In this interview with Kate Jones, author of Retrieval Practice: Research and Resources for Every Classroom (John Catt Educational), you’ll hear about the steps she took to become a writer and learn about her enthusiasm for helping other teachers embrace research and apply it to the classroom setting.
In her second book, she elaborates on themes touched upon in her first book, Love to Teach: Research and Resources for Every Classroom. She details the intricacies of retrieval practice – a strategy of retrieving stored long-term memory in a repeated process that alters the memory to allow for faster and more efficient future recollection.
As you listen to the interview, consider the following questions and what they reveal about your current teaching methods and possible goals for the future:
• How do you look at research and the complexities of filtering it into classroom practice? Does it become easier, and/or more impactful, over time?
• Some researchers speak of a delay in getting research into the hands of teachers in the classroom. What methods would you find effective to help speed up the process?
• It can take time to see the benefits of research play out in the classroom setting. Are there particular go-to strategies you find useful that allow for the implementation of applied research?
• Have you considered podcasts and blog posts as good initial starting points to adopting more research-based practices? Teachers are often pressed for time, but using podcasts or blogs as a jumping off point can trigger interest that eventually leads to more significant examination.
Some of Kate’s podcast recommendations:
Kate Jones’ Love to Teach Podcast
Jennifer Gonzalez’s Cult of Pedagogy Podcast
Mr. Barton Maths Podcast (In this episode, Barton speaks with fellow John Catt Educational author Tom Sherrington about Sherrington’s latest book, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action)
About Kate Jones
She has written for many educational blogs and magazines including Teach Middle East magazine, Education Journal Middle East, UKEd magazine, Innovate My School and Teach Secondary. She is a coach and mentor working with colleagues across Primary and Secondary schools specialising in teaching and learning linked to educational research, the science of learning, literacy across the curriculum, edtech with Apple, Microsoft and Google technologies. She also supports senior leaders and teachers with professional development.
As a keynote speaker Jones has presented at various high profile events across the UK and events in the UAE include a keynote presentation at the UAE University focusing on innovation across the curriculum. She is delighted to be the keynote speaker at the Abu Dhabi Teaching and Learning Conference in February 2020. Jones has presented at Qatar, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Hong Kong with upcoming presentations in The Netherlands and Kuala Lumpur.
After featuring as a guest on several different educational podcasts she decided to launch her own – The Love To Teach Podcast.
Follow Kate Jones on Twitter @87History