Education Research Reading Room

Host Ollie Lovell speaks with Alex Evans, Deputy Headteacher at St Luke’s Church of England School about the St Luke's change journey that moved the school from the bottom 20% of schools nationally, to the top 20%, within 4 years. This is a story of systematic instructional and curricular change, leveraging the power of Instructional Coaching. Full show notes at www.ollielovell.com/alexevans

In this episode, host Ollie Lovell speaks with the worlds most popular Parenting author, Steve Biddulph, on his new book, 'Wild Creature Mind'. This discussion explores the roots of our anxieties, with important implications in particular for how we support young people (and anyone close to us) at crucial times in their lives.Full show notes at: https://www.ollielovell.com/stevebiddulph/

David Morkunas, a seasoned mathematics educator, shares invaluable insights on crafting high-quality math lessons within the Explicit Mathematics Program. He discusses the significance of structured lesson planning and collaborations that enhance student engagement. Morkunas emphasizes the blend of clear focus and appropriate difficulty in effective instruction, alongside the role of reviews in cementing learning. He also tackles the balance between teacher autonomy and scripted methods, advocating for continuous learning and connections among educators.

Steve Capp, an acclaimed school principal known for his expertise in turning around primary schools, shares invaluable insights on effective leadership. He discusses the importance of empathy in decision-making and how it can enhance school culture. Capp emphasizes the critical role of evidence-based teaching strategies in improving literacy and numeracy. He also highlights the need for collaboration among educators and the value of recognition in fostering a positive learning environment. Ultimately, he advocates for a culture of continuous improvement in schools.

In this insightful discussion, Jonathan Sharples, a Professorial Research Fellow at the Education Endowment Foundation, shares practical strategies for enhancing educational programs. He delves into the importance of effective implementation and the challenges of translating evidence-based practices into real-world changes. Topics include the critical role of professional development, the integration of teaching assistants, and the necessity of continuous monitoring. Sharples emphasizes collaboration and tailored approaches to foster a culture of improvement and sustainability in education.

Jennifer Buckingham, Executive Director of the Centre of Educational Studies and Evaluation, bridges research and practice to combat illiteracy. She discusses the stark differences in literacy instruction and policies across the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Key topics include how these frameworks impact international assessments like PISA and PIRLS and the role of cultural context in shaping educational outcomes. Buckingham also emphasizes the necessity of evidence-based practices, effective teacher training, and systemic assessments to support struggling students.

In this episode, Ron Berger, a Senior Advisor at EL Education and a champion for educational excellence, discusses his vision for cultivating quality and character in students. He delves into the importance of craftsmanship in education, emphasizing integrity and pride in teaching. Berger shares transformative experiences that bridge traditional assessments with real-life skills, including a project connecting high school students with WWII veterans. He advocates for project-based learning and constructive critique as essential tools for enhancing student motivation and fostering a culture of excellence.

Craig Barton, a renowned mathematics educator and edu-podcaster, joins Ollie Lovell, an experienced teacher and the usual host, to dissect a recent math lesson Ollie taught. They delve into pedagogical decisions and strategies for effective lesson planning, including the use of Google Docs for collaboration. The discussion covers engaging students through dialogue, the significance of mini whiteboards for classroom management, and the importance of peer feedback in teaching practices. It's a deep dive into refining educational techniques and enhancing student engagement.

Adam Boxer, a North London chemistry teacher and education writer, discusses the pivotal first ten minutes of a lesson and their impact on student learning. He introduces Carousel, an edtech tool designed to enhance knowledge management for students. The conversation dives into crafting effective questions, balancing procedural and declarative knowledge, and innovative teaching strategies. Adam emphasizes the importance of classroom culture in fostering trust and accountability, and shares practical insights for maximizing engagement right from the start of a lesson.

Harry Fletcher-Wood, a seasoned professional development designer and former history teacher, shares his expertise on enhancing teacher training. He introduces the Catalyst Project, focusing on evidence-based strategies for teacher growth. The conversation highlights the drawbacks of traditional one-off training and advocates for a tailored, ongoing approach. Key topics include the importance of deliberate practice, authentic engagement, and feedback to foster effective learning environments. Harry emphasizes building connections among educators to promote collaboration and sustained professional development.