IB Unplugged

What happens when the world a curriculum was designed for changes faster than the curriculum itself has?   The IB Diploma Programme has earned its reputation for rigor. But the challenges today's students will inherit — a warming planet, the next pandemic, AI reshaping work — don't arrive sorted by subject. So how do you keep that rigor and make learning more relevant to the world students are hea...

Tim Lovatt, Head of Digital Learning at UWC South East Asia, joins us to explore one of the quieter challenges of the AI era: keeping curiosity alive when it's no longer necessary for finding information.  Tim argues that as AI tools take on more of the cognitive heavy lifting, the quality of the questions students ask matters more than ever, not less. The conversation moves between two possible f...

The IB has spent decades defining what it means to educate for international mindedness and ethical thinking. Now, for the first time, it has published principles to guide how AI should be used across its entire ecosystem — from classrooms and assessments to the platforms schools use every day. But principles on a page are only as powerful as what happens in a classroom.   Clara Hawking, Co-founde...

Schools talk about student voice. They have councils, surveys, and learner profile statements on the wall. But how often are students invited to build — not just to speak? Arissa Roy, UWC graduate, UNESCO youth representative, and founder of a global education equity organisation she started at 14, joins us to name the gap between consultation and genuine co-design — and to challenge educators to...

What were the biggest ideas to emerge from Season Two of IB Unplugged?   In this special season finale, Courtney and John look back on the conversations that challenged their thinking, influenced their classrooms, and reshaped how they view education. Rather than revisiting every episode, they identify five recurring themes that connected discussions with researchers, school leaders, and classroom...

What happens when schools stop working in isolation and start learning from one another? Elizabeth Imende joins us to explore the power of professional learning communities and the role of educational associations in building stronger, more connected schools. Drawing on more than two decades of experience across multiple continents—and her current role as Executive Director of AISA—Elizabeth refle...

In this episode, Matthew Hayes challenges traditional definitions of achievement and invites educators to rethink how schools recognise student growth, contribution, and potential. Drawing on his research in Global Citizenship Education and youth development at UCL’s Institute of Education, Matthew explores why skills, character, and extracurricular engagement deserve greater visibility within edu...

What happens when a well-intentioned programme meets the realities of school implementation? Rohit Vaswani takes a transparent and practical look at the Personal Development Plan (PDP) in the IB Diploma Programme. Drawing on his experience as both a DP Coordinator and IB educator, he reflects on how schools are navigating the challenge of moving the PDP beyond a compliance task and into something...

What does it mean to prepare students for a future that is increasingly complex, interconnected, and uncertain? In this episode, Haif Bannayan joins us to explore how education must evolve beyond academic achievement to foster shared humanity, ethical thinking, and global responsibility. Drawing on his experience across education systems, leadership, and global partnerships, he reflects on the kin...

Caitlin LeBrun reflects on the lived experience of balancing multiple identities—educator, parent, writer, and creative thinker. Drawing on her work as a Learning Support teacher and her personal journey navigating teaching alongside creative writing and family life, she explores the challenges and rewards of building a sustainable life in education.   Together, we unpack the pressure educators of...

What does it mean to lead education with a commitment not just to global citizenship, but to local impact? In this episode, Adzo Ashie, Vice Principal at SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College, reflects on her journey from one of the first IB Diploma students in Ghana to an educational leader shaping IB learning across Africa. Drawing on her experience in school leadership and her work expandin...

What happens when we take one of the most influential voices in education research and ask: how does this actually show up in the classroom—and in the tools we build? We sat down with Kognity Learning Experience Designer Melanie Snow to unpack what “Visible Learning” really looks like in practice. From feedback and inquiry to the role of AI and EdTech, we explore how research-informed teaching tra...

What if the key to better learning isn’t doing more—but knowing what works best? In this episode, Professor John Hattie, the architect of Visible Learning, challenges IB educators to move beyond “innovation fatigue” and focus on the practices that have the greatest impact on student achievement. Drawing on decades of research synthesizing thousands of studies, he explores how educators can better...

Paul La Rondie pulls back the curtain on the less visible processes that shape both assessment and curriculum. From the moment a student submits their IA to the publication of the next curriculum guide, there’s an intricate system of moderation, review, and refinement at work. Drawing on his work as a Principal Moderator, senior examiner, and IB workshop leader, he walks us through the journey of...

In this special IB Unplugged Live episode recorded at the African Education Festival in Johannesburg, Amy Sarr Fall invites IB educators to explore what it means to lead and learn through the philosophy of Ubuntu — the idea that “I am because we are.” Drawing on her work in human rights, civic engagement, and education across Africa and globally, she challenges dominant narratives of competition a...

What does it take to build high-quality teaching and learning? Temitope Ray-Odekeye joins us to explore the role of curriculum leadership and instructional coaching in driving meaningful, sustainable improvement in your school. We unpack how school leaders can move beyond vision statements to align curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment, while building cultures where teachers feel supported, challen...

We’re flipping the script! In this special anniversary episode of IB Unplugged, co-hosts John and Courtney sit down—not with a guest, but with each other—to reflect on one year of podcasting, amazing conversations, and unforgettable IB insights. And of course, it wouldn’t be a celebration without a few laughs: expect some rapid-fire questions, fun facts, and friendly banter.

Following our recent conversation with Dianne Blackburn on UDL and the IB Approaches to Learning, this mini episode of IB Unplugged continues the discussion by exploring what inclusive design looks like in action. Learning Experience Designer Wayne Wright shares how UDL principles are embedded into Kognity’s instructional framework and offers practical examples of how teachers can apply these stra...

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 u...

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 t...

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 ⁠humanisin...

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...

This episode explores how innovation, collaboration, and experiential learning can empower young people to become changemakers—especially within the Latin American social impact context. Mateo brings a unique perspective on mobilizing community partnerships and youth agency to bridge the gap between what young people are taught and what they need to thrive.