Brian's Blog

  Over the last few weeks, I have been intrigued by the concept of optimising learning by limited cognitive overload. While this concept is not new, it was a great opportunity to reread some of the evidence base and look for areas of my own practice that could be honed.  Educators play a crucial role in shaping the learning experiences of their students. One key aspect of effective teaching is understanding the concept of cognitive load and its impact on learning. Cognitive load theory (CLT) provides a framework for educators to design instruction that minimises mental distraction and maximises student learning. In this post, I will explore the different types of cognitive load, the phenomenon of cognitive overload, and practical strategies for optimising learning in the classroom. As educators, our goal is to facilitate learning and help students reach what they can achieve. To attain this, we must understand how the human mind processes information. We realise the human brain is a r

This post is not just for educators but is a reminder and reflection on the importance of slowing, pausing, and noticing the blessings and opportunities we each have.  Life can be a whirlwind, especially during transitions such as one I have just done like moving to a new home. Sitting amongst a sea of boxes to unpack, flatpacks to build and settling in, it is easy to let the urgent consume our attention. However, amidst the chaos lies a valuable lesson, the power of slowing down and noticing the "glimmers" around us. These glimmers aren't grand gestures; they're the subtle details that weave elements of beauty throughout our lives. The cracked tile whispering a story of the house's history, the missing step I fixed with my own hands, the gentle hum of wasps in the garden, all these imperfections become part of the unique charm of this new place I call home. Though the magic extends beyond the physical environment. It's the breathtaking view that takes my brea

A strong foundation in education relies heavily on effective communication with parents. This communication goes beyond mere formalities; it acts as a bridge connecting the classroom and the home. By fostering a collaborative partnership between educators and parents, effective communication empowers all parties to support student learning and wellbeing. This, in turn, cultivates a cohesive and supportive educational environment for all. As the area that I live in has been impacted by severe weather and my own home was affected by flooding, it is more of a personal reflection than thoroughly backed by research. Though without much work, evidence backing my perspective is likely to be found. In this blog post, I will explore the importance of effective parent communication in fostering a successful educational experience for students. When educators and parents communicate effectively, they form a collaborative partnership that benefits everyone involved, most importantly the students.

  This Easter long weekend is a time for reflection and remembrance within the Christian calendar. As such, it offers a perfect opportunity to explore the concept of servant leadership and how historical leaders exemplified this approach. In this blog post, I will explore the immense value servant leadership holds for educators in today's modern schools due to its ability to address the complex challenges and needs of contemporary education ( Larson & Sweeney, 2013) . It promotes a student-centred approach, aligning with contemporary educational philosophies that prioritise individualised learning and student wellbeing ( Larson & Sweeney, 2013; Sprenger, 2017 ) . By focusing on the needs and growth of each student, educators can create inclusive and engaging learning environments that cater to diverse learning styles and backgrounds ( Sprenger, 2017) . Servant leadership is driven by serving others over seeking power. It's about core principles like humility, selflessn