Education On Fire - Sharing creative and inspiring learning in our schools

The AI maths tutor that gets pupils reasoning out loud.

Third Space Learning believe an AI tutor should do more than just generate questions and mark answers.

What if it could provide scaffolded support according to knowledge gaps, speaking to students and encouraging them to verbalise their reasoning as they go?

What if every pupil who needs it could work through maths problems in this way for one fixed low cost?

Meet Skye, the low-cost AI maths tutor built by expert maths teachers

Skye mimics the behaviours of a p...

Matt Dalio dreams of a world in which every kid has the resources to shape their own technology instead of being shaped by it.

In 2011, he founded Endless which aims to provide universal access to technology and equal opportunities to succeed in the digital world by tackling three key challenges.

Endless is harnessing the power of modern games to introduce youth to 21st Century skills like coding and design. Second, it is addressing the internet gap by creating technology that enables youth anywhere to have access to basic educational resources. And lastly, Endless is building...

Professor Dr Ger Graus OBE will be joining me for a dedicated season based on his book - Through a Different Lens - Lessons from a Life in Education.

We will discuss in more depth the 6 chapters:

1. The benefit of hindsight and the lessons learned. This includes family influences, school experiences, teachers, being a teacher and being involved in The Children's University, Kidzania and travelling the world giving lectures, presentations and being a keynote speaker.

2. Children can only aspire to what they know exists. I am a living example of this........I would...

Today we highlight 10 previous episodes and the educational resources created or shared by my guests.

These include:

You can download the FREE pdf with links to all the websites...

In advance of our Ger Graus season which will be based on his book Through a Different Lens - Lessons from a Life in Education I have created a summary podcast of our previous conversation (Ep 439) using NotebookLM. This is as - described on it's website - 'the AI research tool and thinking partner that can analyze your sources, turn complexity into clarity and transform your content'.

You will hear 2 AI voices discuss and summarise our conversation about Ger's book.

Why do this? Partly as a quick recap before we start the Ger Graus season...

During the autumn we will have a dedicated series exploring how education can change lives through the work of Professor Dr. Ger Graus and his book "Through a Different Lens: Lessons From a Life in Education."

What You'll Hear:

We will structure the podcast around the chapters of the book, have LIVE Q&A shows and interview some inspirational people about how education...

This podcast episode explains the forthcoming evolution of the Education on Fire podcast, as I, Mark Taylor, prepare to embark on an exciting new chapter with esteemed educator Professor Dr. Ger Graus OBE. Central to our discussion will be the exploration of innovative educational theories derived from Ger's autobiography, focusing on the concepts of connection, extension, and challenge in the learning process. We aim to illuminate the distinction between merely imparting knowledge and fostering genuine understanding, thereby empowering children to aspire to their fullest potential. Additionally, I express my profound gratitude to our longstanding sponsor, the National Association for...

Green Schools Revolution is a three-year project launched in January 2023, hosted by SOS-UK and funded by the #iwill Fund. We help secondary school pupils to green their schools as part of the Department for Education's (DfE) Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy. Students develop whole-school Climate Action Plans, create Wilding Plans to bring nature back to their school grounds, and deliver Teach the Teacher sessions to help integrate climate education into the curriculum.

I chat to Lucy Davies (project coordinator) and Jack Di Francesco (Education Manager).

Takeaways:

David Carson from Dumbify delves into the intriguing concept that embracing "dumb" thinking can often lead to innovative solutions. We explore how society has cultivated a reluctance to ask seemingly foolish questions, thereby stifling creativity and potential breakthroughs. Our conversation is enriched by anecdotes illustrating how historical figures, like Isaac Newton, harnessed the power of curiosity and unorthodox thinking to arrive at revolutionary ideas. We also reflect on personal experiences and methodologies that advocate for a shift in mindset—encouraging individuals to welcome and cultivate their "dumb" thoughts as a pathway to discovery and success.

Takeaways:

EDUCATIONAL THERAPY For Learners 5th Grade to Adult with ADHD and Executive Functioning Challenges

Rachel Kapp grew up in Los Angeles. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Sociology and minored in Jewish Studies. Rachel began tutoring students in high school, eventually choosing to pursue a career in education. For over six years, Rachel was a lead preschool teacher where she gained a firm foundation in explicit teaching.

Rachel has been a tutor in private practice since 2004, working with students in a variety of...

Connecting Through Conversation: A Playbook for Talking with Students.

Erika Bare has been an educator for over 20 years, currently serving as the Superintendent in the South Umpqua School District in Oregon. A special education teacher by training, she is passionate about supporting all students through individual supports to reach their limitless potential.

Tiffany Burns loves working with kids. In her two decades in education, she taught elementary, middle, and high school students. Tiffany has been an administrator since 2012 and an elementary school principal for the past nine years. This year, she is on a professional...

Dr. Emily Levy is the founder and director of EBL Coaching, a specialized tutoring program that offers individualized one-on-one home, virtual, and on-site instruction using research-based, multi-sensory techniques. She is also the author of Strategies for Study Success, a 22-part student workbook series that teaches students strategies for test taking, note taking, reading comprehension, writing, summarizing, and executive functioning, along with the Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham student workbook series, which helps students develop their fundamental decoding and spelling skills.

Additionally, she is the author of Flags and Stars Multi-Sensory Math, a multi-sensory math program that helps...

Marcela Andrés serves as President and CEO of designEDengagement, PBC, a Latina-owned education consulting firm based in Texas on a mission to reimagine how educators, families, and community members partner to support the hopes and dreams of students. Previously, Marcela was a program director for a non-profit whose mission was to advocate for public education. She was also a third- and fourth-grade teacher at a bilingual elementary school.

She is the author of Purposeful Educator Connections: Five Principles to Strengthen Relationships with Students. In the book, Marcela offers critical principles to deepen relationships with students, understand t...

Dr. Jewel Williams, a Doctor of Health Science, Nationally Registered EMT, and Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®), is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Bridgeport. With over 20 years as an educator and former principal, she is passionate about empowering educators to prioritise their well-being.

Dr. Williams integrates neuroscience with the eight dimensions of wellness—physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, occupational, environmental, and financial—to help educators create sustainable wellness practices. Through workshops and her private wellness community, she provides strategies that connect brain health to holistic well-being, enabling educators to thrive both personally and professionally.

...

Beyond its essential educational initiatives, The Be The Ladder Foundation also recognises those who make a difference through the Be The Ladder Awards. These prestigious awards shine a spotlight on individuals and organisations that embody the ethos of ‘being a ladder’ – helping others overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.

Every year, the awards celebrate 30 exceptional individuals or groups, known as The Ladder List, across ten categories. From these nominees, one deserving recipient in each category is honoured with the coveted Golden Ladder Award during a special awards ceremony. This recognition is not just about celebration; it’s about inspiring a...

Bobby Donohue is the founder of Planet Bonehead, an innovative educational platform helping schools teach kids about climate change and prepare them for environmental STEAM careers. Planet Bonehead provides teachers with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to effectively educate young learners about environmental issues. His work combines creativity, storytelling, and real-world solutions to inspire kids to think critically and take action. Planet Bonehead is used in classrooms across 86 countries, empowering the next generation to build a sustainable future.

Takeaways:

Martyn Cast is a distinguished musician and educator from Jenca Music School in Jersey. Martyn discusses the transformative power of music, particularly in educational contexts, where it serves as a medium for individuals—especially children—to express themselves and navigate their emotions.

He recounts his personal journey, beginning with a childhood steeped in musical influence, which culminated in the founding of the Jenca Music School in Jersey. Through this institution, he aims to cultivate a nurturing environment where students can explore their musical passions, develop resilience, and ultimately achieve personal growth through music.

Martyn Cast, owne...

Today's podcast features Mike Robbins, who delves into the intricate dynamics of teamwork, human connection, and the evolving landscape of education. Mike reflects on his experiences as both an athlete and an educator, emphasizing the paramount importance of fostering genuine relationships within teams. He articulates that when individuals care for one another and cultivate a supportive environment, performance inevitably improves.

Furthermore, Mike addresses the pressing need for educational systems to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications, asserting that many students often grapple with the relevance of their studies to their personal and professional lives. <...

Lenora Edwards, Board Certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Chief Knowledge Officer at Better Speech, is a communication expert with over 15 years of experience specializing in pediatric and family-centered speech therapy.

Her expertise spans improving speech intelligibility, nurturing language development, and working with neurodiverse individuals, employing evidence-based techniques to help children of all abilities communicate more effectively. At Better Speech, Lenora leads initiatives to make quality speech therapy accessible to all families, empowering them to support their child's communication journey and unlock their full potential.

Takeaways:

Ben Brown Is currently Head of UK and Ireland for Optoma Ltd, having previously been head of market development for Promethean and the education businesses lead for Hewlett-Packard, Samsung and XMA in the UK. He has worked in the education technology sector for over 20 years and has developed a real passion for advancing the use of technology to support teaching and learning.

Now the Chair of Trustees at Astrea Academy Trust, he previously sat on the Board of Trustees at the David Ross Education Trust. Recently he has also been a trustee at the Tackley Education Trust...

The Oxford School of Thought (OST) is the primary education think tank – the first of its kind

in the UK. They regard learning as a continuum, and we recognise the powerful and enduring

influence of primary education across a lifetime of learning.

OST proposes a distinct model of school inspection for primary schools, highlighting the

need for a framework that reflects the unique nature of primary education.

The current inspection model, which primarily caters to secondary schools, fails to address

the developmental and educational needs of primary sc...

With over 25 years of experience as a Special Education Teacher, Classroom Teacher, and Principal, Leroy Slanzi has dedicated is life to cultivating relationships built on kindness, empathy, and trust. He believes in the power of leadership to make the world a better place. He has consistently focused on nurturing a positive impact in the lives of students, families, and educators. Currently, he is working for the Lower Nicola Indian Band, feeling proud and fortunate to be in the final stages of his career working alongside Indigenous people.

His journey reflects a steadfast commitment to fostering inclusivity and...

Rhonda Britten -- Emmy Award-winner, 4x Bestselling author, Repeat Oprah guest, Tedx Speaker, Huffington Post Contributor, and Master Coach – has devoted her life to one thing: teaching people how to master fear. She has created a method for anyone to overcome the insidious fear of “not being good enough” using the “Wheel Technology” she developed to save her own life.

What she teaches is what she has lived.

The episode presents an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted relationship between fear, teaching, and learning. Rhonda Britten introduces her innovative methodologies, including the 'Wheel of Fear' and the 'Wheel...

Craig Hane, also known as Dr. Del, passionately advocates for a revolutionary approach to mathematics education, emphasizing the necessity of practical application over traditional teaching methods.

His initiative, Triad Math, seeks to transform the outdated paradigms of math education in the United States by integrating contemporary tools and techniques that align with the demands of the 21st century.

His mission is to empower students with the tools necessary to navigate modern challenges, thereby addressing the pervasive inadequacies within the current educational framework. Our conversation not only sheds light on the failings of existing systems but...

Professor Dr Ger Graus OBE is a renowned figure in the field of education - once described as “Jean-Jacques Rousseau meets Willy Wonka”. He was the first Global Director of Education at KidZania and the founding CEO of the Children’s University. In 2019, Ger became a Visiting Professor at the National Research University in Moscow, Russia. He is also a Professor of Practice at the University of Cumbria, United Kingdom, and a Member of the PhD Advisory Council at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Ger is a frequent keynote speaker at some of the world’...

Bob Martin’s Uncommon Journey takes him from a high-powered criminal trial lawyer during Miami’s Cocaine Cowboy era to a healing force. Under the tutelage of Hua Ching Ni, a 72nd-generation Master from the Shaolin Temple, Bob has become a Certified Meditation Teacher, Mentor, and published author.

At 74, Bob draws from his diverse experiences as a criminal lawyer, restaurant owner, corporate consultant, and community leader to guide others toward clarity and peace.

Currently serving as a Professor of Wellness and Mindfulness Coordinator at Elon University, along with teaching corporate executives to the overwhelmed, Bob blen...

Sharon Dunlevy is an educational advocate for children in foster care. It is her mission to bring the educational needs of children in foster care to the attention of those who can change policies and practices that would give more children in foster care the ability to succeed educationally, the foundation for their ability to succeed after leaving care.

Her primary work includes training foster parents on the educational laws that affect children in foster care and how to use those laws to ensure these children graduate successfully. But Sharon is not just a trainer, she is...

What is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroscientists used to think that our brain was fixed and unchangeable from birth. It was believed that our intellectual capacity was fixed – the brain with which we were born, was the brain we had for life.  

We now know that the brain is a highly active and malleable organ across a person’s lifespan. This powerful capacity for change is called neuroplasticity. 

Arrowsmith was born from Barbara Arrowsmith-Young’s own painful struggle with her learning disorder and the journey she went through to not only overcome it, but to begin helping ot...

The discourse surrounding the transformative potential of education is vividly illustrated through the explorations presented in the recent series of Education on Fire. Each episode immerses the listener in the innovative methodologies employed by a myriad of educators who ardently advocate for systemic change as well as individual empowerment.

The concept of backward design, championed by Dr. James Mannion, is a focal point in this series, wherein educators are encouraged to define desired outcomes prior to identifying effective methodologies to achieve such goals. This paradigm shift not only challenges the conventional notions of educational reform but also...

Tim Newman explores how communication is an essential pillar for success and the challenges that students face in developing vital skills, particularly in the context of contemporary educational environments.

Tim expresses a pressing concern regarding the shortcomings of the current educational system, particularly its fixation on grades over genuine learning. He underscores the importance of fostering self-esteem and encouraging students to engage actively in their educational journeys, thereby empowering them to advocate for their own learning.

With over two decades of experience as a college professor, communication coach, and podcast host, Tim has dedicated his...

Dr. James Mannion is a distinguished authority on educational reform. He explains the concept of "backward design," a strategic approach to implementing school improvement by beginning with clear objectives and working backward to identify solutions for current challenges.

Dr. Mannion shares insights from his recent publication, "Making Change Stick," where he emphasizes the necessity of engaging educators at all levels in the change process, thereby fostering a collaborative environment that enhances student outcomes. We explore the transformative impact of project-based learning and self-regulated learning on students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, demonstrating how innovative educational practices can...

On Thursday, 23rd January, I was invited to Bett UK to interview some incredible companies leading the way in education technology. I had the chance to sit down with Jamf, a company helping schools and businesses manage Apple devices, RM, a UK-based provider of tech solutions supporting IT infrastructure in schools, and Kahoot!, the interactive quiz platform that’s transforming how students engage with learning. It was such a privilege to speak with these innovators about how they’re reshaping education.

I also connected with two other amazing exhibitors: I Can Compose, a platform empowering students to expl...

Wall Street English is the leading provider in hybrid English language education with over 350 learning centers in 35 territories across the globe. Since its foundation 1972, it has provided tuition to over three million adults with over a million classes delivered every year through its language centers and digital classroom.

Wall Street English combines a proven and effective blended learning methodology with a scalable business model to capitalize on the growth potential of adult English language learning, including both center-based and online training. This includes corporate and enterprise solutions that provide effective, flexible English language training to business.

...

Jonathan Arthur is the Executive Headteacher of Badock's Wood E-ACT academy and discusses the complexities and rewards of modern education. Jonathan articulates that while the educational landscape is more challenging than ever, it remains profoundly gratifying to enact positive change in students' lives.

He emphasises the importance of cultivating a nurturing environment where aspirations are not merely raised but made achievable through support and commitment. He highlights the necessity of building a learning culture that fosters continuous growth for both educators and students.

Jonathan passionately advocates for the integration of technology in the classroom, asserting...

How do we support left-handed children in a predominantly right-handed world? Mark Stewart, founder of Left n Write Ltd, shares his journey and insights on the unique challenges faced by left-handed individuals, particularly in educational settings. With over 1 million left-handed children in schools across England, Mark emphasizes the lack of awareness and training for educators on how to assist these students effectively.

Mark started his small business about 30 years ago as a result of trying to find left-handed scissors for his youngest son when he was 4.

Mark's wife Heather had no training in helping left-handed...

Dr. Shelby Kretz is the creator of Little Justice Leaders, an organization that provides social justice education resources for educators and families. Shelby earned her Ph.D. in Education from UCLA, and her research explores social justice education at the elementary school level. Over the past decade, Shelby has worked with thousands of parents, teachers, and school leaders to bring social justice education to elementary aged kids.

She emphasizes that biases begin to form as early as three years old, making it crucial for educators and parents to have resources that support age-appropriate conversations about complex topics...

Karen G. Foley from the Juvenile Protective Association emphasizes the critical role of relationships in supporting children's mental health and well-being. She highlights that just as chronically hungry children cannot learn, neither can those who are emotionally hurting. The discussion explores how the organization provides school-based mental health services, fostering long-term relationships with educators, parents, and students. Karen shares insights on the importance of understanding a child's intent behind their actions and the necessity of a supportive environment for both children and teachers. The episode underscores the need for an intergenerational approach to address the struggles faced by middle...

Diana Munoz from Oxford Business College shares her inspiring insights on the transformative power of education for underprivileged students, many of whom have fled conflict or difficult circumstances in their home countries. The college offers a unique environment tailored for mature students, providing them with the opportunity to earn a degree in business management while balancing work and family responsibilities. Diana emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and open atmosphere where students feel heard and valued, highlighting the college's commitment to listening to the student voice. She recounts touching stories, such as that of a 75-year-old graduate who...

This podcast episode serves as a reflective roundup for the year 2024, where Mark Taylor contemplates personal growth and the importance of putting oneself first amidst the busy demands of life. He discusses his journey as a musician and educator, highlighting the challenges faced by teachers and the need for a supportive educational environment that centers around the child's experience. Mark emphasizes the significance of self-care and balance, encouraging listeners to prioritize their well-being to enhance their effectiveness in their roles. He invites feedback on how the podcast can better serve the community, seeking insights on what topics and guests...

Richard Jack III is dedicated to shaping tomorrow's leaders and empowering adults through personal development. Leading several impactful organisations—Ladies and Gentlemen by Choice, focusing on youth development; RJ3 Consultants, exclusively for adult personal growth; and Constructive Community Culture Academy, designed to help schools address behavioural challenges to boost academic achievement—he brings a wealth of experience from 21 years of military service and a Master of Science in Counselling.

Over the past 6 years in personal development and 11 years coaching youth, he has developed a curriculum to teach personal development, leadership, image, financial management, and etiquette. As the co-f...