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The School of School

The School of School

The School of School 245 Episodes Sep 25, 2026

The School of School is a podcast about teaching and learning. Hosts Andy, Robin and Adam share lessons from their education careers, discussing current pedagogical ideas and offering practical tips for the classroom and at home. They explore both big questions, such as where the inspiration to learn comes from, and everyday debates like whether pencils or pens are better writing tools. The show is aimed at teachers who want to become more effective and reflect on their practice.

Episodes

Episode 245: Can ‘aha’ moments be engineered?
Episode 245: Can ‘aha’ moments be engineered? Sep 25, 2026 00:14:58 We’re back with a bang! Our trio are exploring the ‘aha’ moment topic even further this week, asking if those special moments can be engineered. They discuss the importance of orchestrating learning experiences that foster these moments, the role of intuition in teaching, and the joy of discovery in the learning process.
Episode 244: How different types of constraints can influence student performance
Episode 244: How different types of constraints can influence student performance Jun 11, 2026 00:12:31 In this episode, our hosts discuss the concept of learning within constraints, exploring how different types of constraints can influence creativity, decision-making, and student performance. They emphasise the importance of understanding these constraints in educational settings and how they can shape both teaching methods and student outcomes.
Episode 243: The Post-AI Handwriting Renaissance
Episode 243: The Post-AI Handwriting Renaissance May 20, 2026 00:12:18 Our trio is back! This week, Adam, Andy, and Robin explore the presence handwriting in an ever-growing digital world. One of our earliest ever episodes was ‘Pen vs Pencil’, now is the debate ‘stylus vs. keyboard vs. paper’? Does writing open up new possibilities that digital tools don't? And does the act of writing down thoughts engages the brain differently? Our experts discuss!
Episode 242: The ‘Aha’ moment
Episode 242: The ‘Aha’ moment May 5, 2026 00:13:03 This week, Robin and Andy delve into the essence of learning moments, particularly focusing on the significance of 'aha' moments in education. How can we facilitate these moments? How important is joy of learning? And what are the intrinsic rewards that come from overcoming challenges and achieving understanding? Find out!
Episode 241: Sneaky strategies children use to avoid work. What’s the remedy?
Episode 241: Sneaky strategies children use to avoid work. What’s the remedy? Apr 9, 2026 00:14:21 Are you paying attention? Andy and Robin this week are discussing the various strategies that students use to avoid tasks in the classroom. They explore common procrastination techniques, the importance of teacher engagement, and how technology affects student focus. What can help keep kids on task?
Episode 240: Qualities of Effective Teachers and Learning Environments
Episode 240: Qualities of Effective Teachers and Learning Environments Mar 19, 2026 00:12:42 Andy and Robin this week are discussing their insights from visiting various schools and observing classrooms. They explore; some similarities among students and teachers, the importance of enthusiasm in learning, and the dynamics that create effective classroom environments.
Episode 239: Navigating the Challenges of Curriculum Implementation
Episode 239: Navigating the Challenges of Curriculum Implementation Mar 6, 2026 00:21:03 Our trio are joined this week by experienced educator, Jerry Mussio, from British Columbia. We’re discussing the historical context of curriculum implementation, the challenges faced by teachers, and the role of policymakers in shaping education. What are the systematic issues within educational frameworks? Is more support needed for teachers in effectively implementing curriculum changes? Plus, J
Episode 238: The Importance of Community in Education
Episode 238: The Importance of Community in Education Feb 19, 2026 00:21:23 We’re talking community this week on The School of School Podcast, with special guest, Sarah Matthews joining us. Sarah’s school has a nearby army barracks, so has high mobility. What things does her school do to build a sense of community and safety for pupils? How are transitions for newly-joining students managed? Find out!
Episode 237: Differentiated Instruction
Episode 237: Differentiated Instruction Feb 12, 2026 00:16:19 We’re delving into differentiation this week, chatting about various strategies for differentiation, including scaffolding, varying learning environments, and adapting expectations based on student readiness. Do pupils get labelled too soon based off of perceived ability?
Episode 236: Is Mastery a buzz word? What does it actually mean?
Episode 236: Is Mastery a buzz word? What does it actually mean? Jan 29, 2026 00:12:57 This week, our trio are discussing a word that can have many meanings to many different people in education: Mastery. Our crew focus on the distinction between instrumental and relational understanding in mathematics, and how in other fields, the two types of understanding apply.
Episode 235: Problem solving is essential in mathematics education
Episode 235: Problem solving is essential in mathematics education Jan 22, 2026 00:15:14 In this episode, our hosts delve into the concept of problem solving, discussing its historical context, significance, and practical applications. We explore the contributions of both George Polya and the Cockroft Report.
Episode 234: What is Metacognition?
Episode 234: What is Metacognition? Dec 18, 2025 00:15:13 It’s time to wrap up our core competency mini series, with Metacognition. Why is consistent practice of metacognitive strategies essential for improvement? What is Andy talking about when he says the teacher needs to act the buffoon? Plus, we revisit why the core competencies are so important.

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