IB Unplugged

In this International Women’s Day episode of IB Unplugged, we bring together voices from across the Kognity team to share honest reflections on leadership, representation, and growth in education and edtech. This conversation celebrates the women shaping our community — and the responsibility we all share in amplifying their impact.

What if inclusion wasn’t something we added on—but something we designed for from the very beginning? Dianne Blackburn joins us to explore how IB educators can intentionally design learning environments that support both student well-being and academic success. Drawing on her deep experience with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework and her strong background in the IB community, she unpacks how UDL and the Approaches to Learning (ATL) framework can work together to reduce barriers, strengthen student agency, and support diverse learners.

In this episode, Dženana Ćeman introduces the concept of Hidden Curriculum 2.0, inviting IB educators to examine how everyday school practices quietly shape students’ sense of identity and belonging. Drawing on her research and more than 20 years of experience in IB education, together we'll unpack the tension between international mindedness and national identity, and ask: Can the international truly thrive if the national is muted? 

What if assessment wasn’t about ranking, sorting, or proving learning, but about supporting it? In this episode, David Spooner challenges traditional assessment practices and invites IB educators to rethink the purpose of grades, exams, and feedback. Drawing on research and classroom experience, he explores what a more human, meaningful, and learning-centered assessment could look like in practice.

What does it take to build truly inclusive learning environments—and how do we make space for every learner's story? In this episode, IB educator La Mor shares powerful strategies for creating school cultures rooted in belonging and care, drawing on their experience as a contributor to the Humanising Pedagogy framework.

Go to the Humanising Pedagogy website ⁠here⁠ or contact the team at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

What does it take to build truly inclusive learning environments—and how do we make space for every learner's story? In this episode, IB educator La Mor shares powerful strategies for creating school cultures rooted in belonging, care, and radical listening, drawing on their experience as a contributor to the Humanising Pedagogy framework.

How can IB educators use AI to spark deeper thinking, support formative assessment, and strengthen academic integrity? In this episode, we speak with Leon Furze, an experienced educator and author, about how artificial intelligence can support inquiry-driven learning in the IB. From practical examples of metacognitive tools to boundaries around ethical use, Leon shares grounded insights that help schools move from fear to strategy.

How can schools move beyond flashy edtech and focus on meaningful, student-centered use of technology? In this episode, Terence Tan draws from his work in international schools and innovation labs to share how human-centered, intentional tech integration can deepen inquiry and amplify learning—rather than distract from it.

This episode dives into the heart of IB DP Business Management—assessment. Maria Sayyed joins us to unpack what makes the IA process meaningful (and manageable), how to tackle case study-based questions with intention, and how teachers can help students shift from surface-level memorization to strategic, analytical thinking. Whether you’re new to the course or looking to refine your practices, Maria brings clarity and energy to help your students thrive.