The discussion explores trauma-informed practice and the necessity of supportive relationships in schools. O’Reilly provides practical advice for educators, such as viewing all behaviour as communication and developing active listening skills. She further emphasizes moving beyond tokenistic self-care to provide teachers with the time, trust, and professional space they need to thrive. Finally, she highlights her work with the Centre for Teaching Excellence and Scotland’s ongoing curriculum reform cycle.

The discussion explores the Florian and Black-Hawkins framework for participation and an organizing grid designed to manage classroom complexity through social, cognitive, and linguistic lenses. Dr. Graham also highlights his research on preparing teachers for high-poverty contexts and his current project reimagining global teacher preparation. Learn why research-active universities are essential for understanding knowledge production and how theory helps new educators navigate the "complexity of the classroom"

The discussion begins by defining blended learning as a mix of face-to-face instruction and online, asynchronous learning via the university's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The guests note this approach offers flexibility and promotes student autonomy.

The conversation then transitions to Artificial Intelligence (AI), a major topic of debate in education. The guests discuss Generative AI (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot as aids for resource creation , accessibility , and providing inspiration for lesson planning. They emphasize that AI is a tool and that the teacher's professional judgment remains paramount.

Key challenges are also addressed, including fear of the "unknown" , the rapid pace of change , the digital divide in Scotland , and structural barriers like funding and access.

The episode highlights how the School of Education is actively researching these challenges, particularly focusing on GenAI use for student teachers on professional placement. A new elective course, "Digital Technologies in the Primary Classroom," is also detailed. The guests conclude that Aberdeen's focus on technology and pedagogy prepares students to be confident, critically reflective, and autonomous practitioners for the modern Scottish classroom.

Join your host, Dr. Shannon Babbie, as she kicks off Season 1, "The Future of Education," by sitting down with a very special guest: the Head of the School of Education, Catriona McDonald.

In this foundational episode, Catriona provides a comprehensive look at the school's identity. She traces its fascinating history from the first teacher training colleges established in the 1870s, through its mergers and moves, to the modern, dynamic school it is today.

Beyond its history, Catriona discusses the school's current vision, explaining how it's adapting to the rapidly changing needs of society. Find out how new departments and a focus on subjects like neurodiversity, mindfulness, and counselling are shaping the next generation of educators.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• The rich history of teacher training in Aberdeen over the last 150 years.
• The school's evolving structure, including its four key departments: Early Years, Initial Teacher Education (ITE), Post-Graduate Taught, and the vital Health and Wellbeing department.
• The central role of practitioner research in helping students and staff adapt to real-world educational challenges.
• What makes Aberdeen unique: a deep commitment to student support, individual care, and outstanding staff-student ratios.
• How the school leverages its "rural city" location to emphasize outdoor learning and student well-being.

A special teaser for next week’s episode on AI and blended learning.