Teaching on purpose

About Teaching on purpose

If you are motivation high but time low when it comes to Teaching and Learning, this podcast is for you! Each week, we dive into the detail of a teaching purpose and look at how that purpose is served by different techniques, in different ways and at different times. Guests talk through their decision making linked to purpose and explain how they do the right thing at the right time for the right reason.

Publisher

CLT

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Apr 2026

Latest episode

2 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Oct 2026

   Teaching on Purpose: No opt out with Christian Turton

   In this episode of Teaching on Purpose, Adam Kohlbeck and Christian Turton discuss the importance of checking for understanding in the classroom, particularly through the technique of 'no opt out'. They explore how this technique can be adapted using technology to enhance student engagement and understanding. We are a proud member of the Education Leaders Podcast Network. For more great education shows, head to educationleaders.co/network Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Checking for Understanding 01:59 Christian Turton's Educational Journey 06:34 The 'No Opt Out' Technique Explained 10:42 Practical Application of 'No Opt Out' 16:25 Adapting Techniques with Technology 22:11 Balancing Depth and Breadth in Understanding 27:37 Final Thoughts on Effective Teaching

2. 

   25 Sept 2026

   Teaching on Purpose: Show me boards with Emma Maguire

   Emma Maguire, head teacher of Wharton Primary School, shares her journey into teaching and the importance of checking for understanding. She discusses the use of 'Show Me Boards' as a strategy for checking understanding and the need for purposeful adaptation of techniques to suit different contexts and learners. Takeaways Checking for understanding is essential for effective teaching. The purpose of a technique should guide its adaptation and use in the classroom. We are a proud member of the Education Leaders podcast network. For more great education shows, head to educationleaders.co/network

3. 

   14 Sept 2026

   Teaching on Purpose: Providing practice, consolidation and feedback with Yamina Bibi

   The conversation delves into the importance of practice, consolidation, and feedback in building long-term memory, highlighting the need for pre-planning guided and independent practice opportunities. It also explores the danger of performative practice, the tension between standardizing teaching and adaptive practice, and the significance of responsive teaching and strategic task design. The conversation delves into the significance of metacognition in early years practice and the embedding of metacognitive practice to encourage independent student thinking and reflection. It also explores the role of guided and independent practice, teacher decision-making, and the complexity of teaching. Additionally, it discusses strategies for live marking and feedback to reduce teacher workload and increase student impact. Takeaways Importance of practice, consolidation, and feedback in building long-term memory The need for pre-planning guided and independent practice opportunities Metacognition in early years practice The importance of live marking and feedback in reducing teacher workload and increasing student impact Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Practice, Consolidation, and Feedback 04:25 The Danger of Performative Practice 06:16 Standardizing Teaching and Adaptive Practice 08:40 Pre-Planning Guided and Independent Practice Opportunities 18:11 Responsive Teaching and Strategic Task Design 21:39 Metacognition in Early Years Practice 22:37 Embedding Metacognitive Practice 26:04 Guided and Independent Practice 29:26 Teacher Decision-Making and Flexibility 31:40 The Complexity of Teaching 33:17 Strategies for Live Marking and Feedback We are a proud member of the Education Leaders Podcast network. For more great Education shows, head to: educationleaders.co/network (http://educationleaders.co/network)

4. 

   11 Sept 2026

   Teaching on Purpose: Continuous and enhanced provision with Sophie Darling

   The episode features a conversation with Sophie Darling, a deputy headteacher, discussing the core purpose of providing practice, consolidation, and feedback in teaching. Sophie shares insights on the link between working memory and long-term memory, the use of enhanced provision for retrieval, practice, and consolidation, and the importance of task design with student thinking in mind. She also discusses the application of these principles in early years and Key Stage 1 education, as well as the challenges and adaptations in teaching practice. Takeaways Teacher decision-making is central to the core purpose of providing practice, consolidation, and feedback. Enhanced provision allows for autonomy, choice, and scaffolding in student learning, contributing to the consolidation of knowledge and skills. We are a proud member of the Education Leaders Podcast Network. For more great education shows, head to: educationleaders.co/network Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Core Purpose 01:46 Creating Engaging Learning Environments 02:44 Linking Working Memory and Long-Term Memory 04:20 Task Design and Cognitive Science 06:11 Autonomy and Agency in Learning 07:49 Practice, Consolidation, and Feedback in Teaching 12:12 Adapting Teaching Approaches 17:40 Directing and Guiding Student Learning 21:12 Challenges and Adaptations in Teaching Practice 26:51 Conclusion and Call to Action

5. 

   4 Sept 2026

   Teaching on Purpose: Actions to consolidate understanding with Jamie Ainscow

   In this episode, Jamie Ainscow, the head teacher of Ashbrook infant school, discusses the importance of decision making in teaching and the techniques used to provide practice, consolidation, and feedback. Jamie shares insights on using actions and visuals to support processing and the adaptation of these techniques to meet the needs of diverse learners. The conversation emphasizes the importance of flexibility and responsiveness in teaching, as well as the role of decision-making in promoting high-quality teaching. Takeaways Decision making is at the heart of effective teaching Adaptation and flexibility are essential in meeting the diverse needs of learners Chapters 00:00 Structured Paired Talk and Flexibility in Teaching

6. 

   16 Jul 2026

   Teaching on Purpose: Driving hard thinking with Yamina Bibi

   The podcast episode delves into the importance of teacher agency and decision making in the context of great teaching. It explores the concept of driving hard thinking, the role of the teacher in this process, the nature of hard thinking, and strategies for driving hard thinking, with a focus on Socratic dialogue as a powerful tool. The conversation delves into the adaptation of Socratic seminars based on class size, the influence of purpose on seminar format, the importance of intellectual preparation, psychological safety, coaching, questioning, and thinking, as well as intellectual preparation for complexity. Takeaways Teacher agency is crucial for great teaching Driving hard thinking involves metacognition and independent learning Socratic dialogue is a powerful strategy for driving hard thinking Socratic seminars adapt to class size Purpose drives seminar format Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Teacher Decision Making 01:33 Defining Driving Hard Thinking 02:45 The Role of the Teacher in Driving Hard Thinking 06:41 The Nature of Hard Thinking 10:03 Strategies for Driving Hard Thinking 25:52 Adapting Socratic Seminars 26:56 Purpose-Driven Seminar Format 29:08 Intellectual Preparation 33:16 Psychological Safety and Coaching 36:24 Questioning and Thinking 45:26 Intellectual Preparation and Complexity

7. 

   8 Jul 2026

   Teaching on Purpose: Digital Quizzing with Sophie Silva

   The conversation delves into the importance of context in decision making, the impact of teacher development on outcomes, and the interconnectedness of teaching purposes. It also explores the use of technology for instant feedback and support, as well as the adaptation and tweaking of core techniques to support different learners. The cyclical nature of practice, consolidation, and feedback is highlighted, along with the use of alternative techniques for practice and consolidation. The shared language for discussing teaching practices is emphasized as valuable for professional growth. Takeaways Context drives decision making in classrooms Feedback supports retention and agency in teachers Technology-based techniques can enhance practice, consolidation, and feedback Shared language for discussing teaching practices is valuable Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Providing Practice, Consolidation, and Feedback 01:23 Sophie's Teaching Journey and Leadership Development 02:09 The Impact of Teacher Development on Outcomes 03:35 The Connection Between Agency, Decision Making, and Retention 04:05 Using Technology for Instant Feedback and Support 06:34 Adapting Techniques to Support Different Learners 08:06 The Interconnectedness of Teaching Purposes 10:04 The Cyclical Nature of Practice, Consolidation, and Feedback 10:35 Adapting and Tweaking Core Techniques 19:00 Alternative Techniques for Practice and Consolidation

8. 

   6 Jul 2026

   Teaching on Purpose: Oracy prompts with Mel Saunders

   The conversation covers a range of topics related to education, leadership, and teaching techniques. It delves into the passion for education, the purpose of driving hard thinking, the dynamics of thinking, and the adaptation of teaching techniques. It also emphasizes the importance of classroom culture and the different types of thinking required in education. Takeaways Passion for education drives school improvement Adapting teaching techniques to classroom culture is essential Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 06:16 The Purpose of Driving Hard Thinking 13:28 Adapting Oral Rehearsal Techniques 19:20 Teaching Techniques and Classroom Culture 24:31 Adapting Routines and Techniques 32:06 Conclusion and Call to Action

9. 

   24 Jun 2026

   Teaching on Purpose: No Rounding up with Lynsey Steadman

   The podcast episode features a conversation about teacher decision-making and driving hard thinking in the classroom. It delves into the purposeful use of teaching techniques and the adaptation of these techniques to meet the specific needs of students. The episode emphasizes the importance of purposeful decision-making in teaching and the collaborative nature of the teaching profession. Takeaways Teacher decision-making Driving hard thinking Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Teaching on Purpose Podcast 13:24 Adapting Teaching Techniques for Student Needs 18:50 Purposeful Decision-Making in Teaching

10. 

    16 Jun 2026

    Teaching on Purpose: Think Pair Share with Hattie Farrer

    The episode explores the purpose of driving hard thinking and the technique of ThinkPairShare. Hattie shares her teaching journey and experience in Uganda, while Adam discusses the adaptation and application of the ThinkPairShare technique. The conversation emphasizes the importance of decision-making in teaching and the need for adaptability based on the learning context. Takeaways Purposeful adaptation of teaching techniques Understanding the cognitive effort required for learning Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Driving Hard Thinking 06:00 Memory and Cognitive Effort 11:51 Adapting ThinkPairShare Technique 18:17 Adapting ThinkPairShare Technique 25:37 When ThinkPairShare is Not Suitable

11. 

    11 Jun 2026

    Teaching on Purpose DfE White paper Special with Sarah Armitage

    The podcast series explores pertinent educational issues, with a focus on early years education. The first episode features Sarah Armitage, a head teacher with a passion for early years education. Sarah shares her journey from studying early childhood studies to becoming a head teacher, emphasizing the importance of early years principles and inclusive practice. The conversation explores the tension between early identification of developmental needs in children and the labeling of children with special educational needs (SEND). It delves into the importance of high expectations and inclusion, as well as the preservation of agency and resilience in education. The discussion also highlights the need to extend the characteristics of effective learning beyond early years. Takeaways Early years education is a critical foundation for children's development. Inclusive practice in early years education is essential and should be integrated into the classroom culture. Early identification of developmental needs is essential, but labeling children with SEND should be approached with caution. True inclusion demands high expectations and a commitment to preserving agency and resilience in all children. Extending the characteristics of effective learning beyond early years is crucial for fostering autonomy and flexibility in learning. Chapters 00:00 Balancing Early Identification of SEND 47:03 Extending Characteristics of Effective Learning

12. 

    9 Jun 2026

    Teaching on Purpose: Am I being clear? Communicating meaning with Yamina Bibi

    The conversation delves into the purpose of communicating meaning and the prerequisites for effective communication. It explores the challenges faced by teachers in communicating abstract concepts and the importance of clarity in explanations. The discussion also highlights the link between engagement and the way in which meaning is communicated, emphasizing the need for sustained thought and attention. The paradox of flexibility and adaptation is explored, along with the magic of being well-prepared and having solid knowledge. The conversation concludes with a focus on the challenges faced by teachers in communicating meaning effectively. The conversation delves into the challenges of using tangents and personal stories in teaching, the importance of choosing the right examples and stories, the distinction between the features of a story and the actual stories, the abstract vs. concrete challenge, the concept of scaffolding and incremental explanation, the relationship between concrete understanding and the abstract, and the significance of intellectual preparation and top tips for communicating meaning effectively. Takeaways Communicating meaning requires deep understanding of the content being taught Flexibility and adaptation are essential for effective communication of meaning Engagement is linked to the way in which meaning is communicated Tangents and stories can distract from the key point being communicated. Using multiple examples and analogies can help students understand abstract concepts. Intellectual preparation and deep subject knowledge are essential for effective explanation. Chapters 00:00 Challenges of Communicating Meaning for Teachers 24:35 The Temptation of Tangents and Stories 30:13 Abstract vs. Concrete Challenge 36:02 Scaffolding and Incremental Explanation 43:28 Intellectual Preparation and Top Tips for Communicating Meaning

13. 

    2 Jun 2026

    Teaching on Purpose: Lauren Pickering

    The episode features a conversation between Adam and Lauren, focusing on the purpose of communicating meaning in teaching. Lauren introduces the 'whole class feedback slide' technique and discusses its impact on teacher workload, student engagement, and progress. The conversation also delves into adaptation and the interplay between purpose and context in teaching, the importance of teacher belief in a technique, and the role of leadership in fostering collective ethos and mental models of learning and teaching. Takeaways Teacher belief in a technique is crucial for its effectiveness. The interplay between purpose and context in teaching is essential for adapting techniques to suit the demands of different situations.

14. 

    22 May 2026

    Teaching on Purpose: Henry Cross

    The conversation delves into the core teaching technique of I do, we do, you do, its adaptations and variations, and the role of assessment and feedback in teaching. Henry Cross shares insights on the technique's application and the importance of professional judgment in teaching. Takeaways I do, we do, you do - a core teaching technique Adaptations and variations of the I do, we do, you do technique Assessment and feedback in teaching Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 16:22 Adaptations and Variations of the Technique 24:53 Assessment and Feedback in Teaching

15. 

    11 May 2026

    Teaching on Purpose: Noureddine Mlaouhi

    The episode features a conversation between Adam and Nuruddin Mlaouhi, focusing on the purpose of communicating meaning in teaching. Nuruddin shares insights on live modeling as a technique for communicating meaning, the importance of cognitive load, and the use of group work to enhance student understanding. The conversation emphasizes the need for teachers to be responsive and make the right decisions at the right time for the right reason. Takeaways Live modeling is a powerful technique for communicating meaning in teaching. Understanding student cognitive load is crucial for adapting teaching techniques. Group work can be used to enhance student understanding and encourage learning from peers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Communicating Meaning 10:27 Adapting Live Modeling 21:18 Group Work as an Alternative Technique

16. 

    6 May 2026

    Teaching on Purpose: Yamina Bibi

    In this episode, Adam and Yamina discuss the purpose of securing, maintaining, and regaining attention in the classroom. They explore the importance of whole school consistency, the impact of extraneous cognitive load on attention, and the role of attention across all phases of a lesson. They also delve into the difference between visible clues and cognitive attending, as well as the adaptation of a whole school approach to attention techniques. The conversation delves into the importance of securing and maintaining attention in the classroom, the need for adapting techniques for individual students, the significance of consistency in whole school culture, the challenges in leadership of teaching and learning, and the purpose of securing attention in the context of teaching and professional development.

17. 

    1 May 2026

    Teaching on Purpose: Ian Stonnell

    In this episode Adam is joined by Ian Stonnell, Assistant Head for Teaching and Learning at Denbigh High school. Adam and Ian get into the popular technique of SLANT and Ian talks us through when he uses it, when he tweaks it and when he uses a different technique for the same purpose.

18. 

    22 Apr 2026

    Teaching on Purpose: Gavin Ward

    In this episode, host, Adam and Gavin Ward, Assistant Head at Kempston Academy, dig into securing, maintaining and regaining attention through a 3,2,1 Countdown.

19. 

    14 Apr 2026

    Teaching on Purpose: Nadine Cotton

    In this first episode, host, Adam and Nadine Cotton, Director of Secondary standards and Quality of Education, talk about purpose. What is it that drives teacher decision making in the classroom and how can we make sure that we put those drivers, (our purposes) at the heart of how we talk about teaching...

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.