Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

Esteemed researchers Douglas Clements, Renee Lizcano, and Julie Sarama discuss fascinating topics in early math research and pedagogy. They explore the role of play in the classroom, the appropriateness of direct instruction with young learners, and how research can inform classroom practice. This thought-provoking episode is a must-listen for educators and anyone interested in the intersection of research, pedagogy, and early mathematics.

Neil Almond, a teacher and co-creator of AI Education newsletter, explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. The podcast delves into the definition and purpose of AI, its use in lesson planning, generating diagrams, and reducing teacher workload. They also discuss the limitations of AI in generating accurate and unbiased content, emphasizing the importance of checking for accuracy and biases. Overall, a fascinating discussion on the role of AI in education.

Lloyd Williams-Jones, a dedicated primary school teacher, dives into the transformative journey of implementing evidence-informed reading strategies. He shares insights on initial pandemic challenges and the crucial role of effective leadership and collaboration. The conversation highlights how reflective practices and training through video resources have invigorated both teaching methods and student engagement. Williams-Jones discusses the importance of maintaining fidelity to established practices while navigating the complexities of educational change.

Professor Kathy Rastle discusses the significance of morphology in primary education, its influence on vocabulary development and reading comprehension. She explores the role of morphology in reading, emphasizes the effectiveness of phonics programs, and highlights the importance of specialized knowledge in morphological parsing. The podcast also covers the concept of high utility morphemes, affixes in word meaning transformation, and the need for explicit teaching of morphology.

Neil Gorton, a senior leader at BIS Vietnam, shares his insights on the vital role of self-guided professional development for teachers. He discusses his personal journey and principles that empower educators to take control of their growth. The conversation highlights strategies for balancing work and family life while supporting colleagues’ development. Neil also tackles how to select and prioritize whole-school goals amidst high teacher mobility, questioning whether personalized or whole-school development should take precedence.

Jonny Hall, creator of MathsBot.com, joins the podcast to discuss the inspiration behind the website and the most important features teachers can utilize. He shares his priorities for the site's updates and teases changes for the academic year. The conversation also explores the benefits and limitations of using AI in teaching and the importance of physical and virtual manipulatives in math education. Future plans for the website and sponsorship opportunities are also discussed.

In this engaging conversation, Sarah Larsen, a secondary geography teacher with 26 years of experience, shares her passion for geography and cognitive science in education. She discusses the essence of effective geography teaching and the transformative role of fieldwork. Sarah highlights the need for structured, meaningful fieldwork to foster student engagement and understanding. She also explores what foundational geography knowledge primary students should have, advocating for strong mapping skills and writing proficiency to prepare them for secondary education.

Rachel Ball, an experienced teacher and school leader, shares her insights on fostering an evidence-informed culture in schools. She discusses guiding principles for effective professional development and the critical role of quality research in education. The conversation highlights the importance of building trust among staff, the challenges of implementing changes, and the value of reflection in leadership. Ball also emphasizes humility in adapting to feedback, ultimately showcasing how investing in teacher development can transform school culture.

Stuart Tiffany, a dedicated primary history teacher and author, dives deep into the nuances of teaching history in primary education. He discusses the significance of integrating local history into the curriculum, making lessons more relevant and engaging for students. Stuart also explores the impact of cognitive science on history education and shares his guiding principles for historical inquiry. Additionally, he highlights the craft of storytelling in teaching, aiming to ignite curiosity and enrich students' understanding of the past.

Actress Shannen Doherty shares her reflections on leadership, her successful strategies for implementing change, and the importance of maintaining professional development. Topics also include ensuring buy-in, supporting schools outside her trust, and developing a professional development culture in schools.