Ep 42 | An American’s Guide to English Education (with Amy Forrester and Adam Boxer)
Jan 24, 2024
auto_awesome
Educators Amy Forrester and Adam Boxer discuss challenges in English education, comparing coastal regions to affluent areas like London. They talk about curriculum choices at age 14, examination structure, English literature in the UK vs. US, and solutions for optimizing learning outcomes. Importance of inclusive practices and teacher training stakeholders in evolving English education.
UK emphasizes knowledge-based exams like GCSEs and research-based teacher training.
US lacks standardized assessments for college readiness and pedagogical research in training.
Improvements in UK teacher training focus on evidence-based pedagogy and professional knowledge development.
Deep dives
Comparison of UK and US school systems
The UK and US educational models are compared, focusing on a podcast episode discussing the differences in assessment methods, student demographics, and teacher training. While the UK system emphasizes knowledge-based exams like GCSEs and a focus on training teachers in research-based methods, the US system lacks standardized assessments for college readiness and widespread adoption of pedagogical research in training. The UK's progress in educational discourse and teaching methodology is noted, despite challenges in implementation and alignment at all educational levels.
Challenges in the UK Educational System
The podcast delves into challenges faced by the UK education system, including issues with scope of GCSE courses, accountability measures like Progress 8 influencing curriculum offerings, and the need for more vocational options alongside academic choices. The conversation also highlights concerns about standardized assessments, students' lack of motivation without clear incentives, and the ongoing struggle for equity in educational outcomes.
Enhancing UK Teacher Training
The discussion emphasizes improvements in UK teacher training over the years, highlighting the shift towards evidence-based pedagogy and professional knowledge development. While acknowledging the progress made in training new educators, there is still a need for consistent implementation of effective teaching strategies in school settings. The importance of ongoing mentorship and aligning school culture with research-based practices is underscored as essential for enhancing teacher quality.
Critique of Assessment Methods
The critique of UK standardized assessments includes a call for a reevaluation of exam scope to focus on relevant content and reduce student workload. The podcast advocates for adjustments in exam design to offer higher percentage marks, aiming to make assessments less discouraging and more learner-friendly. The discussion also critiques the reliability of traditional assessment models and emphasizes the importance of a balanced and meaningful evaluation system.
Importance of Teacher Mentorship and School Culture
The value of teacher mentorship and school culture is highlighted as crucial for effective educational outcomes. The role of mentors in supporting new teachers, fostering professional growth, and aligning teaching practices with research-based strategies is emphasized. The podcast underscores the significance of strong mentorship, supportive school environments, and ongoing teacher training in shaping successful educational practices and student learning experiences.
Doug sits down with Amy Forrester and Adam Boxer, educators and hosts of the podcast They Behave for Me. They compare the American and English educational systems and outline how we can all do better for our kids.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
