In this podcast we take a closer look at international development and global health research that shapes the way we respond during times of crisis. Dr Mukdarut Bangpan and Dr Kelly Dickson's work with governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) includes research on the impact of mental health and psychosocial support programmes to inform their policy and practice. Full show notes and links:...

You’re not dreaming! There’s so much going on in the field of sleep and research right now. We take a closer look at how things have crossed over into tech and AI, cancer and our wellbeing. Professor Dagmara Dimitriou leads a lab that takes a multi-disciplinary approach to examine sleep’s role in affecting our cognitive, behavioural and academic abilities and has also been working with the likes of the NHS and the US Army on a wide variety of projects. Full show notes and links:...

This season of Research for the Real World is all about mental health, and we’ll be hearing from researchers whose work encompasses such wide-ranging areas and offer solutions to address these challenges. Professor Dagmara Dimitriou on the role of sleep on neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer Dr Mukdarut Bangpan and Dr Kelly Dickson on humanitarian emergencies and the impact it has on mental wellbeing Dr Amy Harrison on social-emotional functioning and cognitive skills in eating...

In this podcast, Mark Quinn and Dr Polly Glegg talk about what makes great professional learning for teachers and leaders. Polly and Mark, the masterminds behind UCL’s High Quality Outcomes for Great Professional Learning, explain how their thinking about professional learning has been influenced by research and practice. They also let us into some of their secrets about how they, as seasoned facilitators, make sure participants encounter these high quality outcome in their professional...

In this podcast, we discuss how eating disorder symptoms affect men. We cover what our guests have learned about how to ask for help and care for themselves. We speak about how eating disorders affect friendships and sexual relationships, and reflect on what our guests have learned through their experiences about how to cope with challenges in life. Content warning: this podcast contains information about eating disorders, experiences of mental health difficulties and sex and sexual...

In this podcast, George Wolstenholme talks about messing up, forgiveness, and being on the way to becoming the teacher he wishes to be. "Everyone's experience with neurodiversity is going to be different." George Wolstenholme – or Mr. W to his pupils – tells us how his practitioner inquiries have granted him his independence, liberating him to try things out and learn from his failures as well as his successes. He explains why neurodivergent teachers should be given their moment, and how...

This podcast hears about the impact of the UK's School Meals Service on schools and their communities since its inception in 1906, and how it can adapt to the challenges of food insecurity and the impact of the economic crisis on children's learning. Full show notes and links: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2024/jan/history-free-school-meals-how-its-past-dishes-out-lessons-future-servings-rftrw-s21e03 Research for the Real World is an IOE Podcast series featuring conversations about...

Nancy Karmali-Belmonte and Farzana Akther respond to our ECTs' questions, and remind us that looking after wellbeing and being a good teacher are two sides of the same coin. "It is up to the induction tutors, I think, to set the school culture so that those more challenging feedback conversations are couched in a framework of support and everyone moving forward and growing." Mark and Elaine hear Nancy and Farzana discuss the importance of Induction Tutors, and the important role of ensuring...

Mark and Elaine speak to Louise Dwyer, Assistant Headteacher at the Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls, and discuss how the ECF builds upon a growing movement of evidence-informed practice, enabling a more accessible exchange of ideas. "There will still be that joy to be found in teaching." Louise says that if we want to keep teachers in the profession, we need them to see the joy that is to be found in the classroom. And the ECF, she says, gives new teachers a shared language that helps them...

In the context of a cost-of-living crisis and increased child poverty, this podcast hears about the growing use of food banks, how they operate and the impact this has on children whose families use them. Full show notes and links: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2023/dec/what-impact-do-food-banks-schools-have-childrens-learning-rftrw-s21e02

This podcast hears how mental health and life chances of young people and their parents are being dramatically affected by post-pandemic cost of living pressures. Not only is there an elevated risk of psychological distress, the research also found food bank use and long-term poverty is associated with lower GCSE attainment. This sparks additional concerns about the long-term impact of the current cost-of-living crisis. Full show notes and links: coming soon More IOE podcasts:...

In January 2023, the Food Foundation estimated that 24% of UK households with children were living in food insecurity. This staggering figure brings to light issues affecting their life chances. We’ll hear about how IOE research is raising awareness and informing policies and efforts in the midst of a new school and academic year now underway, another challenging winter and a general election in 2024. This season's guests: Dr Jake Anders - the links between food poverty and hunger with...

Alison Wiggins, a PGCE and anti-racist lecturer, emphasises the need for teachers to develop their racial literacy – 'naming it changes the power of it.' She talks about building positive relationships and the connection she forges with mentees and students. One of her highlights, she explains, is they joy of being able to pass on her experiences of teaching, and the opportunity to see mentees' progress as they grow. In this episode, she also shares her thoughts on a culturally responsive...

Hilary talks about her journey as an educator and doles out some advice for early career teachers (ECTs): find the joy, discover your own teacher persona, and be unapologetically yourselves. "We want our new teachers to train and stay and thrive in our classrooms." Mark and Elaine speak to Hilary, the Programme Director of the Early Career Framework (ECF), and she talks about her role at the UCL Centre for Educational Leadership. She talks more deeply about the ECF programme and emphasises...

Tapping into the experience of induction tutors, facilitators and an ECF lead to learn about ensuring high-quality mentoring and cultures of professional learning. Elaine and Mark attend an Induction Tutor conference, which emphasises working with and learning from peers. They speak to Saiqua Zaneb, Tessa Blair and Lara Boyer, who are part of the East London Teaching School hub. They discuss what is important for Early Career Teachers (ECTs) to experience on a day to day basis, particularly...

This podcast hears about research evidence focused on the role of apps in early education. A key part of Dr Laura Outhwaite’s work includes examining claims of many products on Google and Apple’s app stores to be “educational” and having an impact on young children’s learning. Full show notes and links: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2023/sep/how-find-maths-learning-app-you-can-count-your-kids-rftrw-s20e03

Jan shares her wisdom from decades in teaching and teacher education. She reminds us why teaching can be a great – and still greater – profession to join. She talks about her commitment to the importance of teaching, and the ways in which the profession can transform people and fill them with confidence. Full show notes, transcript and links: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2023/sep/what-teaching-does-people-people-what-can-ecf-providers-learn-ite-s03e01 ECF Staffroom speaks to Early Career...

This podcast explores how artificial intelligence (AI) has grown over time and whether it can be used as a tool to support education, rather than as a replacement for human thinking. Professor Manolis Mavrikis talks about the role of technology in schools and the obstacles that can prevent further integration, like infrastructure, teacher workload and professional development. He discusses the potential of AI in particular, and the role of schools and educators in helping students...

Professor Alison Clark-Wilson has a wealth of experience breaking down barriers between research communities and industry through her work with educational technology entrepreneurs, experts, and end users all over the world. We hear about some of the projects she’s led and collaborated on, how nurturing humility in EdTech might be possible in a world of “tech bros” and big egos, and why “fake it till you make it” is not acceptable in education. Full show notes and links:...

This roundtable is the second event in the TCRU@50 programme of activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Thomas Coram Research Unit. The speakers offer perspectives on the benefits of engaged fatherhood for men, for children, for families and for gender equality. Speakers- Professor Esther Dermott (University of Bristol)- Professor Paul Hodkinson (University of Surrey)- Professor Margaret O’Brien (UCL, Thomas Coram Research Unit)- Chair: Professor Alison Koslowski (UCL, Thomas...

In this season of Research for the Real World, we're highlighting IOE research that provides insights on finding ways for technology to play a meaningful role within education. We know that parents, teachers and students have concerns about the way in which society reacts with technology, but how can we improve our relationship with it? Maximise the use of high-quality content? Is there a way we can take advantage of personalized learning? There's also all that chat about AI… well, we’re...

In this episode, we talk about what it's like to return for a career in academia, the fluidity of career trajectories, and the importance of supporting neurodiversity in universities. Drs Keri Wong and Alina Pelikh are joined by Brian Irvine for a discussion on his personal career path and work experience over the years, which include his roles as a childminder, a teacher of Religious Education, and balloon modelling. We hear about Brian's decision to return to academia, his love of...

In this episode, we talk about what it's like to work for the Office for National Statistics and the differences between life in academia and life outside of it. Dr Alina Pelikh is joined by James Robards to talk about applying for jobs once you make a decision to change careers and the different factors that may influence that decision, including workload, logistics and responsibilities. James talks about the differences between working in a research setting and in the civil service, and...

In this episode, we talk about pursuing a career outside of academia and discuss the many transferable skills we have as researchers that can be applied to other contexts. Dr Keri Wong is joined by Audrey Kittredge for a discussion on discovering what pursuing a career outside academia looks like, and how to successfully enter a new industry despite how daunting it feels to leave the research setting. We hear about Audrey's background in postdoctoral research and her decision to change...