Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

Jonny Hall, creator of MathsBot.com, joins the podcast to discuss the inspiration behind the website and the most important features teachers can utilize. He shares his priorities for the site's updates and teases changes for the academic year. The conversation also explores the benefits and limitations of using AI in teaching and the importance of physical and virtual manipulatives in math education. Future plans for the website and sponsorship opportunities are also discussed.

In this engaging conversation, Sarah Larsen, a secondary geography teacher with 26 years of experience, shares her passion for geography and cognitive science in education. She discusses the essence of effective geography teaching and the transformative role of fieldwork. Sarah highlights the need for structured, meaningful fieldwork to foster student engagement and understanding. She also explores what foundational geography knowledge primary students should have, advocating for strong mapping skills and writing proficiency to prepare them for secondary education.

Rachel Ball, an experienced teacher and school leader, shares her insights on fostering an evidence-informed culture in schools. She discusses guiding principles for effective professional development and the critical role of quality research in education. The conversation highlights the importance of building trust among staff, the challenges of implementing changes, and the value of reflection in leadership. Ball also emphasizes humility in adapting to feedback, ultimately showcasing how investing in teacher development can transform school culture.

Stuart Tiffany, a dedicated primary history teacher and author, dives deep into the nuances of teaching history in primary education. He discusses the significance of integrating local history into the curriculum, making lessons more relevant and engaging for students. Stuart also explores the impact of cognitive science on history education and shares his guiding principles for historical inquiry. Additionally, he highlights the craft of storytelling in teaching, aiming to ignite curiosity and enrich students' understanding of the past.

Actress Shannen Doherty shares her reflections on leadership, her successful strategies for implementing change, and the importance of maintaining professional development. Topics also include ensuring buy-in, supporting schools outside her trust, and developing a professional development culture in schools.

In this engaging discussion, Tom Oakley, a Deputy Head Teacher, dives into persistent classroom issues and effective strategies for tackling them. He identifies key challenges teachers face, especially in math education, and emphasizes the importance of variation theory. Tom highlights innovative methods like self-explanation to deepen student understanding and retention. He also addresses the specific hurdles disadvantaged students encounter, advocating for tailored approaches to bridge learning gaps. Tune in for insightful solutions and fresh perspectives!

In this discussion, Ben Ebdon, a former City of London professional turned primary educator, shares his transformative journey. He outlines his motivations for making the career leap after 25 years and reflects on the joys of helping struggling students. Ben candidly talks about the challenges he faced in adapting to various teaching methods and offers insightful advice for anyone contemplating a similar path. Surprising lessons from his first year in the classroom are highlighted, emphasizing personal growth and the significance of innovative teaching strategies.

Christopher Such, an expert in primary education, joins the discussion to tackle pressing themes in teaching and assessment. He delves into the nuances of assessing reading comprehension, sharing strategies for effective evaluation. The conversation also highlights the transition from school leadership to teaching, emphasizing continued professional growth. Such offers insights on integrating technology effectively and stresses the importance of thoughtful staffing decisions in schools. Finally, he discusses staying current with educational research to enhance teaching practices.

Neil Almond and Lloyd Williams-Jones share their expertise in creating positive learning environments and effective assessment strategies in primary education. They discuss the importance of fostering inclusivity and the role of communication in collaborative teaching. Key tactics for differentiating instruction to cater to diverse student needs are explored, along with innovative techniques for monitoring student progress. With personal anecdotes and practical tips, they aim to empower both new and seasoned educators in their teaching journeys.

Esteemed researchers John Sweller, Jeroen van Merrienboer, and Fred Paas delve into the groundbreaking paper 'Cognitive Architecture and Instructional Design: 20 Years On.' They discuss the reaction from educators and policymakers, practical applications in classrooms, and proposals for the future. The podcast explores the combination of cognitive load theory and evolutionary psychology, the 4CID instructional design, self-explanation, the challenges of group work, and the importance of rest and spacing in learning.