Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

From the Archives 005: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education we're diving into the archives to retrieve some of the most inspirational responses to questions posed over the last few years. This week, Lyn Stone and Chris Such share the thoughts on the extent to which the way the English writing system is introduced can lead to spelling difficulties. Enjoy this episode? Let us know in the comments, wherever you listen...

Kylie McKee, Head of Fundraising at Velindre Cancer Centre, and Hugh Williams-Jones, an enthusiastic fundraiser and cyclist, discuss powerful fundraising efforts for cancer care. They highlight crucial initiatives that improve patient services, like specialized staff and psychological support. Encouraging emotional well-being for families affected by cancer is central, with innovative storytelling and memory boxes being introduced for children. Their heartfelt stories of community involvement and resilience through cycling paint a vivid picture of hope and support in cancer care.

From the Archives 004: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education we're diving into the archives to retrieve some of the most inspirational responses to questions posed over the last few years. This week, Neil Almond and Chris Such share the thoughts on the extent to which is English orthography a representation of spoken language and what this means in the classroom. Enjoy this episode? Let us know in the comments, wherever you listen...

John Jackson and Emma Lindley-Thompson, co-authors of "Helping Pupils Learn Maths" and experts in mathematics education, delve into the transformative power of interleaved practice. They discuss how interleaving various mathematical concepts enhances student engagement and retention. The duo shares practical strategies for classroom implementation, addressing common misconceptions about the approach, and highlights the implications of cognitive science in teaching. Their insights aim to empower educators to improve learning outcomes effectively.

The conversation delves into the world of summative assessments and their crucial role in primary education. Insights are shared on how to effectively communicate assessment results to parents and students, stressing the importance of context around the data. There's a poignant discussion on the limitations of test scores in truly reflecting a child's abilities. Additionally, the need for fairness and consistency in sharing results is emphasized, advocating for a clear school policy on how assessments are presented.

In this discussion, Lisa Coe, a dedicated primary teacher, unveils the four key features that make her mathematics lessons effective. She emphasizes the critical role of language, advocating for vocabulary comprehension and concept integration. Lisa explores the importance of making connections in math education, sharing practical tips for educators. She also discusses diverse representations and highlights the significance of reasoning in enhancing student understanding. Furthermore, she underscores the value of time and collaboration among teachers to elevate the learning experience.

Charles Bankovitz, a dedicated primary school teacher with years of experience in modern foreign language education, dives into the state of language learning in UK schools. He compares systemic challenges faced in the UK to those of European countries, emphasizing early language education. The conversation reveals unique motivations required for students to engage in a world dominated by English. Bankovitz also shares effective teaching strategies and the critical need for better time management to enhance language learning outcomes.

Join Lloyd Williams Jones, an inspirational primary school teacher, as he shares his insights on effective teaching methods. He unveils the four key features that make lessons successful, emphasizing the importance of strategies like cold calling and no opt-out practices. Discover how dynamic techniques enhance student engagement and comprehension. Lloyd also discusses the significance of naming effective strategies to promote collaboration among educators, ensuring a consistent approach to teaching excellence.

Explore how background knowledge enhances reading comprehension and the importance of adapting instruction based on students' varying knowledge levels. Delve into effective strategies for independent reading and the complexities of spelling instruction, emphasizing a knowledge-rich curriculum. Learn about the vital role of modeling in the classroom, with tips on connecting new material to existing student knowledge. Plus, hear insights aimed at supporting early career teachers in navigating educational challenges.

Reflecting on transformative ideas, the discussion dives into the vital role of multiplication in understanding complex math concepts. Challenges in teaching English literacy are addressed, showcasing the hope for achieving proficient decoding skills. The connection between reading fluency and comprehension is highlighted, along with effective assessment strategies for supporting struggling readers. The revival of volunteer support post-pandemic is emphasized, and the call for concise training in reading instruction promises to enhance teacher effectiveness.