Episode sponsor

The Education Endowment Foundation proudly supports this episode. To apply to take part in one of their programmes, please visit educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and-evaluation/projects-recruiting

Overview

Science teacher and educational guru Adam Boxer joins me to discuss why he thinks the way CPD is traditionally delivered in schools is broken, and how we can fix it. We discuss three common models of CPD – the one-off inset, the yearly whole-school focus, and instructional coaching – and Adam outlines just how difficult it is to make them effective. We then discuss Adam’s alternative.

Episode summary

In this engaging conversation, Craig Barton and Adam Boxer discuss various aspects of teaching practice, particularly focusing on the tick trick, a method to enhance student engagement. They explore the role of podcasts in education, the challenges of implementing effective CPD, and the importance of actionable strategies. Adam emphasises the need for specificity in CPD topics and the significance of timing and human interaction in professional development. The discussion highlights the motivation teachers have to improve their practice for the benefit of their students. In this conversation, Craig Barton and Adam discuss various aspects of professional development in education, focusing on setting expectations, the importance of sustained focus on teaching strategies, and the role of coaching models. They explore the pitfalls of instructional coaching and introduce Carousel Teaching as a new approach. The discussion also touches on the potential future of AI in education and the importance of human relationships in the learning process.

Takeaways:

• Adam Boxer is a science teacher and co-host of a popular education podcast.
• The tick trick is a method to enhance student engagement and understanding.
• Podcasts have become a significant medium for educators to share ideas and strategies.
• Many teachers feel that traditional CPD does not effectively improve their teaching.
• Effective CPD should be concrete, actionable, and relevant to teachers’ needs.
• Timing and pacing of CPD implementation are crucial for success.
• Feedback is essential for teachers to improve their practice.
• Specificity in CPD topics helps teachers apply strategies effectively.
• Human interaction in CPD can enhance engagement and learning.
• Teachers are motivated to improve their practice for the benefit of their students. Setting clear expectations enhances engagement in professional development.
• A culture of focus can significantly improve teaching practices.
• Coaching models need to be well-defined to be effective.
• Instructional coaching has several pitfalls that need to be addressed.
• Carousel Teaching offers a structured approach to professional development.
• Details in teaching strategies can lead to better outcomes.
• AI has potential in education but cannot replace human interaction.
• Teachers need to feel supported and valued in their professional growth.
• Sustained focus on one teaching strategy can lead to mastery.
• Feedback should be timely and personalized to be effective.

Video

Stuff from Adam

• On Twitter Adam is: @adamboxer1
• Adam and Amy’s podcast is They Behave for Me
• Adam’s blog is: achemicalorthodoxy.wordpress.com
• Adam’s book is: Teaching Secondary Science: a complete guide
• Find out more about Carousel Learning here: carousel-learning.com, and for Carousel Teaching (the subject of our discussion) click here: carousel-learning.com/teaching
• Sign up for updates about Adam’s secret project here

My usual plugs:

• Check out my brand new 90-minute online CPD series here, including my free 25 Tips for Teachers course
• You can help support the podcast (and get an interactive transcript of this episode) via my Patreon page at patreon.com/mrbartonmaths
• You can sign up for my free Tips for Teachers newsletter and my free Eedi newsletter
• My books are “Tips for Teachers“, “Reflect, Expect, Check, Explain” and “How I wish I’d taught maths”