Teachers Talk Radio

Learners Leading Learning - Self-regulated learning: The Saturday Social with Will Mercer

How can teachers get their children more engaged and enthusiastic about their education? Will is joined by Dr James Mannion to discuss self-regulated learning.

Bandura’s Self Efficacy Theory in Action: TTR Special - Ben White with Dr Neil Gilbride

Dr Neil Gilbride makes a compelling case for how Bandura’s self efficacy theory can help refine how we understand and support our students AND how we design and teach our lessons. There are plenty of pedagogy ‘how tos’ alongside reflections about our role in shaping how students feel about their ability to ‘do it’ in our particular domain - be that maths, English or cake baking. Along the way Neil shares his views on the dangers of PowerPoint, the ultimate purpose of teaching - and who he’d invite (along with Bandura) to a pedagogical dinner party. This show is brought to you in partnership with John Catt Educational, get Neil's book and explore the full range of titles here. 

Predicting Grades: Striking the right balance - Thursday Late, Late Show with Chris Wilkinson

Join Chris as he explores the challenges of grade predictions, balancing aspiration with realism, and how they shape student success, inform teaching and accurately provide key data

How prepared are excluded students for lifelong success?: The Twilight Show with Michelle Hinds

Join Michelle Hinds on the Wednesday Twilight Show with Gerry Robinson (Executive Headteacher, HLP) and Emmanuel Awoyelu (Inclusion Specialist) as they explore the unconscious biases behind exclusions, their academic and emotional impact, and the challenges faced by alternative provision (AP) schools. Amidst the struggles, they also celebrate the resilience and successes of excluded students. Are they truly prepared for lifelong success? Tune in for an eye-opening discussion!

Raising attainment and engaging students in the language classroom - Lessons from one of the UK's leading Mandarin programmes: TTR Special hosted by Darren Lester

In this episode, we look into the Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP)—a groundbreaking initiative that is transforming language learning in schools across England. With over 16,000 students benefiting from its immersive and intensive approach, the MEP is setting new standards for language education and opening doors for young learners.
Joining us are three experts deeply involved in the programme:
🔹 Julian Metcalf, Headteacher at Dartford Grammar School, shares how his school has embraced the MEP and even developed its own Japanese Excellence Programme, demonstrating how schools can apply MEP principles beyond Mandarin.
🔹 Matt Schofield, Programme Manager at the IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, provides insights into the structure, impact, and future of the MEP, including the logistics behind the largest-ever school trip to China, which took nearly 1,200 students abroad.
🔹 Beth Fleming, an MEP Chinese teacher at Macmillan Academy, tells her inspiring story of going from student to teacher and how the programme supports the next generation of language educators.
We explore key topics such as:
✅ How the MEP has significantly boosted GCSE results and student attainment✅ The life-changing opportunities it provides, especially for disadvantaged students✅ How cultural immersion and overseas experiences enrich language learning✅ Practical takeaways for MFL teachers and school leaders looking to replicate MEP's success
Whether you're a teacher, school leader, or language enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable lessons on how to enhance language learning, increase student engagement, and create global citizens.
🎧 Tune in now to discover what makes the Mandarin Excellence Programme a model for success!

Creating Educational Video: The Sunday Lunch Show with Graham Stanley

Martin Sketchley joined me from South Korea to talk about how to create educational video, and shared his tips about filming classes, editing and making the resulting video available via platforms such as YouTube.

Teacher recruitment numbers, attendance in schools crisis: Points of View

Yasmin Omar, Dave Brown, Tarjinder Gil and Brent Poland discuss the biggest stories in education this week. 

Do parents really trust schools?: The Late Show with Beejesh Deva and Claire Bills

In this show, Claire and Beejesh explore the state of parental engagement, the social contract between families and schools, and the key issues shaping this relationship. Listen back now to join the conversation!

Fast and Slow Thinking: The Saturday Breakfast Show with Darren Lester

Darren discusses the concepts of fast and slow thinking, the cognitive processes that inform your 'gut reactions' and whether it's better to be a faster or slower thinker. 

Debating Homework- Equity, Parents, Learning and Enrichment: The Friday Lunch Show with Morgan Whitfield and Tod Brennan

What is the purpose of homework? Is it still a thing? Morgan and Tod welcome Emily Folorunsho on the show to discuss modern homework. The equity issues that make it unfair, the opportunities for consolidation it brings, the enrichment possibilities, and the bridges it builds for parental partnership. There are pedagogical pitfalls and issues of consistency versus autonomy in how homework is delivered- let's explore the debates of home learning!