Blog Archives

Can (or should) social media be educational tools?

Can (or should) social media be educational tools?

The educational community has been focusing on the potential of social networks to implement training proposals since the spectacular development of the so-called Web 2.0 began in the early 2000s. Resources for interaction between users, i.e. social networks, were enhanced. The creation of Facebook in 2004 marked a momentous moment. The success of the platform triggered a […] … learn more→

Technology is supposed to decrease teacher burnout – but we found it can sometimes make it worse

Technology is supposed to decrease teacher burnout – but we found it can sometimes make it worse

When we set out to study pandemic-related changes in schools, we thought we’d find that learning management systems that rely on technology to improve teaching would make educators’ jobs easier. Instead, we found that teachers whose schools were using learning management systems had higher rates of burnout. Our findings were based on a survey of 779 […] … learn more→

The textbook market: how did we get here?

The textbook market: how did we get here?

Many of us probably fondly remember that time of school, in the first days or even before classes started, when we bought or received our textbooks: brand new or inherited from siblings or family, for schoolchildren they represented access to everything we did not yet know. And for our parents, it often meant a significant financial […] … learn more→

To boost your language level, rebalance your revisions!

To boost your language level, rebalance your revisions!

How can I improve my English? This is a question I was often asked by my students when I was teaching in South Korea. My first recommendation was simple: you have to put in the time and effort. However, they and I could not be satisfied with this somewhat simplistic advice. As a Korean learner […] … learn more→

In 2025 and beyond, schools need to teach more than just ‘the basics’

In 2025 and beyond, schools need to teach more than just ‘the basics’

In Roman mythology, Janus was the god of doors, gates and transitions. Able to see in two directions, Janus was associated with passages, beginnings and endings. In January, the month named for him in the western calendar, it’s fitting to consider how, in many respects, compulsory education systems require new beginnings in terms of envisioning broader […] … learn more→

Here’s what happens when teachers tailor their lessons to students’ individual learning styles

Here’s what happens when teachers tailor their lessons to students’ individual learning styles

Students do better when lessons are tailored to individual learning styles – but not so much that it’s worth the investment of time and money. That’s the main finding of a recent peer-reviewed study I co-authored. There has been a big push to try to tailor a teacher’s instruction to a student’s preferred learning style. That’s because some people say they […] … learn more→

Learning to be an entrepreneur means building connections as well as studying business

Learning to be an entrepreneur means building connections as well as studying business

Entrepreneurs drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth. But entrepreneurship is not just about having a brilliant idea. It requires skills that often must be learnt. Structured entrepreneurship education is designed to give people the knowledge they need to start and run their own businesses. It is typically provided through university courses, business […] … learn more→

Good sex and relationships education can help teens understand when behaviour is abusive or controlling

Good sex and relationships education can help teens understand when behaviour is abusive or controlling

Nearly half of young people aged between 13 and 17 who have been in a relationship in the past year have experienced violent or controlling behaviour, according to a recent survey from charity the Youth Endowment Fund. The finding comes from a survey of 10,000 young people in England and Wales, of which 27% had been in […] … learn more→

Distance learning: how to support learners you don’t meet?

Distance learning: how to support learners you don’t meet?

Is distance learning becoming the new norm in the world of adult education? In 2024, 60% of companies would have offered a training offer that is mainly distance learning (FAD) or hybrid. Even if this percentage shows a trend towards the digitalization of training, it should be noted that it is down compared to last year (64% […] … learn more→