In episode twelfth of The Elements of Great Teaching podcast, Adam Kohlbeck and I explore Dimension 4: Activating hard thinking focusing on Element 6: Activating from the Model for Great Teaching.  This episode focuses on empowering students to become independent learners by enhancing their ability to plan, regulate, and monitor their own learning processes. It is packed with practical strategies and thought-provoking insights into promoting student autonomy. Whether you’re looking to refine your teaching approach or spark meaningful classroom changes, this discussion will offer valuable takeaways. Listen Below

Explore the vital role of pedagogical content knowledge in teaching, linking new information to students' previous understanding. Delve into the complexities of reading instruction and the effects of standardized testing on learning. Discover how memory and forgetting affect knowledge retention, drawing parallels between teaching and sports coaching. Gain insights into fostering critical thinking in students and the significance of engaging discussions about educational practices to enhance teaching strategies and learning outcomes.

This discussion emphasizes the importance of building strong teacher-student relationships as a cornerstone of effective teaching. It delves into the balance of cognitive and emotional learning, highlighting how personal connections enhance educational experiences. The philosophy of Ubuntu introduces ideas of community and social justice in education. Practical tips for fostering belonging and motivation among students offer actionable steps for teachers. The importance of being fully present in interactions is also explored, underscoring its impact on learning dynamics.

Explore the art of 'structuring' in teaching, which goes beyond mere objectives to connect tasks with learning goals. Discover the importance of aligning activities with educational purposes, fostering deeper understanding through meaningful learning experiences. Engage with the complexities of classroom dynamics and the role of effective communication in enhancing student engagement. Plus, delve into innovative scaffolding techniques that promote independence while providing necessary support. It's all about transforming abstract concepts into actionable insights for better outcomes!

In episode eight of The Elements of Great Teaching, Adam Kohlbeck and I turn our focus to Dimension 2: Creating a Supportive Environment, exploring Element 4: Creating a Climate of High Expectations from the Model for Great Teaching. This element emphasises fostering a classroom culture where students feel supported to take risks and challenge themselves. It’s about balancing high expectations with high trust so learners believe it’s safe to “have a go” and are encouraged to attribute success or failure to things they can control. In the episode, we dive into the research behind this element, explaining the “why” behind high expectations and how they connect to building student confidence and motivation. Adam brings a practical perspective, sharing how teachers and school leaders can apply these ideas effectively in their classrooms. Listen Below Discover actionable strategies to create a supportive, high-challenge learning environment that empowers your students. Let us know your thoughts on social media after listening!

In Episode 7 of The Elements of Great Teaching, Adam Kohlbeck and I delve into Dimension 1: Understanding the Content, focusing on Element 1: Content Knowledge from the Model for Great Teaching. This element isn’t just about knowing facts—it’s about developing a flexible and fluent understanding of the subject you’re teaching. As we explore in the episode, it involves deep, connected knowledge and critical thinking about questions: It’s about knowing the content so thoroughly that you can adapt explanations, make connections between topics, and help students think critically. Listen below.

Welcome back to The Elements of Great Teaching podcast series, where we continue breaking down the elements of what makes great teaching. In this sixth episode, Adam Kohlbeck and I focus on Dimension 3: Maximising Opportunity to Learn, with a spotlight on Element 2: Consistent and fair application of expectations from the Model for Great Teaching. We highlight the importance of clarity and fairness. When students understand the rules and know they’ll be enforced predictably, classrooms become spaces where focus and learning can flourish. Adam and I explore how applying these principles consistently helps students feel secure, while also reducing behaviour issues. Listen to the full episode below to learn more about creating a classroom culture of trust and clarity.

  Welcome back to The Elements of Great Teaching, where we explore the essential elements that make great teaching impactful. In this fifth episode, Adam Kohlbeck and I turn our attention to Dimension 2: Creating a Supportive Environment, with a focus on Element 3: Promoting Learner Motivation from the Model for Great Teaching. Motivation is the driving force behind effective learning, and teachers play a key role in creating an environment that fosters it. In this episode, we discuss how to nurture student motivation by cultivating feelings of competence, autonomy, and relatedness—three essential psychological needs that fuel engagement and persistence in learning. What strategies do you use to motivate your students? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments or on social media. We’d love to hear how you bring this element to life in your classroom! Listen below.

Ros Atkins, BBC presenter and journalist known for his clarity and engaging communication, joins the discussion. They explore how concise and compelling explanations can elevate teaching. The conversation dives into mastering effective communication, emphasizing structured narratives and verbalization techniques. Atkins shares insights on storytelling's power in education, linking macro trends to personal experiences. The episode highlights the importance of tailoring information to resonate with students, fostering deeper learning and connection.

Dive into the essential role of deeply understanding curriculum tasks in enhancing student learning. Explore the impacts of working memory and how it varies among students, prompting a need for adaptive teaching practices. Engage with the idea that educational activities should focus on critical thinking rather than just task completion. Plus, discover the significance of selecting effective educational models and the balance between engaging presentations and clear instructional strategies. Finally, reflect on the importance of interdisciplinary approaches for meaningful student engagement.