Episode 36: David Loader OAM - Rethinking Student Engagement in Australian Schools - Around the School Table by Xuno Suite

Auscast Literature Channel · May 17, 2026 · 39m

In this episode of Around the School Table (xuno.com.au/podcasts), host Steve Davis is joined by David Loader OAM, Chair of the Institute of Education Reform (IER) (educationalreform.org.au), to explore one of the most urgent challenges facing Australian education: Student Disengagement.

With research suggesting that between 30% and 50% of students are disengaged at school, David argues that attendance alone does not equal learning. Many students are physically present in classrooms, yet emotionally disconnected from their education. Others are refusing school altogether. As a result, he…