In this episode of The Science of Learning, Mike Hobbiss joins us to explore test anxiety and how it can affect students’ experiences and performance in school.

We discuss the research behind test anxiety, why some students may experience it more than others, and what teachers and schools can do to support students in managing anxiety around tests and assessments.

Tune in for evidence-informed insights into test anxiety, assessment and supporting students to approach tests with greater confidence.

📘 Want to learn more about evidence-informed approaches to supporting students? Explore our student workshops here!

🎓 Want more evidence-informed CPD for teachers and school leaders? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy here!

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Amarbeer Singh Gill joins us to explore interleaving and how this evidence-informed learning strategy can support students’ long-term retention and understanding.

We discuss the research behind interleaving, why mixing different topics or types of problems can improve learning, and how teachers can use interleaving effectively in the classroom.

Tune in for evidence-informed insights into interleaving, long-term learning and effective classroom practice.

📘 Want to learn more about spacing and interleaving? Read our guide on Spacing and Interleaving here!

🎓 Want more evidence-informed CPD for teachers and school leaders? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy here!

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Paul Cline joins us to explore independent learning and how schools can help students become more confident, motivated and self-regulated learners.

We discuss the research behind independent learning, practical strategies for developing independent learners, and how teachers can build classroom environments that encourage greater ownership, resilience and long-term academic success.

Tune in for evidence-informed insights into independent learning, student motivation and effective classroom practice.

📘 Looking to help your students become more independent learners? Explore our evidence-informed student workshops here!

🎓 Want more evidence-informed CPD for teachers and school leaders? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy here!

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Valentina Devid joins us to explore the power of coaching and the role it can play in supporting teachers and improving professional development.

We discuss what effective coaching looks like in schools, how it can help teachers refine their practice, and why creating a culture of continuous development benefits both staff and students.

Tune in for practical, evidence-informed insights into coaching, professional growth and building a culture of ongoing improvement.

📘 Looking to strengthen professional development in your school? Explore our evidence-informed Teacher CPD workshops here!

🎓 Want ongoing, high-quality CPD for your staff? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy by clicking here.

Check out the studies Brad and Valentina spoke about here:

1. The effect of teacher coaching on instructionand achievement

2. Exploring mechanisms of effective teachercoaching

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Jon Hutchinson explores the concept of belonging and why it matters so much for learning, engagement and student success.

We discuss the research behind a sense of belonging, how schools can create environments where students feel valued and connected, and the role belonging plays in attendance, motivation and achievement.

📘 Looking for more on Sense of Belonging? Explore our latest Ofsted framework analysis on Inclusion by clicking here!

🎓 Want more evidence-informed CPD for teachers and school leaders? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy.

Check out the studies Jon and Brad discussed here:

Social categorization and similarity in intergroup behaviour’, Breaking the Cycle of Mistrust, A Brief Social-Belonging Intervention Improves Academic and Health Outcomes of Minority Students

In this episode of The Science of Learning, we’re joined by Paul Givan, Northern Ireland’s Education Minister, to explore the books and reports that have shaped his thinking and influenced education policy across the department. As Minister of Education since 2024, Givan has overseen major reform discussions around assessment, school improvement and system-wide change.

We discuss the evidence, ideas and research that have informed key policy decisions, how educational reports make their way from theory into practice, and what policymakers look for when deciding which recommendations to act upon.

📚 Explore our collection of recommended books on education, leadership and school improvement here!

🎓 Want more high-quality CPD? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy here!

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Sarah Cottinghatt explores what makes professional development truly effective for teachers and school leaders.

We discuss the research behind impactful CPD, why implementation matters more than one-off training sessions, and how schools can create professional learning that leads to lasting improvements in teaching and learning.

Tune in for practical, evidence-informed insights on professional development, teacher learning and school improvement.

📘 Download our free CPD planning toolkit by clicking here!

🎓 Want more high-quality CPD? Explore The Teacher CPD Academy here!

Check out the studies Sarah and Brad were chatting about: Kraft and Papay 2014Sims et al 2025Tucholka and Gold 2025

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Nick Gibb explores the research and ideas that have shaped his thinking on education. We explore his three favourite studies and books, including the work of Daniel T. Willingham and E. D. Hirsch, and the impact these have had on approaches to curriculum, memory, and learning. Tune in for insights and practical takeaways you can use in the classroom today.

Find out more about InnerDrive and The Teacher CPD Academy.

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Dr Claire Badger explores cold-calling, and why it can be a powerful tool for improving student engagement and thinking. We explore research on how cold-calling supports attention, participation, and deeper learning, as well as the conditions that make it most effective in the classroom. Tune in for insights and practical takeaways you can use in the classroom today.

Find out more about InnerDrive and The Teacher CPD Academy.

Check out the studies Claire and Brad were chatting about:

Sedova, K., & Sedlacek, M. (2023). How vocal and silent forms of participation in combination relate to student achievement.

Dallimore, E. J., Hertenstein, J. H., & Platt, M. B. (2013). Impact of cold-calling on student voluntary participation.

Dallimore, Elise & Hertenstein, Julie & Platt, Marjorie. (2019). Leveling the Playing Field: How Cold-Calling Affects Class Discussion Gender Equity. Journal of Education and Learning.

In this episode of The Science of Learning, Caroline Spencer explores reading and the processes that help students make sense of text. We explore research on how background knowledge and vocabulary support reading comprehension, the role of fluency in developing confident readers, and evidence on the strategies that can help students engage more effectively with what they read. Tune in for insights and practical takeaways you can use in the classroom today.

To find out more check out the full course on The Teacher CPD Academy, click here!