Teachers Talk Radio

Famida Choudhary is joined by Cat Chowdhary for a thought-provoking discussion on what real progress in lessons truly means. Moving beyond task completion and content coverage, the conversation explores progress as a shift in thinking — from “then” to “now.” Drawing on research, the gradual release model, adaptive teaching, and evidence-informed feedback practices, the show examines how clarity, questioning, and student response drive meaningful learning. A reflective and practical discussion for teachers and leaders committed to ensuring progress is measured by understanding — not just performance.

Fewer children are reading for pleasure than ever before. Screens are louder. Notifications are faster. Attention is shorter. So in a world of endless scrolling, does sitting down with a book still matter? In this World Book Day special, we ask the difficult questions: Does reading for pleasure really shape success? And do events like World Book Day create lasting change - or just a moment of enthusiasm? One bold claim. An honest debate. If you want to succeed, read.

Darren discusses how collegiality is not the same as congeniality, and it something that must be deliberately fostered in the workplace.

Join Chris as he challenges the way we think about homework, reframing it from an afterthought into a powerful part of learning. In this episode, he explores how purposeful, well-designed homework can build confidence, deepen understanding, and turn small moments of practice into real progress.

The Truth Behind Teaching: Did They Learn It or Did You Just Say It? is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by Michelle Hinds that cuts through classroom performance and gets to the heart of real learning. With honesty, insight, and a touch of humour, Michelle explores what actually happens between teaching and understanding why great lessons don’t always equal deep learning, how to spot genuine progress, and what teachers can do to bridge the gap. Expect sharp reflections, practical strategies, and candid conversations about the realities of teaching that every educator will recognise.

Michael Gove joins Teachers Talk Radio for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation with teachers on the biggest issues in English education and the legacy of his time as Education Secretary. We cover: • What Gove says he “got wrong” — and why he thinks reforms didn’t go far enough • “The Blob”: regrets, meaning, and who he says it referred to • Curriculum & EBacc: impact on arts, vocational routes, and “knowledge-rich” schooling • SEND & inclusion: reasonable adjustments, direct instruction, and ambition for all pupils • Teacher retention: why 40–50k leave and what he thinks is driving it • Behaviour & violence in schools: exclusions, alternative provision, phones/social media • Ofsted, Amanda Spielman, safeguarding judgements — and the Ruth Perry case • Plus: a quick-fire ending (including Brexit…) Featuring teacher questions from Liz Webb (English teacher, 20 years) and Yasmin Omar (assistant headteacher). Thanks to our show partners AQA and Hachette Learning for supporting Teachers Talk Radio. 👍 Like, subscribe, and comment with what you agreed/disagreed with most. 🎧 Listen back: ttradio.org 📍Teachers Talk Connect (Manchester, 14 March): ttradio.org/connect2026

On tonight's show, I talk with teacher and author Patrick Jackson about raising awareness of the environment with primary children in school and in their neighborhoods.

AI is everywhere in education. The government says it will transform teacher workload. EdTech companies say it will revolutionise learning. But what does the evidence actually say? Tim and a panel of experts ask the uncomfortable questions: does AI improve learning, or are we solving teacher problems by creating student ones?

Guest Matt Miles joins The Morning Break team to discuss how high expectations are crucial to student outcomes and high levels of engagement in the classroom.

Join Michael Wright for the Sunday Lunch Show with guest Justyn Waterman as they unpack the difference between coaching and mentoring in education, how to support colleagues with both, weigh the pros and cons of each, and share tips plus anecdotes based on Justin's expertise.

We talk half-term, hols and grammar! Thanks to everyone who joined in.

Darren looks at some research conducted between 2021 and 2024 which examines what pupils, teachers and parents think about the state of toilets in school.

In this show, host Christopher Vowles digs into Secondary Geography in Action with its author, David Preece. Published in October 2025, this practical new guide helps geography teachers make sense of subject-specific educational research and put it into action in real secondary classrooms. The conversation explores how evidence-informed practice can support better outcomes for learners while staying grounded in the realities of school life. Whether you’re an experienced geography teacher, a trainee, or a school leader interested in bridging the gap between research and classroom practice, this show offers thoughtful insight, practical ideas, and inspiring discussion on putting research into geography in action. Get the book here: https://www.hachettelearning.com/geography/secondary-geography-in-action

Listen to Lee, Graham and David as they delve into The School To Prison Pipeline, considering what it is, how schools can support young people and how the system might need to change.

The panel discuss the evidence suggesting that the number of EHCPs continue to rise in schools - what is the reason for this? What are the solutions? What’s going on?

Schools often treat subjects as separate, but learning doesn't work that way. In this show, Tim talks with Barry Cooper, Founding Principal of The Global College in Madrid, about student agency, transfer, and why the gaps between lessons, subjects, and experiences might be where real learning lives.

In this week's show, Claudia Tumba and Martin Sketchley are joined by Kristine to chat about how we teaching one-to-one lessons should be approached differently compared to group lessons.

We dive into what it really means to develop an AI-literate faculty not just in terms of tools and skills, but mindset, pedagogic judgement, and institutional strategy. Join us as we unpack how higher education leaders can equip educators to engage with AI confidently, ethically, and creatively. We’re joined by two exceptional voices in the field:

This conversation is really about the evolving role of teachers in the classroom. Last time, we talked about teachers as entertainers; this time we’re asking whether teachers should also be coaches. Are we placing too much pressure on teachers to take on yet another role - one that complicates an already demanding profession? Or does coaching have the power to deepen student learning, shifting teachers from delivering answers to guiding students as they discover their own?

In this show we explored the space between education and industry - from teaching practice and real-world readiness to confidence, resilience, and mindset in creative careers. A heartfelt thank you to Valentina Mariani, Associate Lecturer in Communications and Media at UAL, LCC and dynamic professional in the fashion and art industries as art curator and PR consultant- for sharing her experience, honesty, and generous insights on how university education can provide students with the soft skills needed for developping a successful career, especially within the communications and media creative industries.