In this engaging conversation, Professor Guy Claxton, an expert in Learning Sciences, shares his insights on the transformative nature of education. He argues that learning is not just about knowledge but shaping who we are. Claxton critiques oversimplified teaching models and emphasizes balancing explanation with exploration. He highlights the pivotal role of embodiment—how movement and gestures deepen understanding. Listeners will be inspired by his vision of nurturing curiosity and fostering resilience in students through innovative teaching practices.
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insights INSIGHT
Complexity of Teaching
Teaching is a complex dynamic system, not simple cause and effect.
Simplistic teaching models can make teachers vulnerable to unproven claims.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Change Classroom Language and Practices
Avoid using erasers in classrooms to stop embedding shame around mistakes.
Replace 'work' with 'learning' in discourse to foster a growth mindset.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Year Four Student Learning Invitation
A year four boy invited Professor Guy Claxton for a learning discussion at their school.
The students owned their learning process including using James Nottingham's Learning Pit model creatively.
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In this book, Carl Rogers presents his theory of psychotherapy, focusing on client-centered therapy. He argues that the therapeutic relationship is crucial for personal growth and healing. Rogers emphasizes the importance of unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness in the therapeutic process. The book explores how individuals can become fully functioning by accepting their feelings, thoughts, and emotions, and by living in the present moment. It also discusses the concept of 'becoming a person' as a continuous process of self-discovery and growth[3][5][4].
What if learning isn’t just about what we know, but about who we become? Professor Guy Claxton joins Talking Teaching to unpack his fascinating journey through psychology and education, and discusses learning as a capacity, calling for a balance between explanation and exploration in teaching.
In this episode, Professor Claxton together with our host, Dr Sophie Specjal, unpacks his critique of oversimplified teaching models and the central ideas behind his new book, Bodies of Learning. Professor Claxton reflects on the importance of integrating explicit instruction with inquiry, and highlights the role of embodiment, including movement and gesture, in deepening student understanding.
Guy Claxton is an Emeritus Professor of the Learning Sciences at Winchester’s Centre for Real-World Learning and an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Bristol.
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We’d love to hear your feedback on the series, send your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to foe-news@unimelb.edu.au.
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