They Behave For Me

Adam and Amy dive into the challenges of managing behavior in poorly configured classrooms. They explore creative strategies like using seating plans and written starters to foster focus. The discussion includes the innovative 'one-two-three-ninety' routine, which helps students orient toward the teacher for better interaction. Additionally, they suggest practical tweaks like removing spinning chairs and setting up monitor-off cues to minimize distractions. Tune in for actionable tips to transform classroom management!

Jack Worth, Lead Economist at the National Foundation for Educational Research, dives into the complexities of teacher recruitment and retention. He analyzes how demographics and market forces shape the teaching landscape. Jack highlights the impact of the pandemic on teacher entry rates and discusses the critical factors that attract educators to the profession. He addresses the high stress levels faced by English teachers compared to their OECD peers and offers solutions for schools to enhance retention through improved working conditions and flexibility.

In light of the horrific attack at a synagogue in Manchester, Adam gives a 2000 year history of antisemitism, and explores how it has applied in England in the modern era. Following that, Amy takes on some attendance issues and explores some potential solutions.

Hosts dive into the challenges and nuances of classroom observations. They reflect on the shift from high-stakes to no-stakes peer drops for valuable feedback. Discussion includes the effective use of knowledge organisers in curriculum design and practical implementations in literature. They explore accountability, aligning peer observations with school policies, and the importance of tailored feedback. The risks of positive-only observations are critiqued, emphasizing the need for constructive criticism to foster growth.

Grainne Hallahan, a researcher and founder of TeacherTap, joins the hosts to delve into fascinating school behavior data. They discuss whether behavior is better in primary or secondary schools, revealing surprising insights. Grainne shares how mobile phone policies, like bans and pouch systems, impact distractions and compliance rates. The conversation also touches on uniform policies, like banning skirts, and their unexpected effects on behavior. Plus, they explore the rise of AI-assisted cheating and its implications for teachers.

Becky Allen, co-founder of the TeacherTapp survey app and an education expert, dives into the intricacies of assessment in education. She emphasizes that assessment should enhance learning and align with subject-specific knowledge. The conversation highlights the challenges teachers face, from attrition due to behavior issues to the influence of AI on personalized learning. Becky critiques traditional assessment methods and stresses the importance of relevant curriculum choices, questioning the value of obsolete content like Roman numerals.

Discover the intriguing debate about the necessity of school branding on student booklets. Enjoy humorous anecdotes about winging lessons and ice cream tales from vacations. Explore how independent practice can foster resilience in students and the purpose behind observational practices like Pastor's Perch. The hosts also discuss the importance of evidence-based feedback in teaching and how quality core instruction can close learning gaps, all while keeping the conversation lively and engaging.

In this engaging discussion, Carl Hendrick, an academic and author at Academica University in Amsterdam, delves into the intersection of cognitive science and effective teaching. He highlights the power of retrieval practice and interleaving as crucial strategies for enhancing student learning. Beyond techniques, he advocates for transparency in teaching purposes, suggesting that understanding the 'why' can boost student engagement. The conversation also touches on the balancing act of using technology constructively while managing distractions in modern education.

Nick Gibb, former MP and Schools Minister, shares insights from his decade in education and his new book. He discusses the replicability of successful school models like Michaela across the UK. Gibb reflects on the evolution of educational practices over the last twenty years, highlighting significant reforms and the impact on disadvantaged students. With a focus on phonics instruction and the role of teachers, he emphasizes the importance of holistic approaches in addressing educational disparities while remaining optimistic about future improvements.

Christine Councsell, Director of Opening Worlds and former Cambridge education leader, dives into the pressing issue of genericism in education. She shares insights from her journey in reinventing curriculum and emphasizes the pitfalls of one-size-fits-all teaching methods, particularly in history and science. The conversation expands to the decline of intellectual discourse in education and how innovative curricula can address this stagnation. Finally, Councsell discusses the 'Changing Histories' project, aimed at enriching history education with diverse narratives.