An Objective Approach to Curriculum with Becky Allen, Mind the Gap, Ep. 49 (S3E5)

Special guest Becky Allen joins hosts Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner to discuss teaching, learning, and constructs of instruction from an academic perspective. The conversation begins by exploring the large questions of education that Becky has a unique perspective on as an academic and in her role at Teacher Tapp. Becky specializes in the complexities and evidence-based understanding of large issues like curriculum, teacher training, parent communication, teacher feedback, student psychology, and more. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

In the second part of the episode, the trio discusses breaking down the assumptions of education and the roots of disagreements on curriculum. The data behind this discussion primarily comes from Becky’s experience with Teacher Tapp, and her strong resolve to rectify misconceptions goes hand in hand with her everyday work with surveying teachers. 

Participants:

Becky Allen is a Co-founder and Chief Analyst of Teacher Tapp. In addition to her entrepreneurship, she is a professor of education at Brighton University and an author of several books, including The Teacher Gap and The Next Big Thing in School Improvement. Follow Becky @profbeckyallen

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. 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 @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers’, a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners, Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, Follow Emma @emma_turner75