
They Behave For Me
Welcome to They Behave For Me, a podcast brought to you by Adam Boxer and Amy Forrester covering all things education: politics, curriculum, Teaching and Learning and much more. Join us for thought provoking ideas, concrete strategies and plenty of jokes. Press subscribe to get TBFM every Friday!
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Latest episodes

Oct 18, 2024 • 48min
Should it be illegal to use a phone on school grounds?
The hosts delve into a Labour MP's push to regulate mobile phone use in schools, exploring the implications for children's mental health and social media interactions. They discuss the concept of smartphone-free zones in education, weighing safety against the need for a focused learning environment. Additionally, the impact of rage bait on educational discourse and the necessity of structured teaching methods versus discovery learning are examined. Strategies for enhancing classroom engagement and innovative feedback methods are highlighted.

Oct 11, 2024 • 56min
Do teachers need to stop moaning?
The hosts dive into the highs and lows of teaching as a career. They tackle challenges like managing student behavior and the impact of seasonal changes on moods. A humorous concert story sets the stage for discussing workplace etiquette and classroom dynamics. They critique traditional assessments and advocate for more realistic measures of student progress. Plus, they share innovative strategies for engaging students and regaining their attention, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches in education.

Oct 4, 2024 • 58min
What are Ofsted going to do next?
Dive into a lively discussion about Ofsted's proposals and their impact on educational trust. The hosts share humorous personal stories, from dental dilemmas to reflections on cultural connections. They examine the challenges in redefining the curriculum, critiquing both AI’s role and the educational frameworks. With insights into Ofsted's effectiveness and the complexities of school inspections, listeners will find a mix of laughter and serious reflections on safeguarding culture and meaningful reforms in education.

Sep 27, 2024 • 48min
How do you narrow the disadvantaged gap, and where does job satisfaction come from?
Dive into the complexities of behavior management in schools and hear humorous anecdotes about the chaos of Jewish festivals impacting classroom life. Discover the importance of empathy in leadership and how human connection builds motivation among disengaged students. The discussion also tackles the intricate dynamics of teacher morale and the collective effort needed to support disadvantaged pupils. Ethical concerns around teacher social media practices provide a thought-provoking end to this enlightening conversation.

9 snips
Sep 20, 2024 • 49min
Seven Fishes
Gráinne, the Doyenne of data at TeacherTapp, joins the hosts to celebrate a special milestone with seven intriguing insights, including some fishy facts! They dive into the empowering role of professional development, emphasizing that any teacher can grow with the right support. The conversation takes a witty turn as they tackle the quirky nature of school dress codes and explore the nostalgia of snacks and early tech memories. Plus, they humorously examine our modern aversion to phone calls, blending fun anecdotes with thoughtful reflections.

Sep 13, 2024 • 1h
What are Ofsted planning?
Dive into a lively discussion on the evolving landscape of Ofsted and recent inspection changes. The hosts humorously critique the 'Big Listen' and tackle the chaos from leaked plans around the grading system. Personal anecdotes highlight how these policies impact educators' mental health, illustrated by the tragic case of a head teacher. Amidst the banter, they reflect on the role of music and social media, maintaining a light tone while unpacking serious educational issues. Expect a blend of humor, nostalgia, and sharp insights!

Sep 6, 2024 • 56min
Back to school!
Join Adam and Amy as they humorously reflect on summer adventures and the challenges of parenting. They tackle the serious issue of educational disparities worsened by the pandemic and debate the merits of nutrition in schools. Navigating workplace bullying and promoting staff welfare also take center stage, alongside strategies for fostering an inclusive learning environment. With engaging anecdotes, they explore the need for hands-on learning and the vital role of positive relationships in education.

Jul 19, 2024 • 49min
Episode 30: How should we reflect on the year, and improve for next year?
Reflecting on the past year, the hosts humorously discuss personal challenges, health issues, and the complexities of working in education. They highlight the importance of supportive policies for sick educators and share inspiring success stories from listeners. Navigating feedback in teaching, they emphasize collaboration and clarity in communication. The conversation also touches on innovative classroom techniques and the evolution of teaching practices, wrapped up with playful gratitude and exciting plans for the next year.

13 snips
Jul 12, 2024 • 58min
Episode 29: What are the biggest education myths and why are they so pervasive?
Dive into a world where education myths are unraveled! The hosts tackle misconceptions like learning styles, revealing how labeling students oversimplifies their needs. There's a humorous look at classroom dynamics, emphasizing the balance between boundaries and relationships. The discussion creatively juxtaposes historical educational influences with contemporary practices. Join them as they challenge entrenched beliefs and advocate for a more nuanced understanding of student engagement.

Jul 5, 2024 • 1h 4min
Episode 28: I'm not getting better at teaching - what should I do?
Dive into a lively discussion about the challenges of teaching and the pressures of accountability in classrooms. The hosts share humorous anecdotes about geography misadventures and their passionate anticipation for football matches. They tackle how to balance student preparedness with support, emphasizing personalization in discipline. With comedic flair, they explore the feelings of stagnation many educators experience, showcasing the importance of professional development and supportive networks. It’s a blend of lighthearted moments and serious educational insights.
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