Changing Conversations

Inspired by Atomic Habits by James Clear, Project Habit is all about small doable shifts in practice that support learners to develop agency in their own learning. We explore why and how the book came about and how our understanding of habits can help us improve and develop our practice. The Project Habit: Making Rigorous PBL Doable by Michael McDowell and Kelley Miller is available now. Connect w...

Oscar is on a mission to create a 100 million good listeners in the workplace. We're doing our bit by helping share the mindset and practices of listening well in this conversation. Listening is a mindset and in this episode we explore what that means.   Find out more here  Connect with Oscar on LinkedIn Deep Listening Podcast 

In this episode we chat with Jamie Thom, author of three books, podcaster and lecturer at Napier University. We journey through different elements of Jamie’s interests such as slow teaching, teacher resilience and supporting new teachers. Connect with Jamie on twitter @teachgratitude1 Listen to Jamie’s podcast on all platforms: Beyond Survival: The New Teacher Podcast Read more from Jamie: Slow Te...

As the official podcast partner for the World Education Summit we are delighted to bring you this special episode with Professor Viviane Robinson.  When we spoke nearly 2 years ago she mentioned that she was writing her final book and so we are thrilled to be able to pick up the conversation again.  In this conversation Viviane brings to life what she means by Virtuous Leadership and we...

With Professor Alison Clark we exore the ideas behind 'slow pedagogy' and it's application in Early Years practice as well as it's potential to improve learning and wellbeing in other settings. Follow Alison @WestrayAlison

Rosie Arthey is a coach who works with people with neurodiversity. She explores what neurodiversity means and it's implications for those with a diagnosis as well as how others can best support neurodiverse people.

Louise chats with us about her mindfulness practice and the evolution of her business which supports health and wellbeing. We explore some of the perceptions around mindfulness and it's potential to support learners. Find out more: https://www.do-bemindful.com/

We talk with Alma Harris about the National Discussion on Scottish education which she is co-leading with Carol Campbell, getting insights into what she believes are the existing strengths in the system, and the challenges ahead. Find out more here: https://consult.gov.scot/national-discussion-scottish-education/

A new season gets underway with a reconnection with Dr Simon Breakspear. Simon shares thoughts on a model of implementation and the importance of cadence and rhythm. This episode ends with 3 questions for you - please share your responses.

Steve Munby is a well known and respected voice in education and leadership. In this episode he discusses Imperfect Leadership and the mindset successful leaders adopt to thrive in changing contexts. Thought-provoking and insightful, we are sure this will resonate with many

We are delighted to collaborate with Osiris Educational and the World Education Summit to bring you this conversation with Sir Michael Barber. Michael has worked with governments, businesses and sporting teams from around the world to help them achieve their ambitious goals. His recent book 'Accomplishment - How to achieve ambitious and challenging things' shares what he has learned about how to a...

Peter returns to Changing Conversations to explore the practice of de-implementation. With a new book soon to be released on this topic this conversation offers some insight into what this is and how it may be useful to create space for what is important. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Implementation-Creating-Space-Focus-Works/dp/1071885219

Researcher and author Dr Simon Breakspear shares his vision for a better way of supporting improvement in schools, taking a longer term view for real meaningful change. A thought provoking conversation which will inspire school and system leaders to think differently about their approach to implementing change.

Emma Hay is learning and development manager with a textiles company with a background in primary teaching. In this episode Billy and Sarah ask her about the connections between learning at school and in business, and explore how schools and young people can best prepare for an ever-changing workplace.

Nicky Shaw is a Teaching Fellow with the University of Strathclyde and former early years teacher. In this conversation Sarah and Billy explore the importance of early learning and childcare and the differences and similarities with other areas of learning. Nicky's insight and passion is applicable to any setting where learning takes place.

Professor Ken Muir was commissioned by Scottish Government to produce a report on the reforms required in Scottish education following the recommendations from the OECD. The report was published in March 2022 - access it here - and in this episode, Ken reflects on the process, the implications and his hopes for how the recommendations will be turned into positive actions which triggers transformat...

In this first conversation of series 4 Sarah asks Billy about his reflections on the work he was involved in with the Muir Review on education reform in Scotland.

We finish 2021 with a look back on the highs and lows for learning and wellbeing. Clare shares her wisdom on how to make the most of transition into and out of holiday time, and we pose some questions on what next in 2022. Connect with Claire @hive-ow

Michael Anderson is Professor of Education and Co-Director of the CREATE Centre at the University of Sydney. He is also co-founder of 4C Transformational Learning which collaborates with schools on their journey of transformation to make it something that is possible. In this episodes he discusses the real drivers behind true transformational change and the reasons why some change works and others...

After a very insightful episode in series 1, which proved very popular with our listeners, Mark was an obvious choice for our second live event. At a time of further debate on education reform in Scotland, Mark’s presentation and responses to questions are timely and will give food for thought to many.

In this episode we chat with Rachel from the Menopause Cafe. Menopause affects half the population and yet there are still huge inequalities and we don't often talk about it. Rachel wants to change that and so do we, particularly in the world of education. Here are some links for more information on menopause cafe, symptoms and #flushfest22 Common Menopause symptoms https://www.menopausenow.com/ar...

Sarah and Billy reconnect with Professor Alan Daly from University of California, San Diego, and are also joined by his friend and colleague Professor Chris Chapman from University of Glasgow. Both are interested in how networks and connections can improve the education system for all, and this is a timely conversation in the context of current education;reform in Scotland. With some messages of h...

Clare Willetts founded Not Only Pink and Blue to challenge stereotypes surrounding boys and girls, the most common or familiar being the colours of pink and blue. Clare shares her mission and we explore some of the key issues that we can all help to challenge, outlining her belief that children should not be pigeonholed or labelled from an early stage and that the clothes, toys and books we give t...

In this episode Billy chats with with author, journalist and college lecturer James McEnany. James talks about the concepts outlined in his book ‘Class Rules’ and shares his frustrations with the school system and its role in ensuring the status quo of social class. A provocative discussion to generate debate at a time of potential reform in Scotland’s education system. Share your views with us on...

Gavin Oattes is an author, business owner and keynote speaker who started out as a primary teacher. In this episode Gavin shares his fears and gratitude as he recounts how he worked for the survival of his business during the pandemic, reflecting on the need for creativity in how we work. He describes how the values of the organisation drive them forward through good times and tough ones. And he d...