Episodes

  • 32. 'Learning is something you do!' - How can digital increase learner agency in inclusive ways?
    Sep 13 2024

    For educators in the modern classroom inclusion is at the forefront of our minds. It is essential that each child is helped to feel valued for who they are and what they are. Digital resources can ensure that children are supported and challenged in ways that meets them at the point of need, thus ensuring they feel a sense of agency over their learning, especially when they find something challenging.

    In this episode Ian and Andrew discuss ways in which digital tools and resources can be used to empower children whatever their individual needs or challenges are.

    Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com

    Show more Show less
    11 mins
  • 31. Motivating and excelling - How does professional development differ from training and how do we harness its impact?
    Sep 13 2024

    In this episode Ian and Andrew discuss some of the features of effective professional development. Andrew suggests that professional development 'should be motivating and not just for the motivated.' Which in turn means successful PD creates commitment and excellence not simply compliance or competence.

    PD comes in many form but relevance, immersion, reflection and active participation in tasks and discussions all contribute to positive outcomes for teachers by connecting new ideas or approaches to the reality of their classrooms and teaching style.

    All of this helps teachers to find 'THEIR right answer' not 'THE right answer.'

    Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com

    Show more Show less
    15 mins
  • 30. Flex, Iterate, Adapt and Collaborate - How can digital support and improve lesson planning?
    Sep 13 2024

    There are a wealth of ways in which digital tools can support planning. The ability to adapt our planning (including content provided by others), enables us to iterate our lessons as we seek better outcomes and more personalised learning. Collaboration within and beyond school can further develop this, all of which results in much more flexible learning sequences and a more accurate match to the needs of our pupils.

    Ian and Andrew discuss some of these options and look at ways we can maximise the value of lesson planning.

    Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com

    Show more Show less
    9 mins
  • 29. Time for Phonics Special - Our full Phonics conversation with Sophie in one place.
    Aug 5 2024

    In this special extended episode dedicated to Phonics, Ian and Andrew meet Sophie Pickles, Early Years expert, instructional designer and part of the team behind the Time for Phonics DfE-validated SSP programme.

    Sophie begins by outlining 'the why' behind Time for Phonics and gives us the lowdown on how it was created.

    Next Sophie discusses with Ian and Andrew the importance of Phase One phonics, how they impact on children's ability to make secure progress with phonics. She highlights ways we can support progress and how we can provide a solid foundation for children's future success.

    The conversation continues with Sophie sharing ideas for interventions, acceleration and remediation, looking at how these can be supported by digital tools and resources.

    Finally, Sophie shares her thoughts and insights on the benefits of different forms of classroom grouping. She also talks to Ian and Andrew about what research suggests and how digital can provide flexibility to support the needs of each cohort.

    Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com

    Show more Show less
    36 mins
  • 28. One for all or all for one? - What are the benefits and challenges of different groupings for phonics?
    Aug 2 2024

    Our fourth Phonics special episode explores ideas around grouping and streaming. Sophie shares her thoughts and insights on the benefits of different forms of classroom grouping. She also talks to Ian and Andrew about what research suggests and how digital can provide flexibility to support the needs of each cohort.

    Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com

    Show more Show less
    10 mins
  • 27. Phonological Safety Nets - How can we support children if they are struggling with phonics?
    Aug 2 2024

    In this third Phonics special episode Sophie discusses ways we can support children who may struggle with phonics. She shares ideas for interventions, acceleration and remediation with Ian and Andrew, looking at how these can be supported by digital tools and resources.

    Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com

    Show more Show less
    11 mins
  • 26. A Solid Foundation - Are Phase One Phonics essential?
    Aug 2 2024

    In our second Phonics special episode Sophie discusses with Ian and Andrew the importance of Phase One phonics, how they impact on children's ability to make secure progress with phonics. Sophie highlights ways we can support progress and how we can provide a solid foundation for children's future success.

    Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com

    Show more Show less
    10 mins
  • 25 -Bringing Phonics to Life - How can 'Time for Phonics' support children to succeed with phonics?
    Aug 2 2024

    In this first special episode dedicated to Phonics Ian and Andrew meet Sophie Pickles, Early Years expert, instructional designer and part of the team behind the Time for Phonics DfE-validated SSP programme.

    Sophie begins by outlining 'the why' behind Time for Phonics and gives us the lowdown on how it was created.

    Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com

    Show more Show less
    10 mins