Pedagogy Matters Podcasts

Pedagogy Matters logoThe podcast series shines a light on key aspects of pedagogy, breaking down what the key aspects of pedagogy are and how these can be realised in current practice, whether that be online delivery, face to face delivery, or a mixture of both.

A conversational format with professionals from the FE and college sector across the UK, sharing their views, experiences and insights across different elements of pedagogy, what it means to them and how they can be integrated within daily practice.

Listen to the full series on Spotify here

Recent Podcasts:

Topic Retrieval Practice
Guest Micky Riddell, Head of Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Description Within this podcast, the topic of retrieval practice is discussed and examined. We look at what is meant by the term retrieval practice, how it links with our short and long term memory, the forgetting curve and how all of this information is relevant to lecturers working with students, in both a face to face and online world. The conversation culminates in a range of strategies that can be used with learners to practice retrieving information.
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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 1 Transcript here
Topic Building Effective Relationships
Guest Marc Steutel, Lead Assistant Coach GB Basketball, Curriculum Leader HE Sport
Description Within this podcast, we discuss all aspects relating to the building of effective relationships, especially throughout the pandemic. Relationships are vital from lecturer > lecturer, lecturer > student and student > student and the discussion explores different components which contribute to the effective building of relationships, given the current circumstances.
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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 2 Transcript here
Topic Assessment and Feedback
Guest Susannah Wilson, Curriculum Lead: National Programmes, Argyll College UHI
Description In Episode three with Susannah Wilson, Curriculum Lead: National Programmes at Argyll College UHI, we discuss assessment and feedback, with a clear focus on the purpose of making the feedback process impactful for students. Touching upon different aspects of recent research, the discussion focuses on the importance of the feedback process, ensuring there is sufficient time set aside for students to review feedback and make tangible changes to their practice.
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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 3 Transcript here
Topic Teaching as Social Action
Guest Jon Ridley, Vice-Principal and Executive Director of Higher Education, Newcastle College Group
Description In Episode 4 with Jon Ridley, Vice-Principal of Newcastle College, and Executive Director of Higher Education, NCG, we discuss the topic of teaching as social action vs. teaching as a transaction. The discussion focuses on some of the challenges faced when teaching online, underpinned by current research, along with suggestions for colleagues to consider. The episode also covers the range of ‘opportunities’ that have been presented to the sector to take this forward in future curriculum design.
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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 4 Transcript here
Topic Mentoring and how it can be used all aspects of education.
Guest Dr Gary Husband, University of Stirling, Lecturer in Professional Education and Leadership
Description In this episode, Dr Gary Husband, lecturer at the University of Stirling, talks about his research in mentoring, including fundamental principles applied in formal and informal settings. The discussion provides an insight into practices across the sector and tips/advice on ensuring that mentoring is effectively utilised.
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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 5 Transcript here
Topic Dual Coding – what is it all about?
Guest Oliver Cavigliol, Author, Dual Coding with teachers
Description In this episode, we speak to Oli Cavigliol, former headteacher and author of a number of books on visual teaching strategies including Dual Coding with teachers. The discussion focusses heavily around the concept of Dual Coding, what it is, how it can be used within teaching practice and the fundamental principles that Oli believes are key to ensure that it is effectively applied.
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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 6 Transcript here
Topic Action Research – what is it and how do I get involved  
Guest Christine Calder, Academic Development Lead, Dundee and Angus College
Description In this episode, we are joined by Christine Calder, Academic Development Lead at Dundee and Angus College. We discuss the topic of Action Research: what it is, what the benefits are to lecturers (both participating and reading) and most importantly, how it can be done. Christine also shares the great work that CAIRN (College Action Inquiry Research Network) is doing and how listeners can find out more about the publication released at the end of February.
Visit the CAIRN Journal website here.

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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 7 Transcript here
Topic Having difficult conversations 
Guest Sam Messam, Senior Lecturer in Sport Coaching – University of Lincoln
Description In this episode, we speak to Sam Messam, Senior Lecturer in Sports Coaching at the University of Lincoln. The focus of the discussion is on how to have difficult conversations. We explore the fundamental principles to consider when having difficult conversations whether it be manager > lecturer, lecturer > lecturer or lecturer > student. Sam provides an array of top tips for listeners to reflect on and implement into future conversations.
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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 8 Transcript here
Topic The power of perspective – making every interaction count
Guest Dr. Edward Hal, Senior Lecturer in Sports Coaching, University of Northumbria
Description In this episode, we speak to Dr. Edward Hall, Senior Lecturer in Sports Coaching at Northumbria University. Ed shares some of the outcomes from his extensive work in coach education, elements of which are transferrable to teaching practice. Key bits of nourishment focus on principles that underpin effective reflections, approaching meetings/relationships as ‘interactions’ and the importance of making each of those interactions count.
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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 9 Transcript here
Topic Pedagogy Matters with Keith Smyth – Blended Learning
Guest Keith Smyth, Professor of Pedagogy, UHI
Description In this podcast, we speak to Keith Smyth, Professor of Pedagogy at the University of the Highlands and Islands. The topic of blended/hybrid learning is discussed, drawing upon the extensive knowledge and experience of Keith and his team across the UHI network. Keith shares views on the fundamental principles of blended/hybrid delivery, using a wide range of examples from pre-COVID delivery as well as how the last 14 months has affected delivery plans and methods. A very insightful conversation on a topic which is being discussed in every college across the UK at this point in time.
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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 10 Transcript here
Topic Pedagogy Matters with David Gourley – Creative and Engaging Learning Experiences
Guest David Gourley, Head of Learning and Teaching Enhancement, Perth College UHI
Description In this podcast, we speak to David Gourley, Head of Learning and Teaching Enhancement at Perth College. The topic of discussion focusses around providing creative and engaging learning experiences in a post COVID era. David shares views on what this means in practice, the impact that this can have on students, and a range of considerations for lecturers when developing approaches in this area.
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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 11 Transcript here
Topic Pedagogy Matters with Anna Styles and Caroline Jarvis – Pedagogy of the Outdoor Classroom
Guest Anna Styles and Caroline Jarvis from West Lothian College
Description In this podcast, we speak to Anna Styles and Caroline Jarvis from West Lothian College. The conversation focusses around how the college has embraced Outdoor Learning, both in the curriculum area of Childhood Practice and Early Education as well as more broadly across the college. Anna and Caroline share information about the work, focussing on where the initial idea came from, how it was brought to life, how the rest of the college have embraced this and most importantly, the impact that his has had on students and staff. This was a great insight into some of the great work going on in one of our colleges.
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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 12 Transcript here
Topic Episode 13 Pedagogy Matters with Alan McLean – Emotional Pedagogy
Guest Alan McLean
Description Within this episode, we explore the topic of Emotional Pedagogy with Alan McLean. Alan draws upon his extensive experience in the education sector to unpick what is meant by the term emotional pedagogy and the impact that emotions can have on the learning experience, from both the perspective of lecturers and students. Alan explores different concepts such as the Compendium of Emotions and what is meant by the term Emotional Coaching. For further information and to find out more about the Emotional Ring and other resources Alan references in this episode, please visit the What Motivates Learning website.
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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 13 Transcript here
Topic Episode 14 Pedagogy Matters with Laura Watson and Katie Paget – Education for Sustainability
Guest Laura Watson and Katie Paget from Dundee and Angus College
Description In this episode we talk to Laura Watson and Katie Paget from Dundee and Angus College where the topic of ‘Education for sustainability’ is explored and unpicked. They share their perspectives on what is meant by the term, why they feel it is important, and how colleagues from across the sector can integrate conversations on this topic within their teaching practice to further educate students and raise awareness.
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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 14 Transcript here
Topic Episode 15: Leadership Matters with Grant Ritchie – Leadership Journey
Guest Grant Ritchie – former Principal at Dundee and Angus College and Fellow with CDN
Description A slight change to the format, we’re going to run 4 episodes entitled, ‘Leadership Matters’, exploring leadership from different perspectives. The first in the series introduces Grant Ritchie – former Principal at Dundee and Angus College and Fellow with CDN. During this podcast Grant discusses his leadership journey, what helped and hindered him on that journey, and what advice he would give to emerging leaders.
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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 15 Transcript here
Topic Episode 16: Leadership Matters with Anthony Willoughby – Territory Mapping
Guest Anthony Willoughby – author, explorer and founder of the Nomadic School of Business
Description The second epside of the Leadership Matters mini-series is with Anthony Willoughby. Anthony is an author, explorer and founder of the Nomadic School of Business. During this episode, we chat about what Anthony has learned about leadership from living and working with indigenous communities across the world. We discuss the importance of personal leadership and the collective first, as well as the visionary tool Anthony uses to help people understand their territories.
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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 16 Transcript here
Topic Episode 17: Leadership Matters with Janet Whitley – Collective Leadership
Guest Janet Whitley, Collective Leadership Lead at Scottish Government
Description The third epside of the Leadership Matters mini-series is with Janet Whitley, Collective Leadership Lead at Scottish Government. Janet discusses the work of Collective leadership Scotland, how they support partners and colleagues from across the public sector in the practice of collaboration and collective leadership and how leaders in the FE sector can become involved.
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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 17 Transcript here
Topic Episode 18: Leadership Matters with Roddy Millar – Emerging Trends
Guest Roddy Millar – Founder and CEO of ideas for leaders, and Co-Founder of the Scottish Leadership Institute
Description The final epside of the Leadership Matters mini-series is with Roddy Millar – Founder and CEO of ideas for leaders, and Co-Founder of the Scottish Leadership Institute. Roddy discusses his work as a writer and publisher in the fields of executive education, management and leadership. Roddy works with international business schools and we will be exploring the emerging trends in leadership practice across the world.
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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 18 Transcript here
Topic Episode 19: Pedagogy Matters with Walter Patterson – Digital Capability Research
Guest Walter Patterson, Lead Researcher
Description In this episode, we talk to Walter Patterson, Lead Researcher about the recently published Digital Capability: A Scottish Landscape Review report, which examines how colleges prioritised digital skills over the lockdown period. Walter shares with us the approaches taken to gather the research, key findings and an overview of the outputs
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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 19 Transcript here
Release Date Wednesday 6 October 2021
Topic Episode 20: Pedagogy Matters with Dr Lee Coutts – Transformative Learning and Teaching
Guest Dr Lee Coutts – Associate Director of Postgraduate Research, Strathclyde Uni
Description In this episode, we talk to Dr Lee Coutts about the topic of Transformative Learning and Teaching. Lee shares his perspective on how education can be socially progressive, making a positive difference to society. He describes a transformative learning pedagogical approach for and with students, and how adopting approaches such as (student-led) professionally authentic assessment can make a real impact on curriculum delivery.
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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 20 Transcript here
Release Date Wednesday 10 November 2021
Topic Episode 21: WorldSkills; what is it and what does it mean to me as a lecturer?
Guest Martin McGuire, WorldSkills UK Director, Scotland
Description Within this episode, we talk to Martin McGuire about World Skills UK. Martin shares information relating to what WorldSkills UK do, their regional, national and international competitions and how embracing the values and ethos of WorldSkills in daily teaching practice can have a positive impact on students and their skills development. 

View WorldSkills Kazan 2019 video here.

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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 21 Transcript here
Release Date Wednesday 8 December 2021
Topic Episode 22: Pedagogy Matters with Jonny Kay – Math & English in Colleges
Guest Jonny Kay, Head of Teaching, Learning and Assessment at Newcastle College
Description In this episode, we talk to Jonny Kay, Head of Teaching, Learning and Assessment at Newcastle College. Jonny is a former English teacher with a wealth of experience across the school/college sector and more recently, the author of Improving Maths and English In Further Education: A Practical Guide.

We discuss all things English and maths, with a focus on ideas to improve the delivery of standalone qualifications, as well as the importance of all lecturers/teachers helping to make learners more literate and numerate.

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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 22 Transcript here
Release Date Friday 13 January 2023
Topic Episode 23: Pedagogy Matters with Hazel Brady – Approaches to Professional Learning
Guest Hazel Brady, Director at West Lothian College
Description In this episode we talk to Hazel Brady, Director at West Lothian College about the approaches taken to Professional Development. The College has introduced West Lothian Wednesdays, protected time for staff development, as part of their offer and Hazel shares what has been learnt along the journey, both in terms of structure and how this is being supported by Learning Champions.
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Transcript View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 23 Transcript here
Release Date Friday 27 January 2023
Topic Episode 24: Pedagogy Matters with Allan Glen – Project Based Learning
Guest Allan Glen from Edinburgh College
Description In this episode, we talk to Allan Glen from Edinburgh College and discuss the approach taken in his curriculum area in relation to project based learning. Allan shares his inspiration for reviewing the curriculum offer with his team, which led to a shift in focus across all aspects of the curriculum and significantly reduced the assessment burden on students and staff. Allan shares his advice and approach on all aspects of the process, including some guidance principles as well as considerations relating to quality assurance.

View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 24 Transcript here

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Release Date Friday 10 February 2023
Topic Episode 25: Pedagogy Matters with Boyd Stewart – Reflections over a 25 year teaching career – what have I learnt?
Guest Boyd Stewart from Edinburgh College
Description In this episode, we talk to Boyd Stewart, lecturer at Edinburgh College. The conversation focusses around Boyd’s experiences of how his practice has evolved over time and how COVID and the cost of living crisis has shaped this more recently. Boyd reflects on the particular challenges of delivering a practical course remotely and with limited access to physical workspaces. The discussion also covers a switch to a focus on meta-skills and readiness to work.

View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 25 Transcript here

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Release Date 7 March 2023
Topic Episode 26: Pedagogy Matters with Kellie Mote – Digital Accessibility within Education
Guest Kellie Mote from Jisc
Description In this episode we talk to Kellie Mote, subject specialist at JISC about accessibility and assistive technology within teaching and learning. Kellie shared insights into what is actually meant by accessibility, provided some information relating to the legal requirements in relation to accessibility as well as sharing a wide variety of tools and advice to consider in relation to this topic. 

View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 26 Transcript here

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Release Date 20 March 2023
Topic Episode 27: Pedagogy Matters with Kenji Lamb – AI in College Education
Guest Kenji Lamb from CDN
Description In this episode, we chat with Kenji Lamb from the team here at CDN on how AI (Artificial Intelligence) is playing its part in college education and how it might play out in the future. This is tied to an event ‘AI in College Education‘ that we’re running this week which if you can’t make it, will be recorded and available on the CDN website.

View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 27 Transcript here

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Release Date 25 August 2023
Topic Episode 28: Pedagogy Matters with Paddy Shepperd – College AI (Part 1)
Guest Paddy Shepperd from Jisc
Description In this episode, we chat with Paddy Shepperd from Jisc around the emergence of generative AI services such as ChatGPT, and how lecturers and students can respond to opportunities and challenges. Part 1 offers an overview of the technology and what to expect from the new suite of tools coming online.

View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 28 Transcript here

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Release Date 8 September 2023
Topic Episode 29: Pedagogy Matters with Paddy Shepperd – College AI (Part 2)
Guest Paddy Shepperd from Jisc
Description In this episode, we chat with Paddy Shepperd from Jisc around the emergence of generative AI services such as ChatGPT, and how lecturers and students can respond to opportunities and challenges. Part 2 explores the implications of AI for assessment, and how ethics forms a part of the discussion.
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Release Date 15 February 2024
Topic Episode 30: Pedagogy Matters with Valerie Innes, Mairi Nisbet, and Jayne Clark – SQA HN NextGen
Guest Valerie Innes from SQA, Mairi Nisbet and Jayne Clark from South Lanarkshire College
Description In this episode, we chat with Valerie Innes, Head of Next Generation Qualifications and Standards at SQA, and lecturers Mairi Nisbet and Jayne Clark from South Lanarkshire College who have been developing and delivering the NextGen version of the HNC in Childhood Practice.

Links to content mentioned in the episode:

View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 30 Transcript here

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