Episode 17 - Insights & Advice: Doug Lemov, Feedback & “Cold Calling”

This “Tom & Emma” episode of Mind the Gap begins with a recap of their recent interview with Doug Lemov (1:00) featured in Episode 16. The hosts discuss the pieces of the conversation that stood out to them, including the way Doug communicates his key ideas; their enthusiasm looking ahead to “Teach Like a Champion 3.0;” and how Doug’s approach to feedback relates to their observations in the profession.

Next, Tom and Emma answer some of the questions they’re frequently asked in their work (7:25). Emma shares her thoughts on early career teachers, and in particular how they’ll be supported once they return to the physical classroom. In Tom’s segment, he discusses teacher development and whether schools should launch new initiatives over the remainder of the academic year.

Emma and Tom then share their recent reading lists. Emma has been reading The Feedback Pendulum by Michael Chiles and she describes how the book exceeded her expectations and opened her eyes to what the word “feedback” actually means. Tom then describes the different types of feedback he often receives, and why it’s important to get feedback that’s relevant and which you can actually use. From Tom’s reading list, he references Leverage Leadership by Paul Bambrick-Santoyo and John Tomsett’s Cognitive Apprenticeship in Action.

In the next segment, the hosts share advice for teachers (23:30). Emma explains why she recommends primary teachers should integrate more non-screen-based activities all these months into remote learning. Tom then shares why he advocates for “cold calling” in the classroom, and why teachers should understand that it promotes a dynamic of inclusivity.

Finally, the hosts wrap up by sharing advice for school leaders (30:40). Emma’s advice centers on leadership well-being and Tom’s is focused on developing agency in all the people involved in the learning process, especially students.

Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

Mind the Gap is presented by John Catt Educational, a leading independent publisher with research-based, practical titles for teachers and school leaders. Learn more about books from Tom, Emma, and many other world-class authors at us.johncattbookshop.com (US) or johncattbookshop.com (International). 

Connect with the hosts:

Follow Tom Sherrington on Twitter @teacherhead. Follow Emma Turner @emma_turner75.