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:...
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SLOP: The Power of Repeated and Varied Practice in Education
Psychology in the Classroom
...with Dr Mike Hobbiss Mike is an experienced psychology teacher and co-author of "How to Teach Psychology: An Evidence-Informed Approach." In this episode Mike explains how learning and disciplinary fundamentals shape classroom practice, and introduces the SLOP (Shed Loads of Practice) approach, emphasizing varied, repeated practice for deeper understanding. Despite examples and context being set within Psychology as a subject, the concepts and practice is applicable to a wide range of subjects. The discussion explores practical strategies, the importance of building flexible schemas, and...
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Zines and Emotional Literacy: A Fun and Engaging Path to Better Mental Health
Psychology in the Classroom
…with Julie Kane In today’s educational landscape, supporting young people’s mental health and emotional literacy is more important than ever. We know that many young people are struggling with managing their emotions and this impacts their education in a range of ways. Julie is a third-year PhD student at Aston University, and discusses her innovative research using zines to support emotional literacy and mental health in young people. Julie shares how her background in psychology and art inspired her to develop creative workshops for primary and secondary students. We discuss the...
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Creating Safer Spaces: How Schools Can Foster Mental Wellbeing for All Students
Psychology in the Classroom
With Jade Davies, Dr Ola Demkowicz, Dr Khathustshelo Muluvhu-Malanga and Dr Laura Oxley In this final episode from the BPS Psychology of Education Setion's conference we hear from four experts on different elements of mental health in schools. We explore how social media impacts teenagers’ wellbeing, the unique mental health challenges faced by adolescent girls, effective counseling models for supporting students towards academic excellence, and the importance of teacher wellbeing. The guests share research insights and practical advice, emphasising the need for open conversations, systemic...
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Why Students Want AI Feedback but Crave Human Connection in Learning
Psychology in the Classroom
...with Professor Louise Taylor and Professor Silke Paulmann In this episode of Psychology in the Classroom, Professor Louise Taylor discusses students’ perceptions of using generative AI for assessment feedback, highlighting its benefits and the continued need for human connection in the marking and feedback process. In part two Professor Silke Pohlmann shares research on how a teacher’s tone of voice shapes students’ classroom experiences. Both conversations, recorded at the British Psychological Society’s conference, offer practical insights for educators on integrating AI...
info_outlineIn 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 of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. From reducing classroom anxiety to helping students feel truly "heard," your voice is one of the most powerful psychological tools in your teaching toolkit. Learn some easy to implement strategies to help your vocal tone.
You can find out more here: https://www.tone4you.co.uk/
Key Moments:
- Introduction to Professor Silke Paulmann: A look at her background in cognitive science and her research on voice as a biomarker.
- The "Why" Behind the Voice: Why tone carries as much weight as our actual words in autonomy-supportive teaching.
- Needs-Based Learning: How voice influences the three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
- Controlling vs. Supportive Voices: The difference between a "rushed" voice and a "grounded" voice.
- Breathing Awareness: An exercise to find your breath and use it to reduce anxiety.
- Tension Release: Using the "Sigh of Relief" and "Motorboat" sounds to loosen the vocal apparatus.
- The Siren & Range: Stretching the voice to ensure it remains flexible rather than rigid.
- Finding Your "Centered" Voice: A trick to stop speaking at an unnaturally high pitch.
- The Practice Round: Lucinda tries out three different ways to say "Take your time" (Neutral, Pressuring, and Supportive).
- Impact on Student Memory: Why slowing down doesn't just improve wellbeing, but also helps students remember more.
- Closing Thoughts & Cool Down: A final breath exercise and a reminder that your voice is a psychological tool.