Episodes

  • The pedagogy may remain?

    The pedagogy may remain?
    Apr 10 2024

    Can we keep the current pedagogical system if we change the way we educate?

    Join us for the final episode of our inaugural podcast season as we delve into the fascinating realm of constructivist pedagogy. In this episode, we explore how the principles of constructivism revolutionize the way we approach teaching and learning.

    Contrary to common misconceptions, constructivism doesn't call for the abandonment of pedagogy; rather, it advocates for a shift in mindset and intent. We'll uncover how this subtle yet profound change can transform education as we know it.

    First, we define pedagogy— the methods and strategies educators use to deliver curriculum content to students. However, under the constructivist lens, pedagogy becomes a dynamic vehicle for active engagement and meaning-making.

    Drawing insights from Professor Alun Morgan's keynote speech, we examine the concept of Pedagogical Content Knowledge—a fusion of content and pedagogical expertise. We question whether pedagogical knowledge can remain constant in the face of evolving teaching environments, highlighting the importance of intent in teaching practice.

    Next, we explore the fundamental principles of constructivist learning curated by educational luminaries like Piaget, Ausubel, Vygotsky, Dewey, and Bruner. From the active nature of learning to the indispensable role of motivation, these principles provide a blueprint for learner-centered education.

    But how does constructivist pedagogy manifest in practice? We'll provide practical examples, from leveraging the theory of loose parts to embracing non-traditional learning experiences like video games. These examples showcase how constructivism encourages creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.

    Ultimately, we argue that the heart of education lies not in discarding pedagogy but in reimagining its purpose. By aligning pedagogical practices with the principles of constructivism, educators can foster meaningful learning experiences that empower learners to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

    As we conclude this season, we invite you to join us for an insightful discussion on the challenges facing education today and the transformative potential of constructivist pedagogy. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we look forward to continuing the conversation in season 2.

    Tune in to our final episode to explore the paradigm shift underway in education and discover how constructivism is shaping the future of teaching and learning.
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • What’s the point of education anyway?

    What’s the point of education anyway?
    Feb 29 2024

    In this illuminating episode, we step away from the theoretical realms of philosophy to explore the tangible viewpoints of educators on the fundamental question: "What's the point of education anyway?" We reached out to a diverse network, encompassing army veterans, 6th form tutors, former chairs of governors, SEMH teachers, Health and Safety advisors, and tutors in mainstream and special school settings. The richness of this diversity enriches our exploration, providing a multifaceted tapestry of insights into the purpose of education.

    Voices from the Educational Spectrum

    Vicky Crocker Matthews: Vicky sets the stage by delving into the challenges of the internet and AI era. She advocates for education to teach learners how to learn independently, fostering crucial skills like critical thinking. Her observations on the decline of independence in students and the need for a shift in the educational paradigm echo the sentiments of many educators striving for self-directed learning.

    Chris Leeds: Chris brings a primal perspective, asserting that education is a basic human need encoded in our DNA. He emphasizes the role of mimicry and play in the learning process, drawing parallels between human learning and the ways of the animal kingdom. Chris's insights remind us that education extends beyond formal structures, permeating every aspect of our lives.

    Doug Stein: Doug succinctly articulates that the purpose of education is to offer young people opportunities. He highlights the empowering nature of literacy, numeracy, and communication skills, providing individuals with the tools to navigate the complexities of the world. Doug's perspective underscores the transformative potential education holds for shaping individuals into their best versions.

    Beverly Garland: Beverly beautifully portrays education as the cornerstone of personal and societal progress. Her holistic view encompasses fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Education, in her eyes, is a powerful force for reducing inequalities, promoting innovation, and enriching cultures. Her perspective resonates with the broader societal impact of education.

    Rob White: Rob's personal anecdotes bring a unique flavor to the discussion. By intertwining his use of various subjects in real-life scenarios, he showcases the joy derived from continuous learning. Rob's narrative reinforces the idea that education is a lifelong journey that extends well beyond academic settings.

    Liz Taylor: Liz challenges the conventional focus on grades and career prospects, highlighting the deeper purpose of education. She passionately advocates for preparing young people to be compassionate members of society, emphasizing the importance of healthy relationships and emotional well-being. Liz's perspective urges us to reconsider the holistic role of education in shaping individuals.

    Freedom: The Unifying Theme

    As we weave through these diverse perspectives, a common thread emerges: freedom. Freedom to learn, to explore, to develop critical thinking, and to contribute meaningfully to society. This resonates with the philosophical insights of Kant and Hegel, who asserted that freedom is at the heart of morality and ethics.

    Looking Ahead

    This episode serves as a prelude to deeper explorations into the purpose of education, dissecting its elements for the individual, society, and future employment. Join us in the upcoming episodes as we unravel the practicalities of these elements and continue bridging the gap between the current state of education and its true purpose.

    The show notes on our website provide links to further reading and sources related to this episode. Dive into the world of education, question the status quo, and advocate for the transformative power it holds.

    Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey into the heart of education. Until our next exploration, keep questioning, keep learning, and keep championing the profound impact of education.
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • The curriculum is all wrong

    The curriculum is all wrong
    Feb 29 2024
    In this thought-provoking Episode 4, we dive deep into the intricacies of our national curriculum, shedding light on its flaws and advocating for a transformative overhaul. From the overarching national curriculum to the nuanced challenges within individual settings, we explore the fundamental issues that hinder the holistic development of learners. National Curriculum: A Misalignment with Reality Our exploration begins by dissecting the national curriculum, a cornerstone of educational systems worldwide. Despite its intention to lay the groundwork for learning, it falls short on multiple fronts. Mismatch with Workforce Needs: A survey by education expert Dave Brown exposes a glaring disconnect between the skills demanded by employers and the content taught in schools. The curriculum lacks essential elements such as critical thinking and problem-solving skills, crucial in the rapidly evolving job market. This misalignment highlights the urgent need for an education system that prepares students for the challenges of the future. A Backward-Looking Approach: The national curriculum, designed for knowledge dissemination rather than skill development, inherently looks backward. This leads to a perpetual cycle of playing catch-up, rendering the curriculum outdated even before it reaches the classroom. In an era of rapid change, this backward-looking nature becomes a major impediment to relevance and effectiveness. Extrinsic Motivation and Control: Rooted in an extrinsic motivation model, the national curriculum views learners merely as vessels to be filled with information. This approach stifles intrinsic motivation, hindering personal and professional development. In a world where adaptability and continuous learning are paramount, the current system poses a significant barrier to lifelong learning. Biased Selection and Hidden Agendas: The process of selecting curriculum content is veiled in secrecy, raising concerns about bias and hidden agendas. Instead of fostering a well-balanced, inclusive approach, the national curriculum often serves political or national interests, inviting suspicion about its true objectives. Challenges within Individual Settings: A Closer Look Moving beyond the national curriculum, our exploration extends to the challenges faced by educators within individual settings. Lack of Pastoral Support: Shocking statistics from a 2014 study in Korea reveal that poor test scores have driven a significant number of students to contemplate suicide. This stark reality emphasizes the critical need for proper pastoral support within educational settings. The current emphasis on test scores often leads to behavioral issues and robs learners of the agency to express themselves positively. Linear Scaffolding Hindering Contextual Understanding: The curriculum's linear scaffolding limits the exploration of relevant avenues and hampers contextual understanding. Learners are often denied the opportunity to detour into broader themes or connect their learning to real-world experiences. This approach makes education less engaging and fails to instill a holistic understanding of the subject matter. Prescription Deskills Teachers: Excessive prescription in the curriculum diminishes teachers' autonomy and creativity. The imposition of rigid structures and uniform teaching materials undermines the essence of teaching as a skilled craft. The focus on economic efficiency rather than the development of a vocation hampers the growth of both teachers and learners.
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • Learning from the past

    Learning from the past
    Feb 1 2024
    Delve into the ancient foundations of education where learning was outdoors, experiential and learner led. Discover how societies, for thousands of years, thrived on implicit and accepted learning structures, emphasising the intrinsic nature of learning. Explore the shift to the development of a specialised education from around 5000BC that supported the emerging societies and nation states. Uncover the turning point where, in the last centuries we have transitioned from an experiential and learner led approach to a formalised pedagogical system. Discover some of the historical examples that have questioned the evolution of education and provide an insight into another way of teaching and learning. This episode goes beyond highlighting the flaws in the current system. It offers a compelling narrative on the need to draw inspiration from historical wisdom, fostering a more person centred holistic and experiential education model. As we navigate through the history of the education system, let’s discuss how embracing alternative approaches can pave the way for a brighter future in learning. Tune in and join the conversation on reimagining education for the better.
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • Unveiling the philosophical foundations of education

    Unveiling the philosophical foundations of education
    Feb 1 2024
    Education, a complex tapestry of philosophical ideals is examined through the lens of first principles and fundamental questions. The utilitarian objectives of education, aiming to create a workforce and foster freedom set the stage for a deeper exploration. Epistemology, the study of knowledge, takes precedence over ontology in the educational context, emphasising the practicality of learning. Constructivism emerges as a philosophically rich framework, accommodating first order questions and the limitations of a purely positivist approach. We navigate through the philosophical elements of education, with a focus on freedom as a cornerstone. Kants views highlight the importance of experience, while Kant and Hegel assert morality and ethics derive from individual freedoms. The collective education ethos, rooted in utilitarianism, harmonises individual and societal freedoms through Hegels dialectic. Constructivism as the chosen epistemological approach integrates seamlessly into experiential learning and supports the inadequacies of positivism by addressing more clearly the social moral and ethical dimensions of education. The constructivist paradigm transforms education into a dynamic tool, it not only equips individuals for societal roles but also nurtures autonomous thinking capable of positively influencing society.
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • Beginnings: who the heck is this guy anyway?!

    Beginnings: who the heck is this guy anyway?!
    Dec 2 2023
    As well as being an introduction to me so you know a bit about why I’m doing this podcast, this is also a reference point for future episodes when you ask yourself “yeah ok, but who is this guy anyway?”. My background in education is broad and diverse and this gives an interesting perspective on how education is failing at the moment, how it could be better and why we should think critically about what we offer the next generation. The world is changing and what got us here won’t get us there, we need a different approach.
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins