Evidence into Action

In this episode, co-hosts Alex Quigley and Kirsten Mould talk to EEF’s Senior Policy Manager, Natalie Ohene, about the findings of a research project investigating how schools in England allocate spending on their Pupil Premium statements. They then discuss approaches to sustaining your Pupil Premium strategy with school leaders.  Guest Speakers: Natalie Ohene (EEF Senior Policy Manager), LinkedIn  Lisa Wise (Headteacher of Wilbury Primary School and Executive Lead for School Improvement at Children First Academy Trust) @WilburyPrimary @ChildrenFirstAT Stuart Mayle (Headteacher of Brambles Primary Academy) LinkedIn Tees Valley Education LinkedIn Further resources Verian project report, Understanding Pupil Premium spending in schools The EEF Guide to the Pupil Premium The EEF Guide to the Early Years Pupil Premium For more support, get in touch with your local Research School

Gary Aubin, an EEF SEND Associate and co-author of the guidance on teaching assistants, joins the chat alongside Sam Smithies, an Assistant SENCO, and Claire Akroyd, Head of School at West Vale Academy. They dive into the strategic deployment of teaching assistants and their crucial role in supporting students with SEND. The discussion highlights empowering collaboration between TAs and teachers, sensory training innovations, and tailored approaches to foster inclusivity and student independence in classrooms.

Shareen Wilkinson, Education Adviser and Author, discusses the importance of subject-specific language in enhancing learning across all disciplines. Alex Fairlamb, a passionate history teacher, shares insights on empowering young minds through tailored communication in primary education. Rachel Dixon emphasizes integrating oral language with reading and writing to boost student engagement. The trio explores strategies for structured vocabulary instruction, overcoming challenges in fostering meaningful discussions, and the vital role of professional development for educators.

Join Dr. Sue Gifford, a retired expert in early childhood maths education, Emma Barker, a primary mastery specialist, and Guy Carpenter, a secondary maths innovator, as they dive into the power of manipulatives in math education. They explore how hands-on tools enhance understanding and boost student engagement, revealing their impact on reducing math anxiety. The discussion emphasizes the need for tailored training for teachers to maximize these educational tools' effectiveness across all levels. Discover the transformative role manipulatives play in shaping confident math learners!

In the final episode of our three-part series, ‘Teaching: an art or science?’ host Harry Madgwick meets with Yamina Bibi to discuss how teachers can best exercise their professional judgment, with insights from a panel of experts.   Episode 1: Teaching: an art or science - part 1 Episode 2: Teaching: an art or science - part 2   Yamina Bibi (Project specialist at Chartered College of Teaching and freelance consultant)    Panel: Dr Cat Scutt (Deputy Chief Executive, Education and Research, Chartered College of Teaching) Sarah Cottinghatt (Professional development consultant and instructional coach) Dr Sally Riordan (Associate Professor of Social Policy Research, Northeastern University London)  Further resources Metacognition Guidance Report Engaging with Evidence report

In this second episode of our three-part series, ‘Teaching: an art or science?’, host Harry Madgwick meets with Sarah Stock, Director of Newcastle Research School, to discuss teachers’ use of research evidence, with insights from a panel of experts:   Sarah Stock (Director of Newcastle Research School, Primary School Improvement Lead NEAT Academy Trust)   Panel: Dr Cat Scutt (Deputy Chief Executive, Education and Research, Chartered College of Teaching) @CatScutt Sarah Cottinghatt (Professional development consultant and instructional coach) @scottinghatt Dr Sally Riordan (Associate Professor of Social Policy Research, Northeastern University London) You can catch up on part 1 here.    Further resources EEF, Teacher Feedback to Improve Pupil Learning Guidance Report (October 2021) EEF Blog, The ShREC approach EEF, Vocabulary in Action tool (based on Beck model) EEF, Using Research Evidence: A Concise Guide (January 2024) Research Schools Network Clips from the Classroom

In the first episode of a three-part series, ‘Teaching: an art or science?’, host Alex Quigley is joined by co-host, Harry Madgwick (EEF senior content and engagement manager) and expert guests including: Damilola Ajagbonna (Deputy Headteacher, Hitchin Boys’ School) Dr Cat Scutt (Deputy Chief Executive, Education and Research, Chartered College of Teaching) Sarah Cottinghatt (Professional development consultant and instructional coach) Dr Sally Riordan (Senior Research Fellow, UCL) In this episode, Harry meets with his mentor from when he was an ECT to discuss what ECTs must master first upon entering the profession, what good mentoring can involve, and how to stay present and motivated as a teacher, accompanied by insights from a panel of experts.

In this instalment, host Alex Quigley is joined by co-host Kirsten Mould and expert guests. They discuss breakfast club provision in schools, implementation challenges, impact, and advice for those looking to set up breakfast club provision in their setting. Lindsey McDonald, Chief Executive, Magic Breakfast, @LindseyMac_ @Magic_Breakfast (Start – 19:50) Toni Hayzen, Headteacher, Pembroke Park Primary School and Nursery, @PrimaryHT_Mum and Ash McGann, Headteacher, Burton Green Primary School (19:59 - End) Further Resources:  EEF Breakfast Interventions: Rapid Evidence Assessment (August 2024) TES, How to Build an Effective Breakfast Club: What the Research Says (August 2024) To find out more about the Magic Breakfast Early Adopters Scheme: Early Adopters Scheme - Magic Breakfast School Food Matters | School Food Matters

In this instalment, host Alex Quigley is joined by co-host, Rachael Cattrall, EEF Content Specialist Alumna) and expert guests. They discuss the evolution of retrieval practice and insights into cognitive science, including how these principles and practices are being applied in classrooms.  Dr Tom Perry, Associate Professor, University of Warwick (Start - 24:10) Rachel Wilson, Year 6 teacher & Deputy Research Director of Norwich Research School (24:10 - 37:50) Mark Miller, Director of Bradford Research School, Dixons Academies Trust (37:50 - End) Further Resources:  Cognitive Science Approaches in the Classroom: a Review of  the Evidence (summary) EEF Podcast: Cognitive Science in the Classroom The Processes of Memory: A brief explainer Cognitive Load Theory: A brief explainer

In this discussion, Jonathan Sharples, a research fellow at EEF, shares insights on bridging research and practice in education. Phil Stock, a deputy head teacher and director at Greenshaw Research School, highlights structured approaches to change, emphasizing collaboration and communication as crucial for successful implementation. Laura Spence, director of the Gloucestershire Research School, passionately discusses the unique challenges faced by urban and rural schools in supporting disadvantaged learners. Together, they unpack the emotional complexities of de-implementation and the importance of evidence-informed decision-making.