Changing Conversations

In the first of a special 2-part conversation with Santiago we explore his purpose and passion and how that guides his work today. Santiago is passionate about his message and the impact his work is having. One word consistently used to describe Santiago is 'inspiring'. We hope this conversation brings to life the key ideas in his work and why must take action.

This episode has been recorded in collaboration with Education Scotland and the Scottish Learning Festival Conversations.

You can access the full programme of SLF conversations here.

Connect with Santiago on X.

In this episode, we reconnect with Michael Fullan a couple of years on from our first live podcast where we explored the Right Drivers. We revisit the Drivers and how they are developing and impacting around the world. We also take the opportunity to explore Michael's perspective on Educational Reform here in Scotland. Michael mentions a blog he wrote recently, you can find it here.

In this conversation, we explore what mentoring is and how it can be a resource for young people to help them navigate their school years and beyond. Gill shares how her work has evolved from creative writing workshops and mentoring into more focused mentoring that supports young people to flourish and thrive. Gill's approach is underpinned by listening, trust and creativity and she shares some of the ways she builds this with the young people she works with. Connect with Gill via her website or: Instagram X Sign up for her monthly Inkwell Notes here.

Joined by Kara, Jeanette and Ashley we explore their new book, Learner Agency - A Field Guide to Taking Flight. Their book really is a resource to help you at whatever stage you are at, to develop learner agency. We reflect on some of the enabling conditions both for children and young people and adults.

More about the book here.

Connect with Kara on Twitter.

Zahra is the CEO of Winning Scotland. In this episode we reflect on mindset both in schools and in other areas of life and work. Zahra shares her experiences of mindset in life and work and we reflect on how we need to continue to develop our understanding and development of mindset.

Zahra is keen to connect with you so please reach out on twitter or LinkedIn.

You can learn more about the work of Winning Scotland here.

As Changing Conversations heads into its 4th year, Sarah and Billy take time to reflect on their experiences so far. We reflect on our favourite episodes to record, we share the most listened-to episode so far and reflect on what we've learned so far.

We'd really love to hear from you so please let us know if there is anyone in particular you'd like us to chat with.

Gillian is a Chartered Educational Psychologist who teaches on the MSc in Educational Psychology at Dundee University. In this conversation, we explore how Gillian came to be an Educational Psychologist which interestingly connects with her PhD focus. We take a bit of a deep dive into the focus of her PhD and in particular cultural-historical activity theory. We also reflect on and unpick some of the misunderstandings around educational psychology and where it might make its best contribution in the future.

In this episode we chat with Bruce Robertson, the Head Teacher of Berwickshire High School and author of The Teaching Delusion trilogy and Power Up Your Pedagogy: The Illustrated Handbook of Teaching. We explore the key principle of the Teaching Delusion, what Bruce wishes he'd known as a new teacher and how we can nurture a culture of growth and improvement in our schools. Bruce’s blog is available at: TheTeachingDelusion.com Engage with Bruce on Twitter.

In this episode we chat with Gail Preston, Head Teacher and Head of Establishment for Rosehill High School in East Lothian. Rosehill High School is a brand new school so this is a rare and pretty unique opportunity and as I'm sure you can imagine, an exciting one! Gail kindly took time out to share and reflect on the highs, the lows and all the things in between. Although Gail has a unique opportunity there's lots here for all of us to think about and consider.

Connect with Gail on twitter.

Follow Rosehill's journey here.

In this episode we dive into 'hard conversations' with Jennifer Abrams. Jennifer's work focuses on adult to adult communication and she's written many books and articles on the topic. This is a conversation of insights and reflections as well as practical ideas to consider.

Connect with Jennifer on twitter.

Find out more about Jennifer's work here.