Practical teaching tips and advice for teachers. Richard is a high school science teacher and the author of an award-winning book - The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know.
Like many early-career educators, I believed that equality, which means giving all students the same tasks, the same resources, and the same deadlines, was the fairest way to teach. However, time and experience taught me that equity, not equality, is what truly transforms learning. It involves giving each student what they need to succeed. Sometimes that means providing different forms of support to different learners.This episode is accompanied by a blog post at https://richardjamesrogers.com/2025/06/01/equity-vs-equality-in-education-what-ive-learned-from-the-front-lines/Book me to train your team at: https://richardjamesrogers.com/professional-development/Check out my books for teachers at https://richardjamesrogers.com/books-for-teachers/
I'll admit it: I was skeptical at first. When I first heard about teachers using AI like ChatGPT to help in the classroom, I imagined some robotic voice taking over my lessons while I stood awkwardly in the corner. But after giving it a try for a while, I can honestly say this: Generative AI has become one of my most useful classroom assistants, and I don't even need to buy it coffee.This episode is accompanied by a blog post: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2025/05/25/using-generative-ai-as-a-teaching-assistant/Check out my blog for teachers at https://richardjamesrogers.com/Interested in some teacher training? Book me to train your team at https://richardjamesrogers.com/professional-development/Check out my award-winning book, The Quick Guide to Classroom Management, at https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Guide-Classroom-Management-Pedagogical-ebook/dp/B016ZG1IX0
Success in high school is not just about hard work: it's about working smart, using proven strategies that boost learning, memory, and motivation. In today's episode I describe 10 powerful tips, distilled from years of classroom experience and research-backed methods, to help students achieve their full potential.This episode is accompanied by a blog post at https://richardjamesrogers.com/2025/04/27/10-tips-to-help-high-school-students-achieve-high-performance/Check out my books on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Richard-James-Rogers/author/B017OVU06QCheck out my blog for teachers at https://richardjamesrogers.com/Check out my merchandise store at https://richardjamesrogers.com/
In today's podcast I dive deep into two recent viral trends: AI dolls (a.k.a. the 'Barbie Box' trend) and the Netflix mini-series, Adolescence. I describe what teachers can take from these issues, and how teachers can use AI to their advantage in 2025 and beyond. Blog post: AI Dolls and Digital Desks: High School Teaching in 2025Blog post: Adolescence: What Netflix's Latest Drama Teaches Educators About the Manosphere, Misogyny and the Modern TeenMy books for teachers: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Richard-James-Rogers/author/B017OVU06Q
In my twenty years of teaching, I've come across numerous pedagogical techniques designed to boost student learning, but few have been as transformative as interleaving. This technique, backed by cognitive science, has the power to enhance long-term retention and application of knowledge: yet it remains underutilised in many secondary school classrooms. Today, I want to explore generalisable rules for interleaving (a structured approach that any secondary school teacher can apply) and one that, to my knowledge, has never been formally outlined before. Accompanying blog post: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2025/03/09/how-interleaving-works-universal-strategies-for-secondary-school-classroom-practice/Check out my award-winning book for teachers, The Quick Guide to Classroom Management?: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know, here: https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Guide-Classroom-Management-Teachers-dp-B08VCQPF2L/dp/B08VCQPF2L/ref=dp_ob_title_bkBjork, E. L., & Bjork, R. A. (2011). Making things hard on yourself, but in a good way: Creating desirable difficulties to enhance learning. Psychology and the Real World: Essays Illustrating Fundamental Contributions to Society, 56-64.Pan, S. C., Tajran, J., Lovelett, J., Osuna, J., & Rickard, T. C. (2019). Does interleaved practice enhance foreign language learning? The effects of training schedule on vocabulary learning. Journal of Educational Psychology, 111(8), 1172–1181.Rohrer, D., & Taylor, K. (2007). The shuffling of mathematics problems improves learning. Instructional Science, 35(6), 481-498.Keep, B. (2022) ‘The spaced practice effect: what it is and how to leverage it', Benjamin Keep, 15 December. Available at: https://www.benjaminkeep.com/the-spaced-practice-effect-what-it-is-and-how-to-leverage-it/ (Accessed: 9 March 2025).Rogers, R. (2022) ‘Deep learning vs surface learning', Richard James Rogers, 24 May. Available at: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2022/05/24/deep-learning-vs-surface-learning/ (Accessed: 9 March 2025).
When students unexpectedly bring up sensitive or controversial topics in class—such as questions about Bonnie Blue (a British adult content creator who recently became wildly infamous due to provocative activities and public notoriety), or other ignominious public figures, such as Andrew Tate—teachers may feel unprepared. How should we respond when children ask about such material?Check out my blog for teachers at https://richardjamesrogers.com/This podcast episode is accompanied by a blog post: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2025/02/23/responding-thoughtfully-when-students-ask-about-controversial-topics-the-example-of-bonnie-blue/Bibliography and referencesCRLT (n.d.) Guidelines for Discussing Difficult or Controversial Topics. University of Michigan. Available at: https://crlt.umich.edu/tstrategies/tsd (Accessed: 23 February 2025).Harvard Graduate School of Education (2022) You Want to Teach What? Managing Controversial Topics in the Classroom. Harvard University. Available at: https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/22/02/you-want-teach-what (Accessed: 23 February 2025).Teen Vogue (2021) Why Schools Should Teach Media Literacy to Combat Misinformation. Available at: https://www.teenvogue.com/story/media-literacy-schools-misinformation (Accessed: 23 February 2025).The Choices Program (n.d.) Teaching about Controversial Issues: A Resource Guide. Brown University. Available at: https://www.choices.edu/teaching-news-lesson/teaching-about-controversial-issues-a-resource-guide/ (Accessed: 23 February 2025).Yale Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning (n.d.) Teaching Controversial Topics. Yale University. Available at: https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/teaching/ideas-teaching/teaching-controversial-topics (Accessed: 23 February 2025).
Stepping into a senior leadership team (SLT) role for the first time can be both exhilarating and daunting. Recently, I was appointed as the Acting Head of Secondary at an international school in Thailand, and to gain deeper insights into the role, I reached out to SLT members in other schools for their best advice. Their responses provided me with invaluable lessons that I am now applying in my leadership journey. Check out my blog for teachers at https://richardjamesrogers.com/ Blog post: Starting Out as an SLT Member: What I Learned from the Experts Blog post: Working With Colleagues: The Gossip Mill Produces Toxic Flour Check out my award-winning book, The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know
Joining the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) has given me a fresh perspective on the many interconnected elements that shape a positive school community. In this episode, I share key insights and practical strategies for teachers, middle managers, SLT members, and other stakeholders to collaborate effectively and foster a strong sense of belonging among students. Whether you're looking to strengthen relationships, boost school culture, or enhance student engagement, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you create a thriving learning environment.My website:richardjamesrogers.comMy award-winning, bestselling book for teachers (The Quick Guide to Classroom Management):https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Guide-Classroom-Management-Teachers-dp-B08VCQPF2L/dp/B08VCQPF2L/My Instagram: @richard_james_rogersMy Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/richardrogersauthor/My Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardjamesrogers/
Imagine mentoring a trainee teacher who's eager to become the best educator they can be but feels unsure of where to start. If you could offer just ONE piece of advice to guide them, what would it be? Tune in today to hear my perspective on this important question! Check out my award-winning book for teachers - The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know Check out my second book entitled The Power of Praise: Empowering Students Through Positive Feedback Check out my blog for teachers at richardjamesrogers.com Instagram: @richard_james_rogers
In my classroom, SEL forms an integral part of each lesson's structure and delivery, and today I'm sharing ten practical ways you can integrate it into your teaching too! Check out my blog for teachers, containing hundreds of useful posts, at https://richardjamesrogers.com/ The Quick Guide to Classroom Management (my bestselling book): https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Guide-Classroom-Management-Teachers-dp-B08VCQPF2L/dp/B08VCQPF2L/ This episode comes with an accompanying blog post at https://richardjamesrogers.com/2024/11/25/how-i-use-sel-in-my-high-school-lessons-and-how-you-can-too/ How to Incorporate Mindfulness in the Classroom, by American University: https://soeonline.american.edu/blog/mindfulness-in-the-classroom/ Learning Journals: A Powerful Student Feedback System (blog post): https://richardjamesrogers.com/2018/02/18/learning-journals-a-powerful-student-feedback-system/ Role-Play as an SEL Teaching Tool (Edutopia): https://www.edutopia.org/blog/role-play-sel-teaching-tool-kristin-stuart-valdes 5 Essential Executive Coaching Tips for Beginners (blog post): https://richardjamesrogers.com/2023/04/24/5-essential-executive-coaching-tips-for-beginners/ Gratitude Activities: Ideas for ELLs (Colorin Colorado): https://www.colorincolorado.org/gratitude
One massive part of the work we do as teachers is the finding, storing and organising of resources for use in our lessons. These could be worksheets, slides, exam papers, tools to help with reporting, learning games, and a whole array other valuable items. It takes a while, however, for teachers to learn how to manage all of this in a way that is efficient - so that precious time is not wasted re-finding resources, or doing things from scratch (again). In today's episode, I delve into the techniques and systems I use, and have used, to successfully organise all of my resources (paper-based, physical and digital). Check out my ward-winning book: The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know, here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1505701945/ Check out my second book, The Power of Praise: Empowering Students Through Positive Feedback, here: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Praise-Empowering-Students-Pedagogical-ebook-dp-B07WJXG4XJ/dp/B07WJXG4XJ/ Check out my blog for teachers, which has been running since 2015 and is a treasure trove of wisdom, here: https://richardjamesrogers.com/ Contact me at info@richardjamesrogers.com
From time to time you may find yourself in a situation in which you must have a delicate conversation with one, or more, of your teaching colleagues. Sometimes this can happen when you least expect it, and a colleague chooses to divulge something (or rant) to you. Sometimes such conversations arise due to a cascade of unavoidable (and, sometimes, avoidable) events. How do we navigate such conversations in a professional manner? Find out, in this episode! Check out my blog for teachers at https://richardjamesrogers.com/ Check out my award-winning book, The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know, at https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Guide-Classroom-Management-Teachers-dp-B08VCQPF2L/dp/B08VCQPF2L/ Contact me at info@richardjamesrogers.com
Is it possible to apply a consistent structure to every lesson we teach, whilst still retaining our creative freedom as teachers? I believe so. That's why I've created the Basic Lesson Structure (BLS), which can be applied to any lesson, at any level. Check out my award-winning book, The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know, here: https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Guide-Classroom-Management-Teachers-dp-B08VCQPF2L/dp/B08VCQPF2L/ Check out my blog for teachers at https://richardjamesrogers.com/ Check out my blog index for teachers, which contains a list (with links) to all of my blog posts: https://richardjamesrogers.com/blog-index/ Blog post on Learning Journals: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2018/02/18/learning-journals-a-powerful-student-feedback-system/ Blog post on Active Engagement: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2022/09/18/5-exceptional-tips-for-teachers-to-engagestudents/ Blog post on starter activities: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2016/03/04/7-starter-activities-for-pgce-students-and-newly-qualified-teachers/ Blog post on plenary activities: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2018/02/25/7-plenary-activities-for-pgce-students-and-newly-qualified-teachers/
Starting your teaching career is an exciting adventure, but it can also feel overwhelming. When I first starting teaching high school science back in 2005, for example, I soon found myself struggling to succeed at (what I see today as) basic tasks, such as marking, lesson planning and managing behaviour. So many aspects of the job were completely new to me, despite the limited teaching experience I gained from the Army Cadet Force as a teenager. The reassuring news is that every teacher makes mistakes – it's part of the learning process. To give you a head start, I will describe ten of the most common rookie blunders new high school teachers make (and, that I have made at some point on my journey!), along with some friendly advice on how to avoid them! This podcast episode is accompanied by a blog post at https://richardjamesrogers.com/2024/09/29/10-rookie-blunders-new-high-school-teachers-make-and-how-to-avoid-them/ Check out my award-winning book for high school teachers, The Quick Guide to Classroom Management, at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1505701945/ Check out my blog for teachers at https://richardjamesrogers.com/ My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richard_james_rogers/ My Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/richardrogersauthor/ E-mail me at info@richardjamesrogers.com
As educators, we're always on the lookout for strategies that can enhance our students' understanding and retention of information. One such strategy that has gained significant attention in recent years is dual coding. But what exactly is dual coding, and how can it be applied in our classrooms to make a tangible difference? Drawing from my own experiences since I started teaching Science and Maths in 2006, let's dive into the concept and its practical application. This podcast episode comes with an accompanying blog post at: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2024/09/02/what-is-dual-coding/ Check out my popular blog post on Cognitive Load Theory, here: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2020/10/25/what-is-cognitive-load-theory/ Check out my award-winning book for high school teachers, The Quick Guide to Classroom Management, here: https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Guide-Classroom-Management-Teachers-dp-B08VCQPF2L/dp/B08VCQPF2L/ E-mail me at info@richardjamesrogers.com for topic requests and/or feedback
As teachers, we often form strong connections with our students as we guide them on their learning journeys. This can be incredibly rewarding for us – we gain much joy from helping our students to improve. However, it's essential to maintain a professional distance to ensure that our relationships with students remain appropriate and conducive to learning. The ten guidelines explored in this episode have been adapted from research by Willing and Haney (1994). They provide a framework for maintaining this balance. Please note that William and Haney's research was aimed at ABE (Adult Basic Education) teachers, so I have attempted to back-extrapolate the guidance to cover high-school teaching. This episode is accompanied by a blog post at https://richardjamesrogers.com/2024/08/24/maintaining-professional-distance-as-a-high-school-teacher-ten-essential-guidelines/ Check out my award-winning book for high-school teachers at https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Guide-Classroom-Management-Teachers-dp-B08VCQPF2L/dp/B08VCQPF2L/ Original research paper: Willing, D.C., & Haney, H. (1994). Maintaining “Professional Distance”: A Dilemma for the ABE Teacher. Developments, 10(4), 6-7. Available at: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED372265.pdf (Accessed: 18 August 2024). Alaska Daily News (2024) Anchorage teacher put on administrative leave after post by prominent right-wing social media account. Available at: https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/education/2024/03/07/anchorage-teacher-put-on-administrative-leave-after-post-by-prominent-right-wing-social-media-account/ (Accessed: 18 August 2024).
Demonstrating confidence in the classroom is the cornerstone of any effective lesson you will deliver. When we, as teachers, are confident, then that naturally builds a sense of confidence that the students will have in our abilities. Our lessons are also more engaging, more organized and more effective when we are confident. In today's episode I describe three ways in which we, as teachers, can boost our classroom confidence. Check out my blog for teachers at https://richardjamesrogers.com/ The Top 7 Strategies For Efficient Lesson Planning (blog post): https://richardjamesrogers.com/2017/07/02/the-top-5-stategies-for-efficient-lesson-planning/ Check out my award-winning book for teachers - The Quick to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know, at https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Guide-Classroom-Management-Teachers-dp-B08VCQPF2L/dp/B08VCQPF2L/ Check out my second book, The Power of Praise: Empowering Students Through Positive Feedback, at https://www.amazon.com/Power-Praise-Empowering-Students-Pedagogical-ebook-dp-B07WJXG4XJ/dp/B07WJXG4XJ/
Is it acceptable for a teacher to have a dating profile? After all, recent statistics by the Pew Research Centre found that in 2023, 53% of singles who were actively seeking relationships had some kind of online dating profile. What is acceptable conduct when it comes to dating app usage by teachers? How can we, as teachers, protect ourselves from unwanted attention and complaints when using dating apps? I aim to answer these questions, and more, in this podcast episode. This podcast episode is accompanied by a blog post: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2024/06/03/should-teachers-use-dating-apps/ Check out my blog for teachers, which contains loads of advice, at https://richardjamesrogers.com/ Check out my award-winning book, The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know, at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1505701945/
Even as far back as 2020, during the height of the pandemic, research was being conducted on the effectiveness of video conferencing in education, and some such research concluded that online meetings would remain popular long-after the pandemic was over. My personal experiences have certainly mirrored these predictions – tutoring has moved mostly online, online meetings are still being used by many schools for parent-teacher conferences and schools still find that an online meeting is the most convenient way to bring everyone together efficiently, even if everyone is in the same building! Some schools are still using online meetings for assemblies too – an efficient approach as all of the students can remain in their classrooms and simply ‘enjoy the show' on the classroom smart board or projector. The Powerful Public Speaker Certificate Course (can be offered online, globally): https://richardjamesrogers.com/powerful-public-speaker/ MEET UP R Graphic: https://i0.wp.com/richardjamesrogers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Online-Meeting-Rules-Richard-James-Rogers.png?ssl=1 This podcast episode is accompanied by a blog post: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2024/04/21/the-7-golden-rules-of-communication-for-online-meetings/ Check out my blog for teachers (contains hundreds of blog posts on practical teaching tips): https://richardjamesrogers.com/ Check out my award-winning book for high school teachers, The Quick Guide to Classroom Management, here: https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Guide-Classroom-Management-Teachers-dp-B08VCQPF2L/dp/B08VCQPF2L/
Anyone who is new to the teaching profession is bound to make mistakes. There's so much to learn and so much is at stake: the future careers of young people are literally in your hands. The pressure can be overwhelming at times, and this can cause trainees to panic. Relax! This podcast episode was made for you! This podcast episode is accompanied by a blog post: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2024/04/14/the-top-five-mistakes-that-trainee-high-school-teachers-are-making/ Check out my second book, which contains tons of tips for providing efficient and impactful feedback to your students: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Praise-Empowering-Students-Pedagogical-ebook-dp-B07WJXG4XJ/dp/B07WJXG4XJ/ Check out my award-winning book for high school teachers, The Quick Guide to Classroom Management, at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1505701945/ Check out my blog for teachers, which is jam-packed with practical teaching tips, at https://richardjamesrogers.com/ If you have a topic request, or if you would like to contact me, then email info@richardjamesrogers.com
Students who are quiet in class are often the ones who are most overlooked by educators. They tend to be compliant; they rarely (if ever) ask questions; they turn in their homework on time and generally just get on with things. One could be forgiven for thinking of such learners as the ‘perfect' students. This is, however, quite a narrowly focused viewpoint and stance to take. Such students may be well behaved, but how can we be sure that they have understood the content we have delivered in a lesson (aside from formally assessing them)? Additionally, how are we, as educators, helping our quiet and withdrawn students to develop their self-confidence and key skills, such as public speaking, teamwork and problem-solving? This podcast episode is accompanied by a blog post: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2024/03/31/five-strategies-for-engaging-quiet-shy-and-withdrawn-students/ Check out my award-winning book for teachers, The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know at https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Guide-Classroom-Management-Teachers-dp-B08VCQPF2L/dp/B08VCQPF2L/ Check out my blog for teachers at https://richardjamesrogers.com/
Bullying continues to be an issue for so many schools. A simple Google search reveals daily news stories of student violence and incidents of extreme intimidation happening in countries all over the world. In today's podcast episode, I describe some simple and effective ways that schools can proactively tackle bullying, as well as prevent it from happening in the first place. Check out my blog for teachers at https://richardjamesrogers.com/ Check out my award-winning book for high school teachers, 'The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know' at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1505701945/ Japan school bullying cases leading to police probes hit 10-year high: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/03/15/japan/school-bullying-cases-surge/ Mother pulls daughter out of Leicester High School over bullying concerns: https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/mother-pulls-daughter-out-of-leicester-high-school-over-bullying-concerns/3309120/ Disturbing video shows helpless student attacked by bullies at Minn. middle school: report: https://nypost.com/2024/03/16/us-news/disturbing-video-shows-student-attacked-by-bullies-at-mn-middle-school-report/ PDF guide: 'Preventing and Tackling Bullying - Advice for Teachers, Staff and Governing Bodies': https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/625ee64cd3bf7f6004339db8/Preventing_and_tackling_bullying_advice.pdf ACE Education Guide: Tackling Bullying at School: https://www.ace-ed.org.uk/advice-about-education-for-parents/tackling-bullying E-mail me at info@richardjamesrogers.com if you have any topic requests
As a newly designated Certified ScrumMaster®, I thought it would be appropriate for me to share my newly acquired knowledge with my listeners - with a particular emphasis on how Scrum can be utilised in the high school classroom, and when managing teams of high school teachers. Scrum is a hugely popular Agile Project Management technique that is most commonly associated with boardrooms, not classrooms! Today I aim to explain why Scrum is an excellent framework for use with any school projects, and how the logistics of the system work. This episode is accompanied by a blog post: Check out my blog of teachers containing tons of useful tips: https://richardjamesrogers.com/ Check out my award-winning book for high school teachers, The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1505701945/ Scrum Guide: https://scrumguides.org/scrum-guide.html Agile Manifesto: https://agilemanifesto.org/ Contact me at info@richardjamesrogers.com
Teacher stress levels are at an all-time high globally, and things seem set to get worse as teacher shortages show no sign of receding. Whether it's a behaviour management issue we must deal with, an inflammatory email to digest, or a conflict with a colleague to resolve; we MUST always respond professionally - and that rule applies to any situation that causes us frustration. In today's podcast episode, I'll provide you with a very useful framework ('The Four S's') which have helped me to resolve issues in a calm and collected manner over the years. Enjoy! Check out my award-winning book for high school teachers, The Quick Guide to Classroom Management, here: https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Guide-Classroom-Management-Teachers-dp-B08VCQPF2L/dp/B08VCQPF2L/ Check out my blog for teachers, which is FILLED with advice, at https://richardjamesrogers.com/ Contact me at info@richardjamesrogers.com for requests How to Best Use Detachment [Psychology Today]: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-fitness/201811/how-best-use-detachment ‘Cruel' wellbeing approach adding to teachers' stress – study [The Educator]: https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/cruel-wellbeing-approach-adding-to-teachers-stress--study/284183
Teachers have been earning extra cash on the side from private tutoring for centuries. What's new in this space, however, is how widely accepted online tutoring has become post-COVID. In today's episode, I'll explain why online tutoring can be more favorable than face-to-face tutoring for teachers, as well as some top tips on how to get it right every time! Check out my blog for teachers at https://richardjamesrogers.com/ Check out my award-winning book for high-school teachers, The Quick Guide to Classroom Management, at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1505701945/
Do you believe that Kahoot "lacks purpose" and encourages "apathy"? Wat about other live quiz apps - do they still have place in the post-pandemic classroom? Listen to my thoughts on this issue in today's episode. Accompany blog post [5 Awesome Live Quiz Apps You Can Use in The Classroom]: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2022/02/22/5-awesome-live-quiz-apps-you-can-use-in-the-classroom/
Public speaking and presentation skills are already in high demand in the workplace, and this demand seems set to increase as we enter 2024 and beyond as soft skills (irreplaceable by AI) become harder to acquire in the workforce. When our students present their research findings or knowledge to the class, they develop and enrich their understanding and they acquire key skills along the way. Check out my blog for teacher at https://richardjamesrogers.com/ Check out my award-winning book for teachers, The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know, at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1505701945/
Sometimes we cannot use peer or self-assessment methods to provide feedback, and we must mark our students' work the old-fashioned way: by hand. This is particularly true for high-stakes assessments, such as end-of-year tests. In today's podcast episode I explore seven ways in which we, as teachers, can improve our efficiency when marking work by hand. Check out my blog for teachers at https://richardjamesrogers.com/ Check out my award-winning book for teachers, The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know, at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1505701945/
Unless you've been hiding in cave for the past five years, it's highly likely that you have heard the phrase ‘retrieval practice' being bandied about multiple times at educational seminars, Professional Development workshops and even in the departmental meetings you've attended at school. It's one of those areas of pedagogy that has gotten educators excited due it's evidence-based effectiveness, as well it's inclusion, affirmation and promotion of metacognitive strategies (another hot topic in education). In today's podcast episode I provide my listeners with the following: A simple, understandable description of what retrieval practice is A handy acronym (P.O.W.E.R.) that we can all use to remember the stages we need to follow as teachers when carrying out retrieval practice with our students Some ideas on techniques and activities we can use in the classroom to facilitate good retrieval practice Check out my award-winning book for teachers, 'The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know, at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1505701945/ Check out the blog post that accompanies this podcast episode at https://richardjamesrogers.com/2024/01/14/introducing-the-p-o-w-e-r-method-of-retrieval-practice/
In the classroom, we are expected to be entertainers, facilitators and imparters of knowledge. This requires high amounts of energy on our part, every single day. Maintaining energy levels is no easy task for a teacher - it involves dealing with challenges outside of school, along with the facing the obstacles that present themselves inside the classroom. Being a high-energy teacher requires a whole-life overhaul, and this podcast episode I'll tell you exactly how to make it happen! Check out my blog for teachers at https://richardjamesrogers.com/ Check out my award-winning book for high-school teachers, The Quick Guide to Classroom Management, at https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Guide-Classroom-Management-Teachers-dp-B08VCQPF2L/dp/B08VCQPF2L/
In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, traditional teaching methods are being reshaped by innovative approaches that prioritize creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. One such methodology gaining traction is Design Thinking. Originally conceived in the realm of product design, Design Thinking has found its way into education, offering a dynamic framework for educators to foster critical thinking and innovation among students. In this podcast episode, we will explore what Design Thinking is and how it can be effectively applied in classroom teaching. This episode is accompanied by a blog post: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2023/12/17/what-is-design-thinking-and-how-can-it-be-used-in-classroom-teaching/ Check out my award-winning book for teachers - The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TVCWFZ4 Check out my blog for teachers: https://richardjamesrogers.com/
As we embark on our noble journey of shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning, it's crucial to navigate the realm of assessments with a clear understanding of the three fundamental pillars: Assessment for Learning (AFL), Assessment of Learning (AOL), and Assessment as Learning (AAL). These three components not only guide our teaching practices but also play a pivotal role in student growth and achievement. Check out my blog for teacher at richardjamesrogers.com Learning Journals: A Powerful Student Feedback System [Blog post]: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2018/02/18/learning-journals-a-powerful-student-feedback-system/ Check out my award-winning book for teachers, 'The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know', here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1505701945/
Slides are here to stay – that's undeniable, so let's discover the common mistakes teachers are making when utilizing them (note to listener – I have made ALL of the mistakes I'm about to mention at some point or another in my career, so I'm a real expert on this topic!). This episode is accompanied by a blog post at https://richardjamesrogers.com/2023/11/05/5-mistakes-teachers-are-making-when-delivering-slide-presentations/ Check out my award-winning book for teachers, The Quick Guide to Classroom Management, at https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Guide-Classroom-Management-Teachers-dp-B08VCQPF2L/dp/B08VCQPF2L/ Check out my Powerful Public Speaker Professional Development Certificate Course at https://richardjamesrogers.com/powerful-public-speaker/
Boo! Halloween is right around the corner, and it's time to bring some spooktacular fun into your high school classroom. Whether you're a seasoned educator or a fresh-faced teacher, these ten Halloween activity ideas will help you create memorable, engaging, and educational experiences for your students. So, put on your witch's hat, grab a handful of candy corn, and let's get started! Check out my blog for teachers: https://richardjamesrogers.com/ My book: The Quick to Classroom Management - 45 Secrets That All That High School Teachers Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1505701945/ 5 Awesome Live Quiz Apps You Can Use in The Classroom: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2022/02/22/5-awesome-live-quiz-apps-you-can-use-in-the-classroom/ History.com: https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween Halloween Science Experiments: https://www.weareteachers.com/halloween-candy-experiments/ Halloween movies for kids: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g2661/halloween-movies/ Halloween writing prompts: https://kbinbloom.com/halloween-journal-prompts/
Tests and assessments provide students with great opportunities to acquire useful practice and training for the final exams. In today's episode, I will describe some ways in which teachers can provide high-quality feedback on exam-style questions. Check out my blog for teachers: https://richardjamesrogers.com/ Check out my award-winning book for high-school teachers: The Quick Guide to Classroom Management at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1505701945/
It sounds like a dream doesn't it? Give the kids some quick prompts or source material that introduces them to a topic, tell them to 'find out about x, y and z' and then just let them roll with it and hope for the best. With such little input from the teacher, the students are bound to engage in 'deep learning', 'problem-solving' and 'critical thinking', right? Such a great box-ticking exercise! Unfortunately, however, this is the great delusion that currently surrounds inquiry-based approaches to learning. I this episode, I explain why so many teachers are doing IBL wrong, and what we can do to make the process work better for our learners. Santa Ana College article on Inquiry-Based Learning: https://sac.edu/AcademicAffairs/TracDat/Pages/Inquiry-Based-Learning-.aspx#:~:text=Inquiry%2Dbased%20learning%20is%20a,problem%2Dsolving%20and%20experiential%20learning. My blog for teachers: https://richardjamesrogers.com/ Check out my award-winning book for high school teachers: The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Guide-Classroom-Management-Teachers-dp-B08VCQPF2L/dp/B08VCQPF2L/
In today's episode I break down a great article from veteran educator, Suzanne Capek Tingley, which covers the essentials of effective classroom practice. Original article by Suzanne Capek Tingley: https://www.wgu.edu/heyteach/article/8-essential-teaching-tips-someone-who-has-seen-it-all1901.html Check out my blog for educators at https://richardjamesrogers.com/
As teachers, we play a pivotal and crucial role in the shaping of young minds. This means that we are, in fact, role models for young people. Whilst that concept may seem old-fashioned, it is actually more crucial now, in these times of great flux, than ever before in history. Check out my blog for teachers at https://richardjamesrogers.com/ How Should Teachers Behave on Social Media [Blog Post]: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2018/10/07/how-should-teachers-be-professional-with-social-media/ Check out my award-winning book for high school teachers: The Quick Guide to Classroom Management
The statistics on child poverty are alarming, and it's highly likely that you are teaching several children (at least) who are financially disadvantaged. In Australia, 1 in 6 children live in poverty, whilst in the US and UK that ratio climbs to 1 in 5 and 1 in 4, respectively. Globally, 1.2 billion children live in poverty, and access to education is often a key factor in helping children escape a life of financial woe. In today's episode, I explore some ways in which we, as teachers, can enact practical strategies in the classroom to help children who are financially disadvantaged. I also discuss some whole-school and community approaches to alleviating the burden of poverty on families and children. Check out my award-winning book for teachers - The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TVCWFZ4 Check out my blog for teachers: https://richardjamesrogers.com/
Have you ever wished there was a way to ignite your students' passion for learning, encourage creativity, and foster independent thinking, all while adhering to the curriculum? Well, look no further than “Genius Hour”! In this episode, we'll dive deep into what Genius Hour is and explore how it can be applied to high school (and lower school) teaching to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. The episode is accompanied by a blog post: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2023/09/04/unleash-your-students-brilliance-exploring-genius-hour-in-high-school-teaching/ Check out my award-winning book for teachers: The Quick Guide to Classroom Management Online databases to support Genius Hour: https://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/27201/20200907/10-free-online-educational-databases-every-student-should-know-use.htm E-mail me for topic requests: info@richardjamesrogers.com
As we bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of the academic year, we find ourselves at the threshold of a much-needed break: the glorious summer vacation. While some might envision teachers lounging on sandy beaches, sipping fruity drinks, and enjoying endless relaxation, the reality is that our time off is much more precious than that. As a current teacher myself, I understand the importance of making the most out of our time away from the classroom. So, let's explore some fantastic ways we can recharge, grow, and make this summer unforgettable! This episode is accompanied by a blog post: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2023/07/23/a-teachers-summer-vacation-making-the-most-of-our-time-away-from-the-classroom/ Check out my award-winning book for teachers - The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TVCWFZ4 Check out my second book entitled 'The Power of Praise: Empowering Students Through Positive Feedback': https://www.amazon.com/Power-Praise-Empowering-Students-Pedagogical/dp/1689738995 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richard_james_rogers/
Be careful about how you behave at staff gatherings and parties. It can be really tempting to let your hair down, especially at the start or end of an academic year, but you must remember that your colleagues and managers are secretly watching you (and judging you) when you're chucking down those pints, shots and bottles of whichever beverage it is that you like. Know your limitations and err on the side of caution. Check out my award-winning book for teachers - The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TVCWFZ4 Check out my second book entitled 'The Power of Praise: Empowering Students Through Positive Feedback': https://www.amazon.com/Power-Praise-Empowering-Students-Pedagogical/dp/1689738995 Check out my blog for teachers: https://richardjamesrogers.com/
In today's episode I discuss two very popular topics that are getting a lot of press at the moment: Instagram Threads and children who identify as 'furries' (animals). It's important for teachers to know how Threads could potentially be used to support teaching and learning, as it could (potentially) become a more child-friendly, tamer and 'safer' social media application than Twitter currently is. At the end of the episode, I tackle the second topic, 'furries', by providing some tips for teachers who have to teach children who identify in this way. Paul Joseph Watson's original video, THREADS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCAzn5AlHww&t=4s Instagram Threads: A Fun Tool to Enhance Teaching and Learning! [Blog Post]: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2023/07/09/instagram-threads-a-fun-tool-to-enhance-teaching-and-learning/ CAT SPAT Parents and teachers warned not to ridicule schoolkids who identify as animals [The Sun, 24th June 2023]: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/22801958/parents-teachers-warned-schoolkids-furries/ ‘Child identifying as cat' controversy: from TikTok video to media frenzy [The Guardian, June 23rd 2023]: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2023/jun/23/child-identifying-as-cat-controversy-from-a-tiktok-video-to-media-frenzy The rise of the 'furries': How schools are allowing kids to identify as cats, horses and dinosaurs - and teachers are 'failing to question them' [Mail Online, 20th June 2023]: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12213579/How-schools-allowing-kids-identify-cats-horses-dinosaurs.html Check out my award-winning book for teachers - The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TVCWFZ4 Check out my second book entitled 'The Power of Praise: Empowering Students Through Positive Feedback': https://www.amazon.com/Power-Praise-Empowering-Students-Pedagogical/dp/1689738995
In today's episode I describe the best techniques I have used to engage students who do not have English as their first language. Gleaned from over 15 years of teaching ELD students subjects as diverse as Maths, Science, English and German, these tips are actionable and impactful. | Practical Teaching Tips by award-winning author, Richard James Rogers. Check out my award-winning book for teachers, The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know Check out my expansive blog for teachers at richardjamesrogers.com
Mr Huggins, a History teacher with over 30 years of experience, was asked by the Head of Science at Retford Oaks Academy in the UK to cover a lesson on puberty. What happened next was a nightmarish ordeal that would involve him being investigated by the local authority safeguarding body and the DBS. Listen carefully to this episode if you want to learn some important lessons from Mr Huggins' story. Daily Mail article: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12189171/EXCLUSIVE-Teacher-54-treated-like-paedophile-upset-children-gender-dysphoria.html Check out my award-winning book for teachers - The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TVCWFZ4 Check out my second book entitled 'The Power of Praise: Empowering Students Through Positive Feedback': https://www.amazon.com/Power-Praise-Empowering-Students-Pedagogical/dp/1689738995 Check out my blog for teachers: https://richardjamesrogers.com/
As a teacher, it's important to have a solid understanding of the principles that underpin effective instruction. One set of principles that has gained widespread recognition is the set proposed by Barak Rosenshine, a former professor of educational psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In this podcast episode I describe ten ways we can apply Rosenshine's principles to our lessons to help our students achieve their full potential. This episode is accompanied by a blog post: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2023/05/14/10-ways-to-apply-rosenshines-principles-to-your-lessons/ Secret Number 7: The ‘Three As' [Blog Post]: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2019/05/19/secret-number-7-the-three-as/ The Four Rules of Praise [Blog Post]: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2018/07/15/the-four-rules-of-praise/ Using Verbal Feedback: The Ugly Truth [Blog Post]: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2019/03/24/using-verbal-feedback-the-ugly-truth/ 4 Time-Saving Marking Strategies for PGCE students and NQTs [Blog Post]: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2016/03/13/5-time-saving-marking-strategies-for-pgce-students-and-nqts/ Check out my award-winning book for teachers - The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TVCWFZ4 Check out my second book entitled 'The Power of Praise: Empowering Students Through Positive Feedback': https://www.amazon.com/Power-Praise-Empowering-Students-Pedagogical/dp/1689738995 Check out my blog for teachers: https://richardjamesrogers.com/ My Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richardrogersauthor/ My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richard_james_rogers/ My Twitter: https://twitter.com/richardjarogers/ My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardjamesrogers/
Our lessons need to be clear in order for students to understand the subject content they are expected to learn. This is particularly important for older students who are preparing for exams, and who are therefore expected to memorize, understand and apply vast amounts of information. In today's episode I describe eight ways in which we, as teachers, can increase the clarity of the content we deliver in our lessons. This episode is accompanied by a blog post: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2021/03/07/8-ways-to-increase-lesson-clarity/ Check out my award-winning book for teachers - The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TVCWFZ4 Check out my blog for teachers: richardjamesrogers.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richard_james_rogers/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richardrogersauthor/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/richardjarogers/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardjamesrogers/ Check out my Powerful Public Speaker course for educators and business executives: https://richardjamesrogers.com/powerful-public-speaker/
Teacher workload is a significant issue in the education industry. The workload of teachers can be overwhelming, leading to burnout, job dissatisfaction, and ultimately, lower student outcomes. With a growing emphasis on outcome-driven education, teachers are under more pressure than ever to perform at their best. Oftentimes, however, we are creating work for ourselves through inefficiency - e.g. in the ways in which we assess work and set assignments. In today's episode I will describe three time-saving, worklaod-reducing tips for teachers (with a bonus tip at the end). This episode is accompanied by a blog post: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2019/02/24/3-tips-for-reducing-your-teacher-workload/ The Four Pillars of Time-Saving Marking (blog post): https://richardjamesrogers.com/2018/09/16/the-four-pillars-of-time-saving-marking/ Check out my award-winning book for teachers - The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TVCWFZ4 Check out my second book entitled 'The Power of Praise: Empowering Students Through Positive Feedback': https://www.amazon.com/Power-Praise-Empowering-Students-Pedagogical/dp/1689738995 Check out my blog for teachers: https://richardjamesrogers.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richardrogersauthor/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/richardjarogers/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgadlOMi7VPubiHKlcQSI3w Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richard_james_rogers/ The Importance of Patience in Teaching [Blog Post]: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2020/11/15/the-importance-of-patience-in-teaching/ The Four Rules of Praise [Blog Post]: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2018/07/15/the-four-rules-of-praise/
Being an online teacher can be both rewarding and challenging. While it offers the flexibility of working from home and a broader reach to students worldwide, it also comes with its own set of stress factors. In 2023, as the world continues to digitize, the number of online teachers will likely increase, and so will the pressure to excel. In this podcast episode, we will look at some stress management techniques to help online teachers stay sane and healthy. • This episode is accompanied by a blog post: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2023/04/09/stress-management-techniques-for-online-teachers-in-2023/ • Check out my award-winning book for teachers - The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TVCWFZ4 • Check out my second book entitled 'The Power of Praise: Empowering Students Through Positive Feedback': https://www.amazon.com/Power-Praise-Empowering-Students-Pedagogical/dp/1689738995 • Check out my blog for teachers: https://richardjamesrogers.com/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richardrogersauthor/ • Twitter: https://twitter.com/richardjarogers/ • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgadlOMi7VPubiHKlcQSI3w • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richard_james_rogers/
Private tutoring is on the rise globally, with a particular surge in Hong Kong. According to a report by Statista, the private tutoring market in Hong Kong was estimated to be worth HK$ 25 billion (US$ 3.2 billion) in 2021. The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum is particularly popular in Hong Kong, and many teachers are switching to private tutoring. In this podcast episode, we will explore why IB teachers in Hong Kong are making the switch and the impact of this trend. • This episode is accompanied by a blog post: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2023/03/19/the-rise-of-private-tutoring-why-ib-teachers-in-hong-kong-are-making-the-switch/ • Check out my award-winning book for teachers - The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TVCWFZ4 • Check out my second book entitled 'The Power of Praise: Empowering Students Through Positive Feedback': https://www.amazon.com/Power-Praise-Empowering-Students-Pedagogical/dp/1689738995 • Check out my blog for teachers: https://richardjamesrogers.com/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richardrogersauthor/ • Twitter: https://twitter.com/richardjarogers/ • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgadlOMi7VPubiHKlcQSI3w • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richard_james_rogers/ • The Importance of Patience in Teaching [Blog Post]: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2020/11/15/the-importance-of-patience-in-teaching/ • The Four Rules of Praise [Blog Post]: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2018/07/15/the-four-rules-of-praise/
The short answer to this question is that there are only two reasons why a teacher should ever touch a student: if there's an educational purpose behind it, or if there's a health and safety issue that can only be solved through touching or moving the student. However, despite this, we are seeing an increasing number of videos on social media of, almost exclusively, female teachers hugging and cuddling the children in their classes. Is this appropriate? Listen to today's episode to find out more. Link to my Twitter exchange with Whistleblowing Teacher (@WhistleblowingT): https://twitter.com/richardjarogers/status/1629822614192664576?s=20 Contact me: info@richardjamesrogers.com Check out my award-winning book for teachers - The Quick Guide to Classroom Management: 45 Secrets That All High School Teachers Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TVCWFZ4 Check out my second book, entitled 'The Power of Praise: Empowering Students Through Positive Feedback': https://www.amazon.com/Power-Praise-Empowering-Students-Pedagogical/dp/1689738995 Check out my blog for teachers: https://richardjamesrogers.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richardrogersauthor/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/richardjarogers/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgadlOMi7VPubiHKlcQSI3w Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richard_james_rogers/ The Importance of Patience in Teaching [Blog Post]: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2020/11/15/the-importance-of-patience-in-teaching/ The Four Rules of Praise [Blog Post]: https://richardjamesrogers.com/2018/07/15/the-four-rules-of-praise/
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