Teachers Talk Radio

What are the benefits of multilingualism/bilingualism? The guest on today's show was English teacher Patricia Lopez, who spoke about her research into bilingualism and her experience teaching children and adults of all ages.

Teaching Thought: Nurturing thinkers in the classroom. I spoke to Will Ord about ways to get children thinking in school and the importance of reasoning in education.

Do Introverts make good teachers? I discussed this with guest Cathy McAllister.

Christopher talks with religious studies teacher and boarding houseparent Rebecca Paterson about the role faith continues to play in the lives of our young people and those called to teach them.

Artificial intelligence is dominating headlines and Big Tech is making bold claims about its potential to revolutionize education. Some say AI will transform the way teachers teach and students learn, while others worry about the risks, the ethics, and the sheer pace of change. In schools, the reality is often more complex. Some teachers are excited about AI, experimenting with it and integrating it into their teaching. Others are hesitant, unsure of how to begin, concerned about its impact, or simply struggling to find the time to learn. In this episode of Teachers Talk Radio, we move beyond the hype and the fear to explore what is actually happening in classrooms. What are the real obstacles that teachers face when it comes to AI? How are students responding to it? What are early adopters discovering, and what advice do they have for teachers who are more cautious? Joining the conversation are two educators with different perspectives on AI in education. Mariel Reid, a teacher of MYP Individuals and Societies at the International School of Bologna, Italy is leading a Gemini AI pilot as part of a Google reference school. She has embraced AI in her teaching and is exploring its potential. Christina Peters, a language teacher at Berlin Cosmopolitan School, Germany has not been an early adopter and, like many teachers, has concerns about how AI is developing, how to find the time to learn how to use AI, and how best to prepare for it. Together, we will discuss the realities of AI in education, the challenges, the opportunities, and what teachers can do, whether they are eager to explore AI or still uncertain about its role in their classrooms.

Are ability groups a help or a hindrance? Join Michelle Hinds and Niki Panyadiou as they explore the stigmas, benefits, and challenges of grouping students by ability. Should schools embrace mixed-ability classrooms or tailor learning through ability-based groups? Plus, how do unconscious biases shape these decisions? Tune in and share your thoughts!

In conversation with Zach Groshell, PhD, we dive into the power of explicit teaching and why clear, structured explanations matter in the classroom. Zach, an educator, instructional coach, shares insights from his book Just Tell Them, challenging common misconceptions about teaching and learning. From debunking discovery-based learning myths to exploring the role of effective explanations, student engagement, and evidence-based teaching, this episode is packed with practical strategies and thought-provoking discussions for educators at all levels. This show is brought to you in partnership with John Catt Educational, publishers of professional development books and resources that support great teaching and learning in schools around the world. Level up your professional development today by visiting johncattbookshop.com to explore the full range of titles. Use the code JCTTR2425 for 20% off your order! Tune in to The Late Show with James Radburn for this must-listen conversation with Zach Groshell! 🚀🎙️

Will is joined by Ruth Platt to discuss university-based initial teacher training and what qualities are needed for a successful career in teaching.

My guest, Phyo Wai Tun, tells us about the English language and English Language Teaching in Myanmar and shares narratives of how the political history of the country has influenced the role and the teaching of English since colonial times.

Join Famida Choudhary as she explores Empowering Future Voices with Tarannum Sheikh, a seasoned educator and expert in communication and creative expression. Discover how educators can integrate creative writing, public speaking, and communication skills into their classrooms to help students become confident communicators. From blogging and storytelling to real-world speaking opportunities, this episode is packed with insights to inspire teachers and transform learning.