Teaching Matters host Paul Hazzard, is joined by John Gibbs on today's show.

First, they examine the importance of spatial skills in learning, drawing on new research that highlights how these abilities underpin everyday tasks and academic success across subjects like maths.

Source article: How to boost children’s spatial skills - and their maths performance https://shorturl.at/FV75u

Further information about Emily and her work can be had here: https://youtu.be/f0kggEEmGjU?si=6uXOI8iMlWmcEv9k

https://www.surrey.ac.uk/spatial-reasoning

Emily is on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-farran-b36b90232/

Conversation turns to the challenges and opportunities education faces in a rapidly changing world. Paul and John reflect on how schools must adapt to technological advances such as AI, while balancing well-being and curriculum demands. They also consider how tradition and resistance to change impact the pace of educational reform.

Source article: How education must adapt in today’s rapidly changing world https://shorturl.at/VZrNQ

Finally, the discussion explores the complex and often overlooked role of love and relationships in teaching. Paul and John unpack what it means to care for students professionally and how this affects classroom dynamics, student engagement and long-term impact beyond academics.

Source article: What’s ‘love’ got to do with teaching? https://shorturl.at/JDT89

This episode offers thoughtful analysis relevant to educators, student teachers, teacher educators, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of education. Topics include policy considerations, personal narratives, and ethical questions, making it a rich resource for deepening understanding of modern teaching.

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