How do we create a STEM classroom that supports all learners? 

We speak with Dr Matthew Harrison about the challenges neurodivergent students can encounter in STEM learning environments, and the practical, achievable adjustments teachers can make to build more neuro-affirming classrooms.  

Matthew also shares insights from the Next Level Collaboration project, showing how cooperative video games can build social confidence for neurodivergent students while also strengthening confidence and connection in STEM classrooms. 

About Associate Professor Matthew Harrison 

Associate Professor Matthew Harrison is a teacher and researcher whose work focuses on neurodiversity, inclusion, and how digital technology can help students learn and connect. He has taught in Australia, South Korea and the UK, and now leads Autism Intervention teaching at the University of Melbourne. Matthew’s love of gaming inspired his PhD research on how cooperative video games can build social skills and led him to co-found Next Level Collaboration.  

Related links: 

https://nextlevelcollaboration.com/  

How do we create a STEM classroom that supports&nbsp;all learners?&nbsp;
We speak with Dr Matthew Harrison about the challenges neurodivergent students can&nbsp;encounter&nbsp;in STEM learning environments, and the practical, achievable adjustments teachers can make to build more neuro-affirming classrooms.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Matthew also shares insights from the&nbsp;<a href="https://nextlevelcollaboration.com/">Next Level Collaboration</a>&nbsp;project,&nbsp;showing how cooperative video games can build social confidence for neurodivergent students while also strengthening confidence and connection in STEM classrooms.&nbsp;
About Associate Professor&nbsp;Matthew Harrison&nbsp;
<a href="https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/731044-matt-harrison">Associate Professor Matthew Harrison</a>&nbsp;is a teacher and researcher whose work focuses on neurodiversity, inclusion, and how digital technology can help students learn and connect. He has taught in Australia, South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;and the UK, and now leads Autism Intervention teaching at the University of Melbourne. Matthew&rsquo;s love of gaming inspired his PhD research on how cooperative video games can build social skills and led him to co-found&nbsp;Next Level Collaboration.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Related links:&nbsp;
<a href="https://nextlevelcollaboration.com/">https://nextlevelcollaboration.com/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Get Into STEM is a new podcast supporting Australian educators to engage every student in meaningful STEM learning, regardless of background, ability, or experience.

Join STEM educator, writer, and creative Michelle Hamill in season one as she chats with guests about creating neuro‑affirming STEM classrooms, the role of school leaders in STEM education, citizen science in schools, and the opportunities and resources available across the STEM education landscape.

Get Into STEM is a new podcast supporting Australian educators to engage every student in meaningful STEM learning, regardless of background, ability, or experience.
Join STEM educator, writer, and creative Michelle Hamill in season one as she chats with guests about creating neuro‑affirming STEM classrooms, the role of school leaders in STEM education, citizen science in schools, and the opportunities and resources available across the STEM education landscape.

Get into STEM 

Conversations supporting Australian educators to engage every student in STEM learning, regardless of background, ability, or experience. Each episode explores practical teaching strategies, expert insights, and real classroom success stories. We feature diverse voices from across Australian STEM education and unpack a new topic each episode. STEM thrives on diversity, and all students benefit from STEM learning. Subscribe to the show, and let’s Get into STEM.

Conversations supporting Australian educators to engage every student in STEM learning, regardless of background, ability, or experience. Each episode explores practical teaching strategies, expert insights, and real classroom success stories. We feature diverse voices from across Australian STEM education and unpack a new topic each episode. STEM thrives on diversity, and all students benefit from STEM learning. Subscribe to the show, and let&rsquo;s Get into STEM.