Educational psychologist, Dr. Angie Wigford, shares the findings of her survey conducted among students and educators across the Asia on the effects of COVID on international school students and staff. This is a repeat of Episode 6.

Simon Probert and I explore the evolution of British international schools in Asia, with a focus on the growth of British international education in Asia. The appeal of British international schools and the interaction between these schools and local education systems are discussed, as well as the importance of local identity are explored. The conversation also delves into the challenges of localising international schools and the post-colonial lens in British international schools.

Universities around the world are prioritising internationalisation, which presents both opportunities and challenges for international schools. A report from The International Association of Universities highlights benefits such as enhanced international cooperation and enriched global knowledge for students. However, universities also struggle with competing priorities and finances. This trend may lead to an increased demand for students with international education, benefiting schools that offer international qualifications. It also opens up opportunities for better university partnerships and pathways directly with international schools.

Chris Baker and Shane discuss the importance of confidence and self-efficacy in effective leadership. They explore the impact of confidence on decision-making and the role of self-efficacy in personal and professional development. Chris shares his personal experience with confidence and how it has shaped his career. They also discuss strategies to develop self-efficacy, including setting achievable goals, seeking out models of excellence, and receiving feedback. The conversation concludes with a focus on the big three: learning efficacy, coping efficacy, and influence efficacy.

As an international school leader, do you sometimes find yourself caught between the demands of educational excellence and balancing the books? Today's episode will empower you with strategies to bridge the gap between personal values and organisational expectations.

I dive into the theory of comprehensible input, drawing from Stephen Krashen's research. This key concept focuses on providing language learners with input just beyond their current level, emphasising the importance of meaning over form and the natural order of language acquisition. I discuss practical strategies for making teacher talk more comprehensible, including an innovative method using AI transcription software to evaluate and adjust language grading for EAL students. Plus, I offer a special discount for listeners to join the full EAL course, where you can access over 30 comprehensive lessons and an exclusive online community.

As an international school leader, do you sometimes find yourself caught between the demands of educational excellence and balancing the books? Today's episode will empower you with strategies to bridge the gap between personal values and organisational expectations.

I chat with Matt Hall, Director of Making Stuff Better, who brings his insights on transforming leadership tensions into progressive energy and aligning the soul of education with the rigors of finance. Tune in for an invigorating discussion that will resonate with every educational leader striving to lead with authenticity and courage.

Observations on the dual role of educational consultants: providing valuable expertise and perspectives to help schools navigate complex decisions while potentially fostering a dependency that could impede the development of internal knowledge and decision-making capabilities. Drawing from personal experiences and industry insights, I note a trend of short-lived implementations and a cycle of change with each new leadership transition, raising concerns about the sustainability of such practices.

In this episode, we unpack the nuanced role of middle leaders with Liz Benson. Liz, a visionary in the field with over two decades of experience, discusses the evolution of middle leadership, its complexities, and the need to celebrate its unique significance. Tune in to discover actionable strategies for bolstering middle leaders, learn about the five dimensions of Trust from Griffith University's research, and recognise the potency of advocacy and influence within your team.

In revisiting my 2017 TEDx talk on the importance of home languages in global education, I delve into why nurturing native languages remains crucial. Sharing personal stories and insights, I highlight the cognitive and emotional benefits of bilingualism, particularly in a global context. Through examples like a Korean student's experience in China and policy shifts in Hong Kong, I advocate for a balanced language learning approach that integrates cultural and linguistic heritage.

I sit down with the esteemed John Gwyn Jones MBE to delve into the dynamic world of international education and leadership. John provides invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of managing diversity and cultural differences in schools across Asia. Drawing on his extensive experience, we explore the rapidly evolving landscape of British international schools, touching upon vital topics such as inclusivity and the global influence of the UK's education system. John's perspective illuminates the significance of community and collaboration, factors that remain crucial in the constantly shifting terrain of international education.

I share a powerful tool to unlock the power of professional development in schools. I introduce the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) and their report on effective professional development. I explain the three ways to identify professional development: forms, programs, and mechanisms. I then dive into the 14 mechanisms identified by the EEF that make professional development effective. Additionally, I suggest four additional mechanisms that are relevant to international schools and conclude by introducing a PD scorecard for gamifying professional development.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Arran Hamilton, Author, Researcher and Group Director of Education at Cognition Education. We dove deep into the concept of doing less to achieve more in education. Dr. Hamilton, who has worked closely with John Hattie and Dylan Wiliam, shared insights into the process of de-implementation in schools. Our discussion revealed that not all educational practices are equally effective, and by de-implementing, we can actually enhance student learning.

Which is the best social media platform for educators? I focus on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn, sharing my personal experiences and insights on how these platforms have evolved into essential tools for professional growth and networking in education. The discussion emphasises the unique features and community dynamics of each platform, highlighting how they can facilitate meaningful conversations and connections amongst educators and thought leaders.

I spoke to Julian Fisher, the co-founder of Venture Education, a market intelligence consultancy focusing on education in China. If you're an international education leader, you won't want to miss this fascinating discussion on the Chinese education system including the challenges of maintaining a strong school culture in a diverse and constantly changing environment.

I explore how to handle difficult as a school leader. This discussion is particularly pertinent for school leaders, teachers, and anyone in a managerial role who grapples with the challenge of providing feedback that is both impactful and compassionate.

Rachel Lofthouse and I explore the challenges and nuances of coaching and mentoring in education, particularly in the context of international schools. We discuss the potential drawbacks of implementing coaching at scale without proper consideration and support, emphasising the need for a nuanced, teacher-centered approach. The discussion also touches upon the CollectivEd award, which provides a framework for schools to evaluate and enhance their professional learning and development practices. This is part two of our conversation so if you haven’t listened to part 1, go there first.

I engage in a thought-provoking dialogue with Rachel Lofthouse, Professor of Teacher Education at Leeds Beckett University and founder of CollectivEd. We delve into the nuances of coaching in educational settings, exploring its definition, application, and impact. Rachel's extensive experience offers a unique perspective on the evolving role of coaching in education, making this episode a must-listen for international schoo educators and leaders seeking to integrate coaching into their practice.

Shane shares five innovative ideas for educators and school leaders to enhance their practices and better support their teams. From mental health initiatives to embracing cutting-edge technology like generative AI, this episode has insights for those looking to make impactful changes in their educational environments.

Shane Leaning speaks with Cindy Adair, the Assistant Principal for Continued Professional Learning at Bangkok Patana School in Thailand. Cindy shares her pioneering approach to professional development in education. She delves into the transformation of performance management systems, emphasising teacher ownership, evidence-based education, and continuous improvement. Cindy outlines innovative strategies like instructional coaching, professional growth conversations, and integrating various educational tools for effective CPD.

In this episode, I discuss the tragic case of Ruth Perry’s death, OFSTED and its implications for the international school sector. I explore the need for a compassionate and reflective reevaluation of school inspection systems worldwide, taking lessons from Ruth's story to advocate for a more humane approach to educational oversight.