Sociology Staffroom

Senior lecturer in Sociology at the University of Essex, Dr Katy Wheeler, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her research into how sustainability and environmental issues are taught in school. This is a fascinating discussion for teachers generally - how should we broach this subject - and for sociology teachers in particular, both in terms of the Education topic, and the places where the environment is in the spec (green crime, consumption, global development, etc.)

Professor Diane Reay from Cambridge University joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her research into education and social class, and her thoughts on the impact of recent policies on students as well as what might come from the new government.As you might imagine, from this famous author of Miseducation and many, many journal articles, she does not hold back!!

Assistant headteacher, PhD student and experienced sociology teacher, Andrew Jones, returns to the Sociology Staffroom to discuss how teachers of sociology (and other subjects) can maintain political neutral in the classroom, as well as the limits to that neutrality. Another fascinating chat with this great returning guest.

Sociology lecturer at the University of Bath, Helen Kowalewska, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her research into the impact of social policy on women and gender inequality. They discuss Helen's most recent research into women over the age of 60 (including the WASPI women) and the different research methods that she has employed. They talk about the often double-edge nature of social policy that can on the one hand help women but in other respects reinforce patriarchal assumptions (e.g. maternity leave). They also consider some of the reasons for why there has not been more progress towards gender equality.

Dr Katherine Davies, from the University of Sheffield, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to talk about her research into siblings and other family and friendship relationships, as well as her work on the impact of Brexit on families. She also discusses her qualitative and creative research methods. Definitely worth a lesson to hear about some contemporary research (relevant to families, education, identity, stratification and more) and research methods.https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526142177/

Criminologist and sociologist from the University of Kent, Dr Emma Cooke, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to talk about her journey into the subject and her research into the criminal justice system, as well as how we can support students for Higher Education. Want to add something really contemporary to your lessons on the CJS? Here's a good starting place!https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/the-hidden-world-of-the-legal-aid-lawyer

The Sociology Staffroom returns in a new "every other week" schedule with lots of great guests scheduled. In this episode, the subject lead for Sociology at tutor2u, Duncan Hall, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to look at those important words that can be key to higher marks in Sociology essays. One area they particularly focus on is "today" and "contemporary" and the importance of contemporary research is an important focus for the rest of this academic year on the Podcast. Stay tuned folks!

Experienced sociology teacher Richard Brinkley joins Duncan in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss how to make lessons more interactive, including some great ideas!

Experienced social science teacher Rhiannon Watson joins her old Sociology teacher Katie Tyler in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss issues relating to GCSE Sociology and how to engage and inspire the students.

Experienced sociology teacher, Zenab, joins Katie in the Sociology staffroom to discuss how we can apply various aspects of brain science to our teaching as well as exploring some popular misconceptions.

In this episode, a teacher panel (consisting of Anna Lise White, Craig Gelling and Duncan Hall) discussed a range of issues relating to the start of a new term, mostly ones raised by teachers in the AQA A Level Sociology Teachers Group.

Experienced sociology teacher Richard Brinkley joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to talk about the important links between sociology and literacy.

ECT social science teacher Lizzie Skinner joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her experiences of ECT 1.

Regular host Katie Tyler and subject lead for Sociology at tutor2u, Duncan Hall, look back on what's been a fascinating second "season" of the Sociology Staffroom and forwards to what's coming in September.

Experienced teacher Fran (otherwise known as Norfolk Fran) joins Katie to discuss ways to check, develop and update our Sociology subject knowledge.

Experienced sociology teacher Liv joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss how to support, stretch and challenge high achievers in A Level Sociology.

Experienced Sociology teacher Anna Lise returns to the Sociology Staffroom to talk to Katie about the importance of multicultural awareness in Sociology teaching.

Experienced Sociology teacher Bridget Gray joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her experience of teaching the Global Development optional topic for A Level Sociology.

Experienced teacher, Nicole Levy, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to share her experiences of teaching sociology remotely, challenges and opportunities, and effective techniques.

Experienced sociology teacher Ian joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to share some of his great ideas for starting lessons, and explore the reasons why simple, effective starter activities work.

Subject lead for GCSE Sociology, Geography and History at tutor2u, Vicki Woolven, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss misconceptions about GCSE Sociology and how to deal with some of the problems that are specific to that qualification.

Subject leader for PGCE Social Sciences at UCL, Alison Wiggins, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom for a fascinating discussion about trainee teachers and how we can support them in the early part of their career.

In a departure from the usual format, usual host Katie and subject lead Duncan have a conversation about issues that teachers face at this time of year: when to "start revision", what to do if there's content still to complete, etc.

Experienced sociology teacher, Shahina, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss switching to the optional topic of Culture & Identity, why you might want to, challenges faced, and advice for teaching it.

Regular host Katie Tyler joins Duncan in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss how and why to lecture less and have more student-focused lessons. Lots of practical tips and professional discussion about teaching and learning.

Experienced Sociology teacher and YouTuber Kate Flatley (@theteachersociology) joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss "bouncing out of the pit" - how to encourage and support students whose mocks show they have a lot to do!

Experienced Sociology teacher Craig Gelling (aka The Sociology Guy) rejoins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to once again look at the Methods in Context question and how to help students prepare and revise for this.

Subject lead for Sociology at tutor2u, Duncan Hall, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss the Stratification and Differentiation topic and some of the reasons why people may or may not want to switch, and some approaches that teachers might like to take if they are tackling this topic.

Experienced sociology teacher, Jodie Robert, joins Katie in the Sociology staffroom to discuss some great tips on how to make marking and feedback more effective.

Experienced sociology teacher Erhan joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss the methods he uses to help students access high grades.

Experienced sociology teacher Anna Lise White joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss a wide range of possible trips and visits for Sociology students and the benefits and challenges of taking them.

Katie and Duncan review some of their favourite moments from the last 12 months of podcasting, and look forward to some of what's coming up in 2024. It would be great to hear from you, our listeners, what some of your favourite parts were.

Head of Curriculum for Sociology at AQA, and experienced sociology teacher, Steve Taylor joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss a range of issues and questions surrounding his role, priorities and the future of the qualifications.

Returning guest Reece Goscinski joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss postmodernism and postmodernity and how and when to teach it.

Experienced Sociology teacher and head of sociology in her school, Rita Marvin, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to ponder the question of whether Sociology should be made a compulsory subject in school. What do you think?

Experienced and qualified coach and educational manager, Jenny Weidner, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss the role and importance of coaching, particularly to help students (and staff) suffering stress and anxiety around exams and achievement.

Experienced Sociology teacher, Nusrath Sharmin, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss the importance of synopticity and tips on how to teach it and improve the skill with our students.

Return guest Andrew Jones joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom again, this time to consider some fascinating insights relating to applying sociological theory to pedagogy.

Experienced sociology teacher Garnette Watts joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss metacognition and its application to the Sociology classroom.

Experienced Sociology teacher David Morris joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss the relationship between research and classroom practice in sociology.

New head of sociology, Reece, is back in the Sociology Staffroom with Katie Tyler to talk about his experiences and the challenges associated with taking on this role.

Subject lead for sociology and politics at tutor2u, Duncan Hall, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss the upcoming workshop tour for Year 12 students. See here for more information.

Anti-racism consultant and teacher, Azryah Harvey, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss the importance of anti-racism in our teaching practice and what it might look like in the Sociology classroom and in our schools and colleges.

Experienced sociology teacher Risteard joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss teaching the less popular optional topics in A Level Sociology, with particular focus on Work, Poverty & Welfare. They also discuss the issue of objectivity in the sociology classroom.

Early career teacher Brett joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss theory, especially more niche theories or nuances within the main perspectives.

Experienced Sociology teacher and assistant principal Andrew Jones joins Katie in the Sociology staffroom to discuss teaching the classic theories in A Level Sociology.

Sociology teacher Mark Gill joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss the use of whole class feedback - why you might use it, who to use it and the advantages and potential disadvantages of its use.

Experienced Sociology teacher Jacquiline Agyeman-Duah joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss issues relating to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in A Level Sociology. Jacquiline has authored a forthcoming e-learning course for AQA on this topic.

In the final episode of season 1, experienced Sociology teacher Reece Goscinski joins Katie in the Sociology staffroom to discuss techniques for addressing controversial topics in the sociology classroom.The podcast is taking a little break for a few weeks now, but will be back with a new series in September. Have a good summer :)

Experienced Sociology teacher Sarah Faughnan joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss the lessons she was learned from long experience in the classroom and teaching Sociology.

Experienced sociology teacher and subject leader Alexia George joined Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss homework and how to make it as useful and meaningful as possible.