 31, 2025.
Links and Resources
- Cleveland State High School: www.clevelandshs.eq.edu.au
- DATTA Queensland: www.dattaqld.org.au
- Conference Registration: www.dattaqld.org.au/conference (Check for updates)
- Awards Nomination Form: www.dattaqld.org.au/awards
- Connect With Us: Host: Stephen Anderson – podcast@dattaqld.org.au
About the Bridge Building Podcast
“This is the place where we dissect and then discover the many ways ITD teachers all over this country are using their passion to create passionate students. We talk of measuring and manipulating a multitude of materials of design and divergent thought, of creation with our minds and with our hands. And most of all, we talk of growing great young people because of course that is what we do.”
So what does that mean other than I like to show off my alliteration skills? Since coming back to teaching a few years ago the thing that strikes me most, and frankly scared me most is how lonely this job is. How little we know about what is happening in our subject area. The classroom next door, a class in the next school, let alone the next town are a mystery to me. I know there are teachers out there doing incredible things and this (the podcast) is a way for me to find out and be inspired. I would like to invite you along to listen and learn, to be inspired by some of the sensational teachers I speak to on the “Bridge Building Podcast – from technology to the trades”
About the Podcast Host
Stephen Anderson is a Design Technology, Trade Training and accidental Science teacher at a small high school 2 hours North West of Brisbane.
Over To You
If you know someone who is doing something spectacular or just great fun in design and tech or in trade training, I would love to know about them.
Contact me through my email osaerial@gmail.com
Music by:
Viola Pink
My favourite busker from the Nanango markets.