Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

In this discussion, Adam Woodward, a seasoned educator, sheds light on the transformative power of knowledge organisers in primary education. He explores what makes a knowledge organiser effective and the signs of a poor one. Adam shares valuable insights from his practical experiences, emphasizing the importance of linking new information to prior knowledge. The conversation also covers the challenges faced during implementation and how educators can maximize the benefits while involving parents in the learning process.

Episode 122: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I'm joined by Neil Almond and Christopher Such as we take questions from listeners and do our very best to provide mildly-satisfactory responses. As part of the chat we discuss... No hands up, Testing in Year 1, "I'm leaving teaching", Working Walls ...plus much, much more. Whether you're new to the profession or an experienced senior leader, you won't want to miss this one! podcast via www.ko-fi.com/tdape or by subscribing towww.youtube.com/@TDaPE  If you would like to submit a question, email us at thinkingdeeplyinfo@gmail.com or join the TDaPE discord!

In this enlightening discussion, Kristian Still, an expert in primary education, and Ben Ebdon, a seasoned educator focused on assessment practices, dive into the concept of Test-Enhanced Learning. They explore how testing can transform from a simple assessment to a powerful learning tool. Key insights include the importance of desirable difficulties in education, effective strategies for quizzing, and the role of innovative tech like the Remember More app in boosting student engagement and retention. Discover how structured quizzing can ignite curiosity and enhance learning experiences.

Brendan Lee, an expert in the Science of Mathematics teaching, shares his innovative model for mathematics instruction, rooted in education research. He emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practices and describes how his strategies help educators support student learning. The discussion includes the role of pre-lesson planning, teacher collaboration, and the significance of ongoing professional development to enrich teaching effectiveness. Brendan also addresses the need for tailored approaches to meet diverse student needs, ultimately aiming for improved math comprehension.

Elliot Morgan, an expert in the teaching job application process, shares invaluable insights on landing your dream teaching role. He discusses the importance of school visits in evaluating fit and provides tips for crafting a standout application. Elliot also dives into effective interview preparation, introducing the STAR method for structuring responses. He highlights essential tasks teachers may encounter during interviews and emphasizes the need for authenticity and communication skills to shine in the competitive landscape.

Lloyd Williams-Jones, an expert in educational practices, and Christopher Such, a dedicated educator, dive into the complexities of primary education. They discuss whether summative assessment results should be reported to pupils and parents, emphasizing a broader understanding of learning. They also share tips for finding high-quality texts to enhance classroom reading strategies. Additionally, they explore the unique challenges Year 6 leaders face, from social media influences to SATs preparation, and stress the importance of a well-rounded curriculum.

Neil Almond, an expert on the significance of stories in education, joins Christopher Such, a knowledgeable figure on storytelling's impact, to explore the deep connection between narratives and learning. They discuss how stories hold a unique place in the human mind, enhancing memory retention and engagement. The conversation uncovers pitfalls teachers should avoid while utilizing storytelling in classrooms and emphasizes the benefits of structuring lessons like narrative arcs. They also touch on the interplay between storytelling and AI in education.

Neil Almond, an expert in English orthography, and Christopher Such, who focuses on morphology, dive deep into the complexities of the English writing system. They discuss how English orthography compares to simpler systems like Finnish and its relationship with spoken language. The role of morphology in literacy is highlighted, along with the historical evolution of words that shape spelling today. Teachers will learn essential insights into how these intricacies impact early reading and spelling instruction.

Episode 115: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I'm joined by Shannen Doherty, Jonny Hall and Elliot Morgan for an in-depth exploration of task design, including key principles to keep in mind when designing tasks, how to tell they are going as planned, and what to do if they don't. As part of the chat we discuss... What are the features of a well designed task? What about a poorly designed task? How can you tell if something has just been thrown together with little thought? What are you thinking about when you sit down to design a task? How do you know if a task has worked as you’d hoped? And what do you do if not? ...plus much, much more. Whether you're new to the profession or an experienced senior leader, you won't want to miss this one!

Dan Rosen, a science practical expert, and Elliot Morgan, an insightful educator, dive into the essentials of effective science experiments. They discuss the vital purpose of practicals, emphasizing hands-on experiences that boost engagement and understanding. The duo highlights the importance of clear objectives, careful preparation, and teacher demonstrations to create a productive learning environment. Plus, they explore the challenges of integrating these activities into tight curricula, offering practical advice for educators at all levels.