Tiny episodes. Big ideas. Zero jargon.
Pedagogy Bites serves up the tastiest chunks of education research, theory and practice in 10 minutes - perfect for teachers, trainees and anyone who’s ever wondered “Why on earth does this work in the classroom?”
Each episode breaks down a powerful concept, shows what it means for real learners, and finishes with a critical lens (because education isn’t a buffet where everything should be swallowed whole).
Three words? Clear, practical, evidence-informed.
Take a bite. Your practice will thank you
Does practice really make perfect or does it matter how we practise?
In this episode of Pedagogy Bites, I explore deliberate practice through the work of Ericsson, Rosenshine, Hattie & Timperley, and others. From focused goals and appropriate challenge to feedback, repetition and teacher development, I unpack how purposeful practice can help both learners and educators improve over time.
Because simply doing something again isn't the same as getting better at it - purposeful practice makes progress.
28 Sept 2026
A Bite of Motivation
What actually motivates learners and can teachers really make someone want to learn?
In this episode of Pedagogy Bites, I explore motivation through the work of Deci & Ryan, Bandura, Dweck, and Eccles & Wigfield. From self-efficacy and belonging to autonomy, success and seeing value in learning, I consider what teachers can do to create the conditions where motivation is more likely to grow.
Because rather than asking “How do I motivate my learners?”, perhaps we should ask what might be helping - or getting in the way of - their motivation to learn.
21 Sept 2026
A Bite of Professional Reflection
Does thinking about your teaching automatically make you a reflective practitioner?
In this episode of Pedagogy Bites, I explore what meaningful professional reflection looks like through the work of Schön, Dewey, Kolb, Brookfield and Timperley. From reflecting in the moment to using evidence, professional dialogue and research, I consider how reflection can move beyond simply asking “what went well?” and actually inform what we do next.
Because reflection isn’t just about looking back - it’s about learning from practice to shape what happens next.
14 Sept 2026
A Bite of Curriculum Thinking
What makes a curriculum more than just a list of things to teach?
In this episode of Pedagogy Bites, we explore how thoughtful curriculum design can build knowledge, connect ideas and support learning over time. Drawing on research from Bruner, Willingham, Sweller, Young and Shulman, we unpack sequencing, prior knowledge, powerful knowledge and the choices behind what (and whose) knowledge we teach.
Because curriculum isn’t just about getting through the content - it’s about deciding what matters and helping learners make sense of it.
7 Sept 2026
A Bite of Behaviour as Learning
What if behaviour isn’t simply something to manage, but something we can actively teach?
In this episode of Pedagogy Bites, we explore how routines, relationships, expectations and self-regulation help create the conditions for learning. Drawing on research from Bennett, Deci & Ryan, Pianta and the EEF, we consider practical approaches to behaviour while questioning the idea that a quiet classroom is automatically a successful one.
Because effective behaviour isn’t just about compliance - it’s about creating the conditions where learning can flourish.
31 Aug 2026
A Bite of Metacognition
We often describe metacognition as “thinking about thinking" but what does that actually mean in the classroom?
In this episode of Pedagogy Bites, we unpack the research behind metacognition and self-regulated learning, drawing on Flavell, Zimmerman, Dunlosky, and the EEF. From planning and monitoring to evaluating learning and modelling expert thinking, we explore how teachers can help learners become more strategic and increasingly independent.
Because learning how to learn might be one of the most valuable things we can teach.
24 Aug 2026
A Bite of Classroom Talk
Is getting learners talking the same as getting them thinking?
In this episode of Pedagogy Bites, we explore the role of purposeful classroom talk in learning. Drawing on the work of Vygotsky, Alexander, Mercer & Littleton, and others, we look at dialogic teaching, exploratory talk, vocabulary, questioning, and how structured discussion can help learners articulate and develop their thinking.
Because the goal isn’t simply more talk - it’s better thinking through talk.
17 Aug 2026
A Bite of Modelling
How do we make the invisible thinking of an expert visible to learners?
In this episode of Pedagogy Bites, we explore modelling and why showing learners how to think, not just what to do, can be so powerful. Drawing on research from Bandura, Rosenshine, Sweller, and cognitive apprenticeship, we unpack worked examples, thinking aloud, scaffolding, and the gradual move towards independence.
Because great modelling isn’t about learners copying the expert - it’s about helping them eventually think like one.
29 Jun 2026
A Bite of Teacher Wellbeing
Teaching is a profession built on supporting others...but who supports the teachers?
In this episode of Pedagogy Bites, we explore teacher, trainee, and mentor wellbeing through the research of Day & Gu, Deci & Ryan, Ingersoll & Strong, and the Education Endowment Foundation. From workload and professional relationships to mentoring, resilience, and sustainable practice, we unpack what it takes not just to survive in education, but to thrive.
Because supporting wellbeing isn’t just about doing less but instead is about doing what matters most, sustainably.
22 Jun 2026
A Bite of Learner Wellbeing
Wellbeing isn’t a distraction from learning but is one of the conditions that makes learning possible.
In this episode of Pedagogy Bites, we explore what learner wellbeing really means across primary, secondary, further, and adult education. Drawing on the work of Seligman, Deci & Ryan, Pianta, and the EEF, we unpack the connections between belonging, motivation, relationships, self-regulation, and academic success.
Because learners thrive when they feel safe, supported, and challenged in the right ways.
15 Jun 2026
A Bite of High Expectations
High expectations aren’t about demanding more - they’re about believing more is possible.
In this episode of Pedagogy Bites, we explore what research tells us about high expectations, drawing on the work of Rosenthal & Jacobson, Dweck, Vygotsky, Rosenshine, and Boaler. We unpack how ambitious teaching, adaptive support, and inclusive practice can help all learners succeed, while challenging the idea that some students need a simplified curriculum to thrive.
The goal isn’t to lower the bar but it’s to help every learner reach it.
12 Jun 2026
A Bite of Feedback
Feedback isn’t about marking work - it’s about moving learning forward.
In this episode of Pedagogy Bites, we explore what effective feedback really looks like through the research of Black & Wiliam, Hattie & Timperley, and Shute. From verbal feedback and live modelling to common misconceptions and workload considerations, we unpack how feedback can help learners close the gap between where they are and where they need to be.
Because feedback only matters if it leads to better learning.
1 Jun 2026
A Bite of Adaptive Teaching
Adaptive teaching isn’t about lowering expectations - it’s about removing barriers to learning.
In this episode of Pedagogy Bites, we explore what adaptive teaching really means through the research of Vygotsky, Sweller, Rosenshine, and Florian & Black-Hawkins. From scaffolding and responsive teaching to questioning and inclusion, we unpack how teachers can support diverse learners while maintaining high expectations for all.
Because great teaching adapts support towards success
27 May 2026
A Bite of Questioning
Good questioning doesn’t just check learning - it shapes it.
In this episode of Pedagogy Bites, we explore questioning as one of the most powerful tools for assessment, thinking, and classroom dialogue. Drawing on research from Black & Wiliam, Rosenshine, Rowe, and Lemov, we unpack what effective questioning looks like in practice, from wait time and probing to cold calling and formative assessment.
Because sometimes the right question changes everything.
11 May 2026
A Bite of Retrieval Practice
Can remembering actually improve learning? Absolutely.
In this episode of Pedagogy Bites, we explore Retrieval Practice through the research of Roediger & Karpicke (2006), Agarwal (2021), and Jones (2019), unpacking why bringing knowledge back to mind is one of the most powerful tools for long-term learning. From low-stakes quizzes to classroom questioning, we look at what retrieval really means in practice - and the common misconceptions to avoid.
Short, practical, and backed by research that sticks.
6 May 2026
A Bite of Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction
Why do some teaching approaches consistently help learners succeed?
In this episode of Pedagogy Bites, we unpack Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction (2012) and explore what research tells us about effective teaching. From modelling and questioning to guided practice and checking for understanding, we look at how these principles translate into real classroom practice across education settings.
Clear, practical, and evidence-informed - without turning teaching into a checklist.
27 Apr 2026
A Bite of Cognitive Load Theory
What actually happens in the brain when we learn and why do some lessons just feel overwhelming?
In this episode of Pedagogy Bites, we break down Cognitive Load Theory (Sweller, 1988) into simple, practical insights for the classroom. From managing working memory to designing clearer explanations, we explore how small changes in teaching can make a big difference to learning.
Short, sharp, and rooted in research - this is your quick guide to teaching in a way that works with the brain, not against it.
Contact Pedagogy Bites
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Pedagogy Bites?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
