They Behave For Me

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.

Join Amy and her co-host as they take questions from the listeners on a range of subjects, including whether booklets need to have school branding and how we encourage a sense of resilience in our students as they begin to do independent practice.

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.

In this enlightening discussion, Bill Wilkinson, a former academic scientist turned SENCO, shares his insights after his first year navigating the complexities of special educational needs. He addresses the struggles SENCOs face, including inadequate systems and the need for better communication with families. Bill also highlights challenges around resource allocation and the impact of birth months on SEN identification. The conversation emphasizes the importance of inclusive teaching strategies and adapting lesson plans to support vulnerable learners.

Explore the key role of lead practitioners in transforming school culture. Dive into the humorously chaotic world of school inspections and their impact on educational dynamics. Discover strategies for observing non-subject specialists, highlighting the nuances of communication and classroom engagement. The discussion also examines the power of professional development in enhancing teaching practices. Personal anecdotes add a light-hearted touch, making complex educational issues relatable and entertaining.

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.