Thinking Classroom Podcast

Mike talks to author John Budden about his 2023 collection of short stories, 'We Aim To Live' - 14 tales about men at times of crisis, choice and revelation. John's work has been reviewed favourably in The Sunday Times and on BBC Radio. If you like stories that make you think, feel and talk about the themes raised; stories in which things actually happen, then this is one for you.

Mike talks to AI policy researcher Thorin Bristow and AI specialist Tess Buckley about equitable access to AI and how we balance regulation with innovation. Tess shares some quality go-to AI resources for educators and Thorin starts this episode with solid advice for becoming AI Literate. Listen out for the background sounds of excellent coffee being drunk in the Blighty Cafe, Finsbury Park.

Mike talks to Sonia Gill of HeadsUp and author of Journey to Outstanding and Successful Difficult Conversations in school about, well, those two themes. How do you have a knotty conversation with kindness? And what would Sonia do as Secretary of State for Education?

Mike talks to Tara Elie of Starperformance about teacher wellbeing and the challenges and opportunities of senior educational leadership for marginalised and under-represented groups. Tara's masters research reveals the lived experience of these groups and offers positive ways forward. In this episode you'll also hear a completely silent pneumatic drill. Wow.

Mike talks to Jamaican engineer, entrepreneur and author Dianne Plummer about how early childhood experiences at home and at school set her on a path to STEM success. Dianne talks about her book, Science in the Sun; describes her learning journey across the world; and tells us about the power of asking why?