Conference Themes

Concept-Based Curriculum and Instruction

Explore frameworks that move beyond facts to deeper conceptual understanding

Fostering an Inquiry Mindset

Discover approaches that cultivate curiosity and student-driven learning

The Dance Between Direct Instruction and Inquiry

Find the optimal balance between explicit teaching and exploratory learning

Modeling and Teaching Learning Dispositions/Habits of Mind

Learn strategies to develop essential thinking habits in students

Designing Interdisciplinary Units and Assessment

Break down subject silos with integrated approaches to curriculum

Developing Agency and Agility in Assessment (+AI)

Reimagine assessment practices that empower student ownership

General Information:

•Registration and Coffee will be available from 8:30 am on both days at Hope Anglican Church across from Leppington Anglican College.
•Parking is available on site.
•Break and lunch areas are located outside the classrooms in B block on the second floor.

8:30 am

Registration and Coffee

Location: Hope Anglican Church across from Leppington Anglican College

8:45 am - 10:00 am

Welcome and Keynote Session

• Welcome LAC Journey: Presented by Nicole Thorson and Michael Newton
• Keynote: Presented by Dr. Jennifer Chang Wathall on "What is Concept-Based Curriculum and Instruction?"
• MC: Jade Trotman

Location: Hope Anglican Church

10:00 am - 10:25 am

Break

Location: B Block

Thursday Session 1 (10:30 am - 11:50 am)

Workshop	Presenter	Room	Details
1 Concepts and Inquiry: The Power of Conceptual Lenses	Dr. Jennifer Chang Wathall	B5	Guiding Questions: ▪How can conceptual lenses reshape unit design to promote deeper inquiry and student understanding? ▪How can concept-based approaches empower students to make meaningful connections across subjects and contexts?
2 What is the role of Direct Instruction and Inquiry in Concept-based learning?	Nicole Thorson	B6	Guiding Questions: ▪Is it possible to balance direct instruction with a range of different types of inquiry? ▪How might we continue developing our approaches so that students are empowered to do the thinking?
3 Toolbox of a Concept-Based Lesson	Holly Caddy and Joey Stockinger	B7	Guiding Questions: ▪How can role play spark conceptual thinking? ▪Do VTRs sometimes create misconceptions? ▪Can all topics link to real-world problems? ▪Where do I start with a CBCI?
4 Inquiry Mindset Questions Edition	Trevor MacKenzie	B8	Guiding Questions: ▪How can we plan for curiosity through provocations and implement the ten high impact Question Routines in our teaching practice? ▪In what ways do these Question Routines align with and enhance inquiry-based teaching and learning approaches?

11:50 am - 12:20 pm

Lunch

Location: Outside the classrooms in B block on the second floor

Thursday Session 2 (12:20 pm - 1:40 pm)

Workshop	Presenter	Room	Details
1 Concept-Based Literacy Lessons	Kylie Ford	B1	Guiding Questions: ▪What do students really need to know about literacy? ▪How do we bring together explicit and inquiry learning in the classroom? ▪Why use a range of texts? Can't we just use one great mentor text for students to learn from?
2 What is the role of Direct Instruction and Inquiry in Concept-based learning?	Nicole Thorson	B6	Guiding Questions: ▪Is it possible to balance direct instruction with a range of different types of inquiry? ▪How might we continue developing our approaches so that students are empowered to do the thinking?
3 Inquiry in the Classroom and Beyond: Practical Strategies	Juan Carlos Cairos	B7	Guiding Questions: ▪How can we design learning experiences that naturally promote learner agency through inquiry? ▪How can intentional classroom design foster a culture of curiosity and authentic inquiry for all learners? ▪How can we involve the learning community to enrich and extend learning beyond the classroom?
4 The Power of Language and Modelling in Classroom Culture	Michael Newton	B5	Guiding Questions: ▪How might a teacher's language impact the learning, environment and relationships in a classroom? ▪How might modelling influence the development of Habits of Mind?
5 Inquiry Mindset Questions Edition	Trevor MacKenzie	B8	Guiding Questions: ▪How can we plan for curiosity through provocations and implement the ten high impact Question Routines in our teaching practice? ▪In what ways do these Question Routines align with and enhance inquiry-based teaching and learning approaches?

1:40 pm - 2:05 pm

Break

Location: Outside the classrooms in B block on the second floor

Thursday Session 3 (2:05 pm - 3:25 pm)

Workshop	Presenter	Room	Details
1 Concepts and Inquiry: The Power of Conceptual Lenses	Dr. Jennifer Chang Wathall	B5	Guiding Questions: ▪How can conceptual lenses reshape unit design to promote deeper inquiry and student understanding? ▪How can concept-based approaches empower students to make meaningful connections across subjects and contexts?
2 Inquiry in the Classroom and Beyond: Practical Strategies	Juan Carlos Cairos	B7	Guiding Questions: ▪How can we design learning experiences that naturally promote learner agency through inquiry? ▪How can intentional classroom design foster a culture of curiosity and authentic inquiry for all learners? ▪How can we involve the learning community to enrich and extend learning beyond the classroom?
3 Concept-Based Mathematics Lessons	Karen Ferdarico and Grayce Keen	B6	Guiding Questions: ▪How can we use concept-based curriculum and instruction in maths to teach foundation concepts about number?
4 Inquiry Mindset Questions Edition	Trevor MacKenzie	B8	Guiding Questions: ▪How can we plan for curiosity through provocations and implement the ten high impact Question Routines in our teaching practice? ▪In what ways do these Question Routines align with and enhance inquiry-based teaching and learning approaches?

3:40 pm - 4:30 pm

Reflections by Trevor MacKenzie and Dr. Jennifer Chang Wathall

Location: Second floor B block