They Behave For Me

Join Adam and Amy as they tackle a range of thought-provoking topics! Dive into the complexities of oracy in education and its struggle against academic standards. Discover effective classroom management strategies that emphasize clear communication and boundaries. Enjoy a humorous take on extreme weather and weekend plans, while also discussing the importance of a digital detox during Shabbat. Plus, learn about the challenges faced by student teachers and the need for supportive mentoring in their placements.

Neil Butler, a veteran activist and national official for the NASUWT in Wales, passionately discusses the crucial role of education unions over the past 50 years. He highlights how unions have shaped teachers' working conditions and dispels common misconceptions about their impact. The conversation also dives into the contrasting education systems in England and Wales, emphasizing challenges in pay and curriculum differences. Neil underscores the necessity of genuine teacher voices in educational discussions and addresses the pressing challenges of behavior management in classrooms.

The hosts share personal experiences and humor after their hiatus, including a delightful cheesecake baking adventure. They dive into the challenges of safeguarding training, stressing its need for improvement in schools. The conversation shifts to behavior management, where they advocate for cohesive strategies among educators. They also explore the art of giving constructive feedback during teacher observations, emphasizing the importance of recognizing strengths alongside areas for growth. Finally, they discuss finding the right fit in educational roles, highlighting alignment between staff skills and environments.

The hosts discuss the critical role of student participation in creating an engaging classroom environment. They share humorous anecdotes and reflections from their teaching experiences, highlighting the balance between fun and discipline. Strategies for managing behavior, such as countdown techniques, are explored to regain student attention. They also emphasize the importance of clear communication and consistent expectations to foster effective learning. Additionally, the conversation touches on integrating literacy and numeracy into curriculums with specialized instruction.

The hosts dive into the heated debate over potentially scrapping exam results day, weighing emotional significance against cost-saving digital alternatives. They humorously tackle the woes of school architecture, particularly temperature control issues that disrupt learning. Discussions also shed light on educational disparities, focusing on how study leave differs across schools and the vital role of teacher-led instruction. Lastly, they explore the complexities of dialogic teaching, calling for clearer strategies amidst the jargon that often clouds educational effectiveness.

The hosts dive into the launch of an innovative online platform aimed at revolutionizing Continuing Professional Development for educators. They critically reflect on the current state of CPD, pointing out its disconnect from practical classroom needs. There's also a lively banter on measuring sizes using rulers that takes a humorous turn. Additionally, they explore shared parental leave in education, discussing its benefits and the importance of raising awareness about related policies. It's a mix of insightful critiques and light-hearted conversations.

Join Jonathan Simons, a veteran in education policy and head of the education practice at Public First, as he dives into the complexities of the Curriculum and Assessment Review. He discusses the urgent need to update an outdated curriculum, balancing reform with stability. The conversation highlights the powerful role of think tanks in shaping policy and the ongoing challenges educators face due to conflicting directives. Listeners will gain insight into the future of education and the necessity for genuine reform amidst evolving ideologies.

Adam and Amy are joined by Grainne to explore more data from Teacher Tapp. How do schools in the UK and US compare according to those who work there, how is shared parental leave used, and much more.They also pay tribute to the wonderful Dawn Cox who sadly passed away recently. Dawn was not only a lovely person, but was completely committed to education and her writings helped shift the dial on national education discourse, she is a great loss to the world.

The hosts delve into the hot topic of showing adolescence in schools, discussing Keir Starmer's support for Netflix's plans. They navigate sensitive narratives, balancing the depiction of male violence with ethical educational practices. Insights on the impact of entertainment on young audiences spark lively debate, while reflections on inequalities between state and private schooling reveal societal pressures. Personal anecdotes and light-hearted banter keep the conversation engaging, making for a thought-provoking yet entertaining analysis of education today.

Join Natasha Porter, Chief Executive of Unlocked Graduates and ex-teacher, as she shares her insights on bridging education and prison reform. She discusses the challenges faced by students transitioning to prison life and the vital role education plays in reducing recidivism. Porter emphasizes the impact of parental incarceration on children's education and advocates for tailored interventions. Highlighting the need for community understanding, she reveals how reforming educational approaches can transform lives both inside and outside of prison.