Teaching & Learning

Immerse yourself in the art and science of teaching and learning with a comprehensive range of blogs. Explore dynamic topics such as effective feedback strategies, impactful explanations, the art of questioning, and more. Gain valuable insights into pedagogical techniques informed by research evidence, along with an array of practical tips. These blogs are useful for teachers, leaders and everyone interested in education.

Does your study skills curriculum work? Post feature image

Does your study skills curriculum work?

Do pupils need to know about ‘working memory’ or ‘procrastination’? Will a ‘study skills curriculum’, or a revision programme, really make a vital difference? Each year it is common to see annual plans shared for study skills curricula. Whether it is a key stage three programme, more targeted at GCSE

Adaptive teaching or reasonable adjustments? Post feature image

Adaptive teaching or reasonable adjustments?

“Is adaptive teaching the same thing as ‘reasonable adjustments’?” I get asked this question often when working with teachers and leaders on developing adaptive teaching. It is no surprise, given they can often appear similar when applied to classroom practices that support pupils with learning needs. It is helpful for

The Problem with Past Papers Post feature image

The Problem with Past Papers

My weekend typically involves helping coach my boy’s football team in muddy fields in the far corners of North Yorkshire. It is one of those parental experiences that mingles pleasure with pain. From narrow wins to thumping losses.  Coaching is a lot like teaching. From wrangling a bunch of

Questions about oracy Post feature image

Questions about oracy

Is oracy the next big thing? Are we destined for interminable arguments about it in the coming months or is there a healthy debate to be had about oracy?  I have lots of questions. For me, as a former English teacher, it feels like oracy – or speaking and listening – is

4 Reasons to (Re)Focus on Formative Assessment Post feature image

4 Reasons to (Re)Focus on Formative Assessment

Teaching and learning can be prone to shifting trends. Some aspects of teaching may suffer from waning popularity, but we cannot lose sight of them because they are so integral for successful learning. Formative assessment is one such aspect that demands our focus – or a refocus – on its central importance.

Adaptive teaching: What is it anyway? Post feature image

Adaptive teaching: What is it anyway?

“Sir, I don’t know where to start with this Scrooge essay!” “Neither do I…” “How many paragraphs do I need to do again?” “What does redemption mean?” Even the best laid lesson plans of expert teachers go awry. Regardless of deftly planned schemes of learning, teaching is not merely