In this final episode of the Elements of Great Teaching podcast series,  Adam and I look into Dimension 4: Activating hard thinking focusing on Element 5: Embedding from the Model for Great Teaching.

This episode is all about helping learning stick.

We explore:

So, how can we use embedding techniques to make learning last? And what does that look like from the learner’s perspective?

Listen below!

We’ve really enjoyed creating this podcast series for you and we hope you’ve enjoyed it too. More than that, we hope you’ve taken away not just practical ideas to try in your classroom, but also a deeper understanding of the research and theory that underpins great teaching.

Whether you listened to one episode or followed the full series, thank you for joining us on this journey through the Model for Great Teaching.

In this 16th episode of The Elements of Great Teaching podcast,  Adam and I explore Dimension 4: Activating hard thinking focusing on Element 4: Interacting from the Model for Great Teaching.

Today’s discussion hones in on responding appropriately to feedback from students about their thinking/knowledge/understanding; giving students actionable feedback to guide their learning.

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In this 15th episode of The Elements of Great Teaching podcast,  Adam and I dive into Dimension 4: Activating hard thinking focusing on Element 3: Questioning from the Model for Great Teaching.

If we want students to learn deeply, we need to get them thinking hard. But how do we do that in practice? In this episode, we explore evidence-based approaches to fostering deep cognitive engagement in the classroom.

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In episode fourteen of The Elements of Great Teaching podcast, Adam and I discuss Dimension 3: Maximising opportunity to learn with a focus on Element 3: Preventing and responding to disruption from the Model for Great Teaching.

Disruption can derail learning, but great teachers handle it before it even starts. Learn how great teachers create an environment where disruptions are minimised—allowing every student to make the most of their learning time.

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In episode thirteen of The Elements of Great Teaching podcast, Adam and I explore Dimension 2: Creating a supportive environment with a focus on Element 2: Student-Student relationship  from the Model for Great Teaching—an essential component of creating a supportive learning environment. This episode focuses on the relationships between students and how their interactions impact learning.

A supportive environment isn’t just about teacher-student relationships—it’s also about the connections students build with each other. This episode will help you create a classroom where students feel safe, valued, and ready to learn.

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In episode twelfth of The Elements of Great Teaching podcast, Adam Kohlbeck and I explore Dimension 4: Activating hard thinking focusing on Element 6: Activating from the Model for Great Teaching.  This episode focuses on empowering students to become independent learners by enhancing their ability to plan, regulate, and monitor their own learning processes.

It is packed with practical strategies and thought-provoking insights into promoting student autonomy. Whether you’re looking to refine your teaching approach or spark meaningful classroom changes, this discussion will offer valuable takeaways.

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In Episode 11 of The Elements of Great Teaching podcast series, Adam Kohlbeck and I look  into the essential role of Dimension 1: Understanding the content with a focus on Element 2: Pedagogical content knowledge from the Model for Great Teaching.

This episode focuses on understanding the curriculum you’re teaching and how it’s learned – exploring the sequencing of content and its subject-specific requirements.

We highlight why this element of great teaching is vital and offer clear, evidence-backed steps you can take to enhance your approach.

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In the tenth episode of The Elements of Great Teaching podcast series, Adam Kohlbeck and I take look at the theory behind one of the key elements of great teaching, balancing it with practical applications for educators. Specifically, Dimension 2: Creating a supportive environment with the focus on Element 1: Teacher – Student relationship from the Model for Great Teaching.

The discussion revolves around:

We aim to connect the deep knowledge educators need with the tangible steps they can take to enhance their teaching.

In episode nine of The Elements of Great Teaching, Adam Kohlbeck and I delve into Dimension 4: Activating Hard Thinking, focusing on Element 1: Structuring from the Model for Great Teaching.

Structuring goes beyond simply listing objectives or writing lesson aims. It’s about carefully designing and sequencing learning tasks to show students not only what they’re learning but also how these tasks contribute to their goals. Great teachers share learning aims in ways that help students understand what success looks like.

In this episode, we highlight the importance of moving away from abstract statements and instead helping students connect tasks to learning goals. Adam provides a practical lens, sharing strategies that educators can use to make learning aims meaningful and actionable for their students.

Find out how structuring can lead to deeper understanding and better outcomes for your learners. Listen now and share your thoughts with us on social media.

In episode eight of The Elements of Great Teaching, Adam Kohlbeck and I turn our focus to Dimension 2: Creating a Supportive Environment, exploring Element 4: Creating a Climate of High Expectations from the Model for Great Teaching.

This element emphasises fostering a classroom culture where students feel supported to take risks and challenge themselves. It’s about balancing high expectations with high trust so learners believe it’s safe to “have a go” and are encouraged to attribute success or failure to things they can control.

In the episode, we dive into the research behind this element, explaining the “why” behind high expectations and how they connect to building student confidence and motivation. Adam brings a practical perspective, sharing how teachers and school leaders can apply these ideas effectively in their classrooms.

Discover actionable strategies to create a supportive, high-challenge learning environment that empowers your students. Let us know your thoughts on social media after listening!