On this episode of Mind the Gap, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner are joined by Jade Pearce and Isaac Moore, co-authors of a new book, Bjork & Bjork's Desirable Difficulties in Action. The four of them talk about what the term 'desirable difficulties' refers to, and how using challenging pedagogical strategies can actually aid pupils' learning. Jade and Isaac explain much of Richard and Elizabeth Bjork's research in succinct chunks with practical examples. This includes parts on spacing, interleaving, retrieval practice, independent study strategies, and more.

Jade Pearce is Trust Head of Education at The de Ferrers Trust. She is the Evidence Lead in Education for the Research Schools Network and a regular speaker and presenter at education conferences. Jade previously authored the best-selling book 'What Every Teacher Needs to Know: How to embed evidence-informed teaching and learning in your school’. Follow her on Twitter @PearceMrs

Isaac Moore is a Deputy Headteacher with a National Professional Qualification for Headship who focuses much of his work on education professional development. He is also an expert in reading and curriculum assessment. Follow him on Twitter @isaacmoore7

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specialising in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@teacherhead⁠⁠

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Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She founded ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help retain teachers in post. Follow Emma on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@emma_turner75⁠⁠

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This podcast is produced by Haringey Education Partnership. Find out more at ⁠⁠https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/