Unpacking the Complexities of Bullying: From Counter Connecting to Whole-School Solutions
Release Date: 09/09/2025
How Do Habits Shape Students’ Use of Effective Learning Strategies?
Psychology in the Classroom
...with Ann-Kathrin Krause In this episode, Ann-Katrin Krause, a PhD student in educational psychology at the Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education in Frankfurt, discusses her research on the role of habits in students' learning strategy use, exploring why students often default to ineffective strategies like rereading despite knowing better alternatives exist. The conversation covers how environmental cues trigger habitual behaviours, the distinction between automaticity and effectiveness, and practical strategies like habit stacking and if-then planning. Ann-Katrin also...
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How Can Positive Psychology Transform Wellbeing in Secondary Schools?
Psychology in the Classroom
...with Hannah Brownhill To kick off the summer term, Hannah Brownhill, a positive psychology practitioner and former secondary teacher shares her insights into embedding wellbeing in to schools through positive psychology. Following her Churchill Fellowship research in Australia, Hannah shares how schools can move beyond "wellbeing as an add-on" to create a culture of genuine flourishing. This episode explores the PERMA framework, the power of character strengths, and the systemic shifts needed in UK education. Hannah also offers practical, classroom-ready strategies for teachers, alongside...
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Spring Takeover: Exploring the Multi-Store Model of Memory and the Rise of AI in Psychotherapy
Psychology in the Classroom
Kicking off the summer term, this episode features two brilliant sixth-form students sharing their passion for psychology. Estelle, a year 13 student unpacks the multi-store model of memory, offering teachers genuinely practical strategies around attention, rehearsal, and retrieval practice to support student learning. Then Charlie, a Year 12 student, explores the exciting and thought-provoking role of AI in psychotherapy, examining how technology is making mental health support more accessible and affordable. Together, they demonstrate just how dynamic and relevant psychology is today — a...
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Dilemmas in the Classroom: How to Balance Inclusion and Individual Needs
Psychology in the Classroom
...with Dr Tracy Edwards In this episode, Tracy Edwards, senior lecturer at Leeds Beckett University and author of Severe and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties in Schools, explores the ethical and practical dilemmas teachers face when supporting learners with complex needs. Drawing on her experience in both mainstream and special education, Tracy discusses inclusion, differentiation, and the importance of reflective, learner-centred practice. She highlights the value of embracing difference, fostering choice, and maintaining high aspirations for all pupils. This insightful...
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Mental Health Research: Practical Tips for Teachers and Practitioners to Navigate the Evidence
Psychology in the Classroom
...with Andre Tomlin In this episode, Andre from The Mental Elf discusses how we can make mental health research accessible and useful for teachers and practitioners. The conversation tackles the challenges of jargon, paywalls, and misleading headlines, sharing practical tips for spotting reliable studies and avoiding common pitfalls. Andre highlights the power of co-producing interventions with young people, the importance of prevention, and the value of focusing on emotions and relationships in schools. *Trigger Warning* - the discussion is focussed on mental health and there is brief...
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The Power of Voice in the Classroom
Psychology in the Classroom
...With Professor Silke Paulmann In this episode I am joined by Professor Silke Paulmann to discuss why how we sound matters just as much as what we say - the irony, as you will hear, being that my voice this week is far from fine! We often focus on the words we use to support student autonomy—offering choice and avoiding pressure—but Professor Paulmann’s research reveals that our vocal tone is a primary carrier of psychological information. Whether you are teaching Early Years or Secondary, the way you modulate your voice can directly impact a student's sense...
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How Can We Combat Cyber Aggression in Schools Today
Psychology in the Classroom
...With Protyasha Bhattacharyya Kicking off 2026 this episode dives into the latest research on cyber aggression and its effects on young people. We explore new findings about how different parenting styles can influence online behaviour, and why fostering psychological safety in schools is more crucial than ever. Listeners will discover practical, up-to-date strategies for teachers to help students navigate digital spaces safely and kindly. The episode concludes with a curated list of fresh resources for continued learning, setting a positive tone for the year ahead and empowering everyone...
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How Teacher Emotions and Motivation Shape Student Success
Psychology in the Classroom
With Prof. Rebecca Lazarides In this motivational end-of-term episode, Professor Rebecca Lazarides (Professor for Empirical Research on Instruction and Schools at the University of Potsdam, Germany) discusses what keeps teachers motivated - even when energy is running low. Rebecca shares insights from her work on teacher motivation, explaining how self-reflection, supportive colleagues, and celebrating small wins can help teachers stay positive. The conversation explores practical strategies for managing emotions, the importance of authentic enthusiasm, and how school environments shape...
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Speaking Up: How to Cultivate Confident Communicators in the Classroom
Psychology in the Classroom
...With Prof. Neil Mercer Neil Mercer is Emeritus Professor of Education at the University of Cambridge and a psychologist and in this episode we discuss the pivotal role of spoken language and oracy in education. We explored how classroom dialogue, reasoned discussion, and public speaking can be systematically taught to enhance students’ thinking and communication skills. Neil shared insights on the impact of the pandemic on language development, practical strategies for fostering effective dialogue, and the importance of classroom culture and listening. We also discussed the value of...
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Listening to Learners: How Meaningful Talk Fuels Motivation and Achievement
Psychology in the Classroom
…with Dr. Marc Skelton. In this episode we bridge the gap between classroom practice and psychological theory to share actionable strategies for fostering student success. Drawing on years of teaching experience to research at the University of Warwick, Marc breaks down what truly drives student engagement. Marc introduces us to Paulo Freire's "banking model" of education, and advocates for a shift to active, meaningful learning where students are co-creators of knowledge. The core of the conversation centres on Self-Regulated Learning (SRL), exploring Barry Zimmerman's three phases:...
info_outline...with Dr Julia Badger
In this episode of #Psychologyintheclassroom bullying expert Dr Julia Badger, from Oxford University discusses her conference talk, “Peer Power: Understanding and Changing Bullying Dynamics in Mainstream and Specialist Special Schools.” Bullying is a public health priority. As teachers we need to know about bullying involvement and its impact. In this conversation Julia explores the challenges of defining bullying, introduces the concept of “counter connecting,” and highlights the unique experiences of children with SEND. She shares evidence-based strategies, including the KIVA program and its SEND adaptation, emphasizing whole-school approaches and community involvement.
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Definition and complexity of bullying in educational settings.
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Proposal of a new inclusive definition of bullying, particularly for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
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Introduction of the concept of "counter connecting" and its implications in bullying dynamics.
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Differences in bullying experiences between mainstream and special schools.
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The disproportionate impact of bullying on children with SEND.
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Variations in bullying types (verbal, physical, relational, cyberbullying) across different school environments.
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The psychological and emotional effects of bullying on victims, perpetrators, and bully-victims.
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Importance of whole-school anti-bullying programs and community involvement.
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Evidence-based interventions for bullying prevention, such as the KIVA program.
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The need for clear policies and shared understanding of bullying among educators, parents, and students.
Links:
Dr Julia Badger: https://www.education.ox.ac.uk/person/julia-badger/
KIVA: https://www.kivaprogram.net/
WISDOM Network: https://wisdom.mhid.org.uk/
Podcast with Lucy Bowes: https://changingstatesofmind.libsyn.com/bullying-its-everybodys-problem
Podcast with Chris Tayloe: https://changingstatesofmind.libsyn.com/constructive-deviance-with-chris-taylor