8. Professional Development with Sarah Cottinghatt

In this episode of The Science of Learning, David Goodwin joins us to explore mini whiteboards and how they can be used to make learning more visible in the classroom.We discuss how mini whiteboards can help teachers check students’ understanding, encourage participation and identify misconceptions, as well as how to make the most of this simple but effective classroom tool.Tune in for evidence-informed insights into mini whiteboards, formative assessment and practical strategies to support student learning.📖 David has also written a new book with InnerDrive! Find out more about What Are They Thinking? Explore the book here!🎓 Want more evidence-informed CPD for teachers and school leaders? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy here!

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Paul Cline joins us to explore schema theory and how students organise knowledge to make sense of new information.We discuss the research behind schema theory, how prior knowledge influences learning, and why helping students build well-organised knowledge structures can support understanding, memory and long-term learning.Tune in for evidence-informed insights into schema theory, cognitive science and effective classroom practice.📘 Want to help your students build stronger knowledge and understanding? Explore our evidence-informed student workshops here!🎓 Want more evidence-informed CPD for teachers and school leaders? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy here!

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Daisy Christodoulou joins us to explore the importance of prior knowledge and how it influences students’ learning and understanding.We discuss the research behind prior knowledge, why what students already know can have such a significant impact on their ability to learn new information, and how teachers can help students build the knowledge they need to succeed.Tune in for evidence-informed insights into prior knowledge, memory and effective classroom practice.📘 Want to help your students build stronger knowledge? Explore our evidence-informed student workshops here!🎓 Want more evidence-informed CPD for teachers and school leaders? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy here!

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Mike Hobbiss joins us to explore test anxiety and how it can affect students’ experiences and performance in school.We discuss the research behind test anxiety, why some students may experience it more than others, and what teachers and schools can do to support students in managing anxiety around tests and assessments.Tune in for evidence-informed insights into test anxiety, assessment and supporting students to approach tests with greater confidence.📘 Want to learn more about evidence-informed approaches to supporting students? Explore our student workshops here!🎓 Want more evidence-informed CPD for teachers and school leaders? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy here!

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Amarbeer Singh Gill joins us to explore interleaving and how this evidence-informed learning strategy can support students’ long-term retention and understanding.We discuss the research behind interleaving, why mixing different topics or types of problems can improve learning, and how teachers can use interleaving effectively in the classroom.Tune in for evidence-informed insights into interleaving, long-term learning and effective classroom practice.📘 Want to learn more about spacing and interleaving? Read our guide on Spacing and Interleaving here!🎓 Want more evidence-informed CPD for teachers and school leaders? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy here!

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Paul Cline joins us to explore independent learning and how schools can help students become more confident, motivated and self-regulated learners.We discuss the research behind independent learning, practical strategies for developing independent learners, and how teachers can build classroom environments that encourage greater ownership, resilience and long-term academic success.Tune in for evidence-informed insights into independent learning, student motivation and effective classroom practice.📘 Looking to help your students become more independent learners? Explore our evidence-informed student workshops here!🎓 Want more evidence-informed CPD for teachers and school leaders? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy here!Here are the studies Paul and Brad discuss:Metacognitive strategies in student learning (Karpicke et al, 2009)Self-determination theory (Yu & Levesque-Bristol, 2020)Music and studying: four groups (Perham & Currie, 2014)

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Valentina Devid joins us to explore the power of coaching and the role it can play in supporting teachers and improving professional development.We discuss what effective coaching looks like in schools, how it can help teachers refine their practice, and why creating a culture of continuous development benefits both staff and students.Tune in for practical, evidence-informed insights into coaching, professional growth and building a culture of ongoing improvement.📘 Looking to strengthen professional development in your school? Explore our evidence-informed Teacher CPD workshops here!🎓 Want ongoing, high-quality CPD for your staff? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy by clicking here.Check out the studies Brad and Valentina spoke about here:1. The effect of teacher coaching on instruction and achievement2. Exploring mechanisms of effective teacher coaching3. Supporting experts to develop experts

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Jon Hutchinson explores the concept of belonging and why it matters so much for learning, engagement and student success.We discuss the research behind a sense of belonging, how schools can create environments where students feel valued and connected, and the role belonging plays in attendance, motivation and achievement.📘 Looking for more on Sense of Belonging? Explore our latest Ofsted framework analysis on Inclusion by clicking here!🎓 Want more evidence-informed CPD for teachers and school leaders? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy.Check out the studies Jon and Brad discussed here: Social categorization and similarity in intergroup behaviourBreaking the Cycle of Mistrust A Brief Social-Belonging Intervention Improves Academic and Health Outcomes of Minority Students

In this episode of The Science of Learning, we’re joined by Paul Givan, Northern Ireland’s Education Minister, to explore the books and reports that have shaped his thinking and influenced education policy across the department. As Minister of Education since 2024, Givan has overseen major reform discussions around assessment, school improvement and system-wide change.We discuss the evidence, ideas and research that have informed key policy decisions, how educational reports make their way from theory into practice, and what policymakers look for when deciding which recommendations to act upon.📚 Explore our collection of recommended books on education, leadership and school improvement here!🎓 Want more high-quality CPD? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy here!Here are the works Paul and Brad discuss:Cleverlands, Lucy CrehanAn investigation of literacy instruction and policy in the United Kingdom and Ireland, Jennifer BuckinghamSeven Myths About Education, Daisy Christodoulou

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Sarah Cottinghatt explores what makes professional development truly effective for teachers and school leaders. We discuss the research behind impactful CPD, why implementation matters more than one-off training sessions, and how schools can create professional learning that leads to lasting improvements in teaching and learning.Tune in for practical, evidence-informed insights on professional development, teacher learning and school improvement.📘 Download our free CPD planning toolkit by clicking here!🎓 Want more high-quality CPD? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy here!Check out the studies Sarah and Brad were chatting about: Can Professional Environments in Schools Promote Teacher Development?Effective Teacher Professional DevelopmentHow different instructional settings promote student teachers’ professional vision of classroom management