‘Networks help teachers make sense of what they get trained on and what they are exposed to in developmental programmes.’ Professor Amol Padwad, Ambedkar University, Delhi. Three guests from Sri Lanka, India and the UK share their own experiences of teacher networks in South Asia, talking about how networks can consolidate and localise in-service teacher development, what helps to make them successful and some pitfalls to avoid. This is followed by a longer interview in which Professor...

In this episode, Rahat Rizwan, Director Programmes-Education, CARE International, Pakistan discussed typical in-service teacher development models in Pakistan, and then Rob Lewis interviews Professor Simon Borg to find out more about approaches that work in teacher professional development. The episode includes discussion of the following research and initiatives: ‘Tanggap, tiklop, tago’ (receive, fold, keep): Perceptions of best practice in ELT INSET. (British Council, 2012):...

‘It’s not about technology. It’s about what technology enables you to do.’ Dr Gary Motteram, University of Manchester This episode examines the increasingly prominent role of digital technology in education in South Asia. After hearing from Ayesha Kabeer of DevTrio Consultants, Pakistan, Professor Simon Borg interviews Dr Gary Motteram, considering how to manage obstacles which new technology might bring, and make the most of the opportunities it undoubtedly offers.  The episode...

‘Effective educational planning means that time, money and energy are used productively to genuinely improve the outcomes of education for individuals … and for the nation.’ Dr Martin Wedell, University of Leeds Planning underpins any educational system, and our guests in this episode, Dr Rukmini Banerjee, CEO of Pratham Education Foundation, and Dr Martin Wedell, University of Leeds, draw on their extensive experience and talk about planning cycles, frameworks and lessons that can be...

‘Students need a minimum of six years of mother tongue education before this can be replaced by an international language such as English.’ Associate Professor Kathleen Heugh, University of South Australia This episode explores the factors behind the push for EMI in South Asia and worldwide, whether it is beneficial for children’s education and when and how to introduce English as a second language. Join Rob Lewis and Professor Simon Borg as they speak to Jeanine Treffers-Daller, Professor...

Preparing young people for the workplace they will find when finishing their education has, for some time now, cast a spotlight on what are often called ‘21st century skills’. Interviewees this episode explore why these skills are so important to the region, as well as some essential considerations when aiming to incorporate them into curricula. Join Rob Lewis and Professor Simon Borg as they interview Dr Tara Béteille, Senior Economist at the World Bank, Shankar Adhikari, Curriculum Officer,...

Simon Borg interviews Phil Dexter, who spent many years leading in this area for the British Council, to find out about definitions of inclusive education, what good inclusive education policy might look like, and what it means in the classroom. We also hear from Huma Masood of UNESCO, to find out more about inclusive education policy and practice in the South Asia region. Links: • The Salamanca statement and framework for action on special needs education (UNESCO, 1994):...

Simon interviews Sarah Richardson on the theme of student learning outcomes, outlining how they can be relevant and effective in raising the standards of an education system, as well as highlighting some considerations that need to be kept in mind when they are implemented. We also hear from two guests who some insight into the regional context. The episode includes discussion of the following research and initiatives: • United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4:...

In this first episode of the series, Professor Simon Borg interviews Dr Rukmini Banerjee, CEO of Pratham Education Foundation, who talks about the importance of realistic assessment and other aspects of a successful education system. We also hear from Maya Menon, Founder-Director of The Teacher Foundation, who highlights the importance of long-term education planning and shares her experience of working in India. The episode includes discussion of the following research and initiatives:...