The International Classroom

Join me for a dynamic conversation recorded live at the AIDucation25 conference in Bucharest. We delve into the heart of innovation with Ben Whitaker, "The Ideas Guy," as he shares his powerful framework for fostering creativity and strategic thinking in education and entrepreneurship. Ben, a former sociology teacher turned innovation expert, provides actionable insights inspired by figures like Maya Angelou, Steve Jobs, and Joe Rogan. This episode explores practical strategies for educators and innovators navigating the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, addressing:✅ Building a Culture of Innovation: Discover the key pillars for creating an environment where fresh ideas flourish. Learn how to apply sociological principles to your team or classroom.✅ The Ideas Framework: Ben unpacks his proven framework (as detailed in his book, The Ideas Guide) for generating and implementing impactful ideas. He addresses potential criticisms and explains how to use the framework effectively.✅ Digital Dependency vs. Enhanced Creativity: Are we becoming too reliant on digital tools? Ben argues that technology, when used intentionally, can boost creativity, offering a compelling analogy involving... air fryers!✅ Authenticity in the Digital Age: Struggling to balance a genuine online presence with personal well-being? Ben offers powerful advice on avoiding burnout and staying true to your values while building a personal brand (especially on platforms like LinkedIn).✅ Learning from Failure: Inspired by Matthew Syed's "Black Box Thinking," we discuss how to view setbacks as valuable learning opportunities within the idea generation process.✅ Strategic Paralysis: Overwhelmed by planning and struggling to take action? Ben introduces VJ Govindarajan's "Three Box Solution" to help you move from strategic vision to execution.✅ The Ideas Cards & Journal: Get a sneak peek at Ben's practical resources, including his "Ideas Cards" (education and general reflection versions) and his prompt journal, designed to spark creative thinking.✅ Giveaway We have some amazing prizes from Ben, for educators in the Middle East.Timestamps:00:27 - Building a Culture of Innovation04:30 - The Ideas Cards & Journal06:30 - Authenticity in the Digital Age16:42 - The Ideas Framework13:42 - Digital Dependency vs. Enhanced Creativity: 18:33 - Learning from Failure23:36 - Strategic Paralysis26:25 - Who Influenced Ben Whitaker the Most?28:50 - Giveaway

The 5-Minute Parenting Hack to Raise Resilient & Confident Kids | Nadim Saad on SEL & WellbeingParenting and teaching don’t come with a manual… or do they? 🤔In this episode of The International Classroom Podcast, bestselling author and parenting expert Nadim Saad shares a simple 5-minute daily habit that helps children develop emotional resilience, confidence, and self-regulation. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and real-world experience, Nadim breaks down how social-emotional learning (SEL) can transform families, schools, and student well-being.🚀 Watch now to learn:✅ How to raise resilient kids without overwhelming them✅ The science of emotions and why suppressing feelings makes things worse✅ Why schools need SEL in the curriculum (and how to integrate it in just 5 minutes)✅ The 10 powers that give kids agency, confidence, and better mental health✅ How teachers can use simple SEL tools to create a thriving classroom environment📖 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:🔹 The Happy Confident Company Website🔹 Nadim Saad’s Books on Amazon🔹 The Feel It SEL Cards🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on education, AI, and teaching strategies!💬 What’s one SEL strategy you use in your classroom or at home? Drop it in the comments below!

As AI transforms education, how can schools integrate it ethically and effectively? In this episode of The International Classroom Podcast, host Alex sits down with Susan Morrissey, an education innovation strategist, to explore the critical challenges and opportunities AI presents in schools, universities, and beyond.🔹 Key Topics Covered:✅ The rise of AI in education – How institutions can adapt and innovate✅ Ethical AI implementation – The risks of data privacy, bias, and student security✅ AI vs. human intelligence – How to strike the perfect balance✅ Future-proofing education – What leaders, educators, and policymakers need to know✅ The global AI race – How China and the U.S. are shaping the future of AI-driven learning🎧 Why Listen? If you're an educator, school leader, or policymaker, this episode provides essential insights into how AI is reshaping classrooms. Learn real-world strategies for upskilling teachers and protecting student data in an AI-driven world. Understand why AI literacy is non-negotiable for future success.🔗 Listen Now & Stay Ahead 👉 [Insert Link]📌 Subscribe & Follow for More:🔔 Never miss an episode! Follow The International Classroom Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for weekly deep dives into AI, EdTech, and the future of learning.#AIinEducation #ArtificialIntelligence #EdTech #EducationInnovation #FutureOfLearning #AIIntegration #EthicalAI #Podcast

Welcome toThe International Classroom Podcast! In this episode, I'm joined byVikas Pota, aleading voice in global education,Founder & CEO of T4 Education, andformer Chairman of the Varkey Foundation. Together, weunpack the future of education, exploring howAI is transforming learning, howschools can innovate, and what it takes tobuild high-performance learning environments.✅AI’s Role in Education’s Future – How AI is reshapingteaching and learning, and what it means forschools, teachers, and students.✅The Blueprint for High-Performing Schools – Vikas shares whattruly makes a school excel in today’s education landscape.✅The Power of Global Collaboration – Howeducators and schools worldwide are working together to drivemeaningful change.✅The Hidden Curriculum & School Culture – Whya strong school culture is crucial for student success.✅Innovation Beyond Technology – Howreal-world learning experiences are shapingthe next generation of thinkers and leaders.If you’re aneducator, school leader, or policymaker, this episode is packed withactionable strategies to help you:✔Integrate AI into the classroom effectively.✔Scale innovation within your school.✔Strengthen school culture for long-term success.✔Develop high-impact teaching & leadership practices.📢Don’t miss this essential conversation! HitSUBSCRIBE for expert insights on AI, education leadership, and thefuture of learning.🎙️ Available onApple Podcasts, Spotify & YouTube!🔗Connect with Vikas Pota & T4 Education:🌍 Website:T4Education.com💼 LinkedIn:Vikas Pota📢Join the conversation! Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know how YOU see the future of education evolving.#EducationPodcast #AIinEducation #SchoolLeadership #HighPerformanceSchools #EducationalInnovation #FutureOfLearning

In this episode, Alex Gray sits down with Tannya Jajal, Founder and CEO of AIDEN, to explore how AI is transforming classrooms worldwide. From moving beyond rote memorisation and test-based models to emphasising critical thinking, creativity, and ethical AI usage, Tannya shares a compelling vision for future-ready learning. Discover practical strategies for reimagining traditional curricula, empowering teachers, and preparing students for a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Follow Tannya: LinkedInAIDEN: Website 🎬 Follow, listen and connect with me on other social platforms:LinktreeSubstack If you’re passionate about future-ready skills, innovation in the classroom, and 21st-century learning, don’t miss this insightful conversation. Subscribe and turn on notifications to stay up-to-date with the latest in AI-driven education and beyond.

Is coaching the future of education? Join the International Classroom Podcast for this in-depth interview with Assistant Principal and ICF-Certified Coach, Rory Courlander, who shares how coaching is transforming schools, empowering teachers, and unlocking student potential. As the founder of Corelander Coaching and an IB Psychology Teacher at GEMS Dubai American Academy, Rory offers firsthand insights into building a culture of growth, boosting teacher well-being, and using reflective inquiry to foster purpose-driven leadership. In this episode, you’ll discover: Proven coaching strategies that uplift teaching and learning How to develop trust-based leadership and a coaching mindset in your school Ways to reduce academic anxiety and help students take ownership of their success The critical importance of well-being and self-reflection for educators If you’re passionate about educational leadership, professional development, and personal growth, this conversation is a must-listen. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more high-impact discussions on transforming schools and shaping the future of global education. ---------------------------------------------------------------------Follow Rory: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-courlander/ Corelander Coaching: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corelander-coaching/?originalSubdomain=ae ---------------------------------------------------------------------🎬 Follow, listen and connect with me on other social platforms: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ticpodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@theinternationalclassroom?r=4qrhps&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page ---------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to The International Classroom podcast for more episodes that bring you to the heart of educational innovation, and join us as we continue to explore how technology and traditional teaching methods can coexist to shape a brighter future for all learners.

What does it take to create genuinely supportive schools that put teacher well-being at the core? In this episode, we dive deep into authentic leadership with award-winning educator and consultant Zoubiya Ahmed, who has over 20 years of experience across the UK, Middle East, and South Asia. Zoubiya unpacks how reducing anxiety in school systems boosts teacher satisfaction, improves retention, and ultimately leads to better student outcomes. Join us as we explore: Practical Strategies for fostering a culture of empathy and human-centered leadership Why psychological safety is the key to unlocking innovation in teaching and learning Harnessing AI as a tool (not a crutch) for lesson planning and curriculum improvement Insights into inclusion, equity, and addressing post-pandemic learning gaps The importance of co-creation, trust, and self-leadership in driving school-wide change If you’re passionate about educational leadership, teacher empowerment, and reshaping schools for the future, this conversation is a must-listen. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on teaching, innovation, and leadership, and share your biggest takeaway from Zoubiya’s strategies in the comments below! ---------------------------------------------------------------------Follow Zoubiya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoubiya/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------🎬 Follow, listen and connect with me on other social platforms: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ticpodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@theinternationalclassroom?r=4qrhps&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page ---------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to The International Classroom podcast for more episodes that bring you to the heart of educational innovation, and join us as we continue to explore how technology and traditional teaching methods can coexist to shape a brighter future for all learners.

Join Lord Jim Knight on this episode of The International Classroom Podcast as he explores how STEM can address critical global challenges, nurture creativity, and prepare students for tomorrow's workforce. From climate change to AI and quantum computing, we dive into the future of education and why hands-on learning is key to student success. Key Takeaways: Why STEM education is essential for tackling global issues like sustainability and societal resilience. How public policy and global perspectives are shaping the future of STEM. The balance between technology and humanity in modern learning. Practical tips for hands-on, project-based, and interdisciplinary approaches to teaching. Resources Mentioned:👉 Learn more about STEM Learning: https://www.stem.org.uk/👉 STEM For All Dubai: https://www.stem.org.uk/stem-for-all👉 Explore The International Classroom Podcast: https://linktr.ee/ticpodcast Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Jim Knight and His Background02:31 – The Intersection of Education and Technology07:10 – STEM Education and Societal Resilience12:33 – Public Policy's Role in STEM Education14:48 – Global Perspectives on STEM Education16:20 – Hands-On Learning vs. Screen-Based Learning20:19 – Project-Based Learning and Interdisciplinary Approaches23:52 – Balancing Digital and Physical Learning28:06 – Future-Proofing Education for Tomorrow's Jobs32:25 – The Role of Exam Boards in Educational Change34:54 – Exciting Innovations in STEM and Education ✅ Don’t miss future episodes – follow the podcast for more insights into education and innovation!

Dan Fitzpatrick, author of "The AI Classroom" and "Infinite Education," is on a mission to reshape education with AI. He discusses a transformative four-step framework—Scope, Shape, Influence, Alignment—that empowers educators to innovate beyond traditional testing. Emphasizing the concept of 'infinite education,' Dan advocates for speculative thinking about future classrooms and how AI can make daily tasks easier while fueling deeper creative changes. He also explores the importance of engaging the whole school community in this evolution.

Explore how SMART Technology and Lumio are revolutionizing education in this engaging episode of The International Classroom Podcast! 🎓✨ Join Alex as he speaks with Mark Hartwright, Professional Development Lead at SMART Technologies, about the transformative power of EdTech in creating interactive, collaborative, and engaging learning environments for students of all ages. 🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How SMART Technology enhances student engagement and collaboration. The power of Lumio, a web-based interactive tool that works across devices. Practical strategies for integrating EdTech into classrooms to support differentiation and adaptability. Mark’s insights on transitioning from teaching primary students to leading professional development for educators. Exciting innovations in EdTech, including physical-to-digital tools for interactive learning. Key Topics Discussed: Interactive lessons for primary and secondary education. Supporting diverse learning needs with technology. Real-time collaboration tools for classrooms and remote learners. Using EdTech to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Tips for educators to integrate technology effectively. 💻 Learn More About Lumio: https://www.smarttech.com/lumio📚 Connect with Mark Hartwright: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hartwright-4b546ab7/ 📺 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to The International Classroom Podcast for more expert insights and innovative strategies in education! 🔔 #EdTech #SMARTTechnology #InteractiveLearning #EducationInnovation #Lumio #ClassroomEngagement #TeachingStrategies #TheInternationalClassroomPodcast #EducationTools