Teachers Talk Radio

Morgan and Tod discuss the wonderful whirlwind that is starting at a new school. They explore how it's more than just the initial insets and inductions—it's about deep acculturation and truly investing in the school's vision. How can a school make new staff feel valued and seen. Schools can create opportunities for extended training, leveraging data, social events with parents, focus groups with student leadership or seeing community outreach in action. This sets high expectations, but it also sets up new teachers for success.

Tom Rogers and Hannah Wilson host a one off special supported by Futurum Careers to discuss the career aspirations of young people, particularly in the areas of STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and SHAPE (social sciences, humanities and arts for people and the economy). Two incredible guests join the conversation; Julia Black, President of the British Academy, advisor to the Bank of England and Professor of Law and Professor Louise Archer of the Aspires Project and Professor of Sociology at UCL. In this far ranging conversation built for anyone interested in careers education, we explore how students choose future careers, which subjects are on the rise and fall, how can we open pathways to students to follow their dreams and how can schools and teachers use practical strategies to support students on their journeys. Free STEM and SHAPE resources are available via the Futurum website here: https://futurumcareers.com/stem-shape-activity-sheets

Rory Braddell, an expert in instructional design, dives deep into the fundamental aspects of creating effective educational materials. He explains the ADDIE model and the vital roles within an instructional design team. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding learning theories and the challenges posed by AI-generated content, which often lacks a human touch. Insightful discussions on data analysis, cognitive overload, and the iterative nature of instructional design reveal how teacher collaboration can enhance learning experiences.

Christopher talks with author, academic and zine-maker Dr Jeanne Scheper about the zine as a medium facilitating individual creative freedom; its connections with protest movements and alternative subcultures; and its value as a teaching tool in the university seminar room.

Marina Falasca from Argentina joins me to chat about her work as a teacher, teacher trainer, curriculum designer, and researcher, especially when it comes to integrating EdTech to enhance students' learning experiences and outcomes. 

On The Weekly Review, Lucy Neuburger, John Gibbs and Brent Poland discuss hot topics in the week's news with host, Paul Hazzard. This week's stories: ‘Too many of us have reached our critical mass of disruptive students’ https://www.tes.com/magazine/teaching-learning/secondary/teachers-reaching-burnout-disruptive-students-behaviour-schools Miss Pope, my science teacher, would have approved of music and ice lollies in class. Exams aren’t the only way to learn https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/aug/23/science-teacher-music-ice-lollies-exams 5 ways schools should approach critical thinking to spot fake news https://www.tes.com/magazine/teaching-learning/general/how-schools-should-approach-critical-thinking-pupils-spot-fake-news Shows Reviewed: Decoding Leadership : The Saturday Breakfast Show with Darren Lester GCSE Results Special: Education Tonight Tips for starting in a new school: The Late Show with Tom Rogers

In this lively discussion, educator Zach Groshell, an expert in direct instruction and instructional coaching, shares insights from his diverse teaching journey around the globe. He demystifies direct instruction, debunking myths about its impact on creativity while showcasing how structured methods can actually boost engagement. Groshell introduces effective strategies and contrasts coaching models, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach in teaching. With a sneak peek into his upcoming book 'Just Tell Them', this conversation is packed with practical advice for educators.

Darren takes a look at what leadership is compared to what we think it is and thinks about why it can be so difficult to evaluate the efficacy of a leader. 

Brent (@BrentPoland1) and Paul (@Arkle123) examine discuss this year's GCSE results and examine the exam system to find out if it's fit for purposes. Tonight's guest is Sammy Wright.

Navigating the challenges of starting at a new school can be daunting. Personal experiences reveal the emotional rollercoaster of teacher transitions and the importance of building strong relationships. Strategies for success highlight effective classroom management and the need for collaboration. Self-care and resilience are essential for new educators balancing professionalism with approachability. Discover how establishing expectations and seeking support can empower teachers to thrive in their new environments.