Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 16/07/2026Why do some pupils avoid answering, even when they may know? Mistakes are one of the clearest windows into pupils’ thinking. Good classrooms welcome them, make thinking visible and give teachers the chance to respond before misconceptions become secure. 000
Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 16/07/2026AI should not remove the thinking through which learning happens. For novice learners, be cautious about tools that generate answers before pupils have built the knowledge to understand and evaluate them. The most promising AI keeps the cognitive work with the learner. 010
Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 15/07/2026AI can help a pupil finish the task while quietly changing the thinking the task was meant to develop. Does it replace retrieval, explanation or problem-solving? Or does it strengthen them? The real value of AI lies in the thinking it leaves with the learner. 000
Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 14/07/2026I want to deepen my understanding of AI and learning. What are the strongest studies or papers on AI being used to teach, tutor or support pupils? I’m particularly interested in research that examines learning outcomes, not only engagement or efficiency. Please share anything I should read 000
Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 14/07/2026The timing of AI support may matter as much as the tool itself. Before a pupil attempts the work, AI may remove the need to retrieve, reason or persist. After an attempt, it may expose an error, offer a useful hint or improve the next response. Same tool. Different moment. Different effect. 000
Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 13/07/2026Why do some pupils seem to understand everything in the lesson, then remember almost nothing a week later? Performance during a lesson is not the same as durable learning. The real test is what pupils can retrieve, apply and connect once support has gone. 010
Reposted by Darren LesliePooja K. Agarwal @retrievelearn.bsky.social · 13/07/2026Transform your teaching with my book "Powerful Teaching" and discover evidence-based strategies to boost student learning.retrievalpractice.orgPowerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of LearningPowerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning 152
Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 13/07/2026AI can make a pupil’s work look better without making the pupil any better. That is the distinction schools cannot afford to miss. A polished answer is not proof of learning. The real test is what the pupil can still understand, remember and do when the AI is removed. 000
Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 12/07/2026We often assume that struggle is evidence of learning. But productive struggle asks pupils to retrieve, connect and apply knowledge. Unproductive struggle comes from confusion, overload or missing prior knowledge. Challenge should deepen thinking, not block access to the content. 000
Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 12/07/2026AI is at its most useful when it supports thinking, not when it replaces it. Learning is built through retrieving, generating, connecting and refining ideas. So the key question is not: “Can AI do this task?” It is: “What thinking do I want the learner to do?” 000
Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 11/07/2026Teacher talk is often treated as something to minimise. But reducing it too far can leave pupils with less knowledge, less clarity and less capacity to work independently. The goal is not less explanation. It is better explanation, given at the right moment. 000
Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 11/07/20261/ A valuable article from David Didau. Schools search for visible signs of learning because learning itself is invisible. The problem begins when those signs become targets, and teachers start producing the appearance of learning rather than learning itself. 🧵 100
Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 11/07/2026If AI gives every pupil instant feedback, will they learn more? Not necessarily. Feedback is one of the most powerful influences on learning. But only if pupils think about it. 🧵 100
Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 10/07/2026Differentiation is often presented as creating something different for every pupil. But could inclusive teaching sometimes begin with a stronger shared classroom experience instead? 🧵 100
Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 10/07/2026Can AI think for a pupil? It can generate an answer, explain a concept and suggest an example. But learning does not happen because information exists. It happens because pupils think about that information. 🧵 100
Reposted by Darren LeslieBruce Robertson @brucenextlevel.bsky.social · 12/06/2025I’m delighted to announce the launch of the new TEACHING POWERUPS membership website for schools: teachingpowerups.com 🔵 Over 100 Trusted Techniques 🔵 Coaching frameworks 🔵 Extra professional learning supports If this is of interest for your school, local authority or trust, please get in touch 😊 021
Reposted by Darren Leslie Bradley Busch @handle.invalid · 05/06/2025✈️ Evidence-Informed Wisdom is here!! ✈️ RT for a chance to be the first to read it. Today we received our advance copies. It’s a serious book written in a funny way. It’s my favourite thing I’ve ever done. Will pick someone at random on Sunday night and post them a copy! 11012
Reposted by Darren LeslieKate Jones @katejonesteach.bsky.social · 06/06/2025There are lots of ways to provide opportunities for retrieval practice. There are benefits/limitations to different techniques that's why I embrace variety. As a history teacher, quizzes are great for knowledge recall but students must be given opportunities for elaboration & application too. 032
Reposted by Darren LeslieDrew Burrett @drewburrett.bsky.social · 04/06/2025Find the episode here - open.spotify.com/episode/0ZIp...open.spotify.comAndy CreamerTalking Scottish Education · Episode 111
Reposted by Darren LeslieDrew Burrett @drewburrett.bsky.social · 04/06/2025Great point from Andy to finish about the importance of *time* for teachers to access and engage with professional learning, for preparation and to work together. 011
Reposted by Darren LeslieDrew Burrett @drewburrett.bsky.social · 04/06/2025Another really interesting episode of 'Talking Scottish Education' from @stuartphysics.bsky.social and @dnleslie.bsky.social speaking about #curriculum #reform with Andy Creamer from @educationscotland.bsky.social Many shortcomings of #CfE identified and discussed. Need for clarity and decluttering 255
Reposted by Darren LeslieAileen Kennedy @profaileenk.bsky.social · 02/06/2025An interesting whirlwind tour of the history of @gtcscotland.bsky.social, reminding us why it was set up 60 years ago. youtu.be/zZbMlc0ExPIyoutu.be60 years of Trusted TeachingYouTube video by GTC Scotland 022
Reposted by Darren LeslieInnerDrive @innerdrive.bsky.social · 02/06/2025💧Water = Exam Power Drinking water during exams can boost focus, memory & mood. Simple habit, big impact. 👉 www.innerdrive.co.uk/blog/drink-wat… 011
Reposted by Darren LeslieDrew Burrett @drewburrett.bsky.social · 01/06/2025Awake early on a Sunday, but very much enjoyed listening to this great discussion about supporting the teaching of languages on Talking Scottish Education. Great to hear the about the importance and positive impact of subject specific professional learning. open.spotify.com/episode/3fqZ...open.spotify.comSheena Bell & Lynne JonesTalking Scottish Education · Episode 031
Reposted by Darren LeslieInnerDrive @innerdrive.bsky.social · 31/05/2025😴 + 📚 = 🚀 Struggling students? Start with their sleep. Better rest = better memory, focus & mood. 💡 Download our FREE guide on Sleep & Learning: www.innerdrive.co.uk/guides/sleep-a… 033
Reposted by Darren LeslieBruce Robertson @brucenextlevel.bsky.social · 30/05/2025“Amidst a raft of other changes to the school’s ethos and to the level of expectation placed on children, [Berwickshire High School] injected content based on knowledge into a curriculum which has been largely stripped of it. The outcome was astonishing.”👇 www.heraldscotland.com/politics/vie... 021
Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 30/05/2025As a PE Teacher I am keen to begin sharing an insight into my lessons and how I plan them. I hope this helps fellow teachers of Physical Education #PEchat #teamphysed 110
Reposted by Darren LesliePaul Cochrane @mrdissent.bsky.social · 29/05/2025@dnleslie.bsky.social @stuartphysics.bsky.social podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t... @barryblackne.bsky.social @sstatradeunion.bsky.social Darren, Stuart...I succumbed and listened to my voice droning on....'surprisingly' entertaining and interesting listen but OMG! I can talk! 😀 Thank You!podcasts.apple.comPaul CochranePodcast Episode · Talking Scottish Education · 20/05/2025 · 1h 7m 162
Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 29/05/2025I might be wrong but could it be because we simply don’t have a shared understanding of what excellent looks likes Which then means excellent isn’t shared explicitly in a way that schools can look at and work towards. Do we all know (and agree) on what excellent looks like? 012
Reposted by Darren LeslieDrew Burrett @drewburrett.bsky.social · 25/05/2025Paul gave a great summary of the decades of change and increasing pressure they have put on teachers, coupled with the diminished supports available. Really struck by the idea of a morning academic timetable and afternoons for sports/creativity. It'd be great to share what I love beyond my subject! 231
Reposted by Darren LeslieDrew Burrett @drewburrett.bsky.social · 25/05/2025An hour well spent listening to the fascinating chat between @mrdissent.bsky.social , @stuartphysics.bsky.social and @dnleslie.bsky.social over on the 'Talking Scottish Education' podcast. Definitely worth a listen - open.spotify.com/show/4LECanS...open.spotify.comTalking Scottish EducationPodcast · Darren Leslie · Welcome to Talking Scottish Education, where we go beyond the headlines and dive deep into the key issues shaping the future of education in Scotland. I’m Darren Leslie, and ... 242
Reposted by Darren LeslieBruce Robertson @brucenextlevel.bsky.social · 25/05/2025A really great new review of Power Up Your Questioning on Amazon👇 Thank you very much R Wolford. I’m delighted you’ve found the book so useful 😊 Available here: amzn.eu/d/fVR6oH1 021
Reposted by Darren LeslieCarl Hendrick @carlhendrick.substack.com · 06/04/2025Please subscribe to Emily's podcast. This is important work. open.spotify.com/show/0tcUMXB... 2156
Reposted by Darren LeslieThe Learning Scientists @learningscientists.bsky.social · 22/05/2025NEW PODCAST EPISODE! Episode 90: Dual Coding-Can There Be Too Much of a Good Thing? @drsumeracki.bsky.social www.learningscientists.org/learning-sci...learningscientists.orgEpisode 90: Dual Coding-Can There Be Too Much of a Good Thing? — The Learning ScientistsThis episode was funded by listeners like you. For more details on how to help support our podcast and gain access to exclusive content, please see our Patreon page . Show Notes: In Episode... 032
Reposted by Darren LeslieBlake Harvard @blakeharvard.bsky.social · 20/05/2025Harnessing Attention and Explaining Better Webinar with @mrzachg.bsky.social and myself! It's FREE! effortfuleduktr.substack.com/p/harnessing...effortfuleduktr.substack.comHarnessing Attention and Explaining Better WebinarJune 13 - Save the date! 032
Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 18/05/2025Have you listened to the Kate’s episode of The Becoming Educated podcast with @carlhendrick.substack.com I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on it #becomingeducated 100
Reposted by Darren LeslieCarl Hendrick @carlhendrick.substack.com · 17/05/2025Introducing 'Instructional Illusions' with @paulkirschner.bsky.social and Jim Heal carlhendrick.substack.com/p/introducin... 0106
Reposted by Darren LeslieStuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 17/05/2025Great Becoming Educated podcast with @carlhendrick.substack.com and @dnleslie.bsky.social 031
Reposted by Darren LeslieCarl Hendrick @carlhendrick.substack.com · 17/05/2025An honour to be on the brilliant Becoming Educated podcast 052
Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 17/05/2025The Becoming Educated Podcast Listen to the latest episode with @carlhendrick.substack.com We discuss working memory, long term memory and much more on the science of learning. podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/b... 144
Reposted by Darren LeslieDavid Didau @didau.bsky.social · 17/05/2025Cognitive science isn’t confused, it’s just not doing philosophy open.substack.com/pub/daviddid...open.substack.comCognitive science isn’t confused, it’s just not doing philosophyUnderstanding, remembering, and the purpose of explanation 362
Reposted by Darren LeslieThePhysicalEducator.com @thephysicaleducator.com · 17/02/2025👋 Hi Team #PhysEd! ❤️ In case I haven't met you yet, ThePhysicalEducator.com is an online resource for PE teachers. It's been up and running since 2010, and continues to be run by me (@joeyfeith.com). 🧭 My mission is to help PE teachers everywhere teach from a place of clarity, confidence, and joy!thephysicaleducator.comThePhysicalEducator.com • PE Best PracticesSince 2010, ThePhysicalEducator.com has helped physical education teachers worldwide adopt PE best practices. Let's raise the bar for PE together! 0124
Reposted by Darren LesliePaul Kirschner @paulkirschner.bsky.social · 12/05/2025So much of what happens in learning and instruction is obscured from view, much like in a good magic trick. @carlhendrick.substack.com, Jim Heal and I lift the curtain on 10 such instructional illusions in our new book which is scheduled for release end-August but can be preordered now. #EduSky 1367
Reposted by Darren LeslieSCILT @scilt.bsky.social · 12/05/2025@lynnescilt.bsky.social and @sheenascilt.bsky.social join @stuartphysics.bsky.social and @dnleslie.bsky.social on podcast Talking Scottish Education #TalkEdScot to discuss the importance of language education in Scotland: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s... 097
Reposted by Darren LeslieNathan Walker @nwalkerpe.bsky.social · 10/05/2025I’d appreciate a share/repost 🙏🏼 Episode 60 of the PE Insights Podcast is now available wherever you get your podcasts 🫶🏼🎧 🔗⬇️ open.spotify.com/episode/7lOv... #PEInsightsPodcast #EduPEopen.spotify.comEpisode 60 - Tom Manley - Team games in PE, still the favourite?PE Insights Podcast - PE Scholar · Episode 41212
Reposted by Darren LeslieImpactWales @impactwales.bsky.social · 10/05/2025NEW - Differentiation isn't 3 different tasks. It's different levels of support and practice. Look at our new sketchnote which brings together Sweller's Cognitive Load Theory & differentiation. We use research to shape all our professional learning for schools. Contact us enquiries@impact.wales 061
Reposted by Darren LeslieStuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 10/05/2025Good to meet up with @lynnescilt.bsky.social and Sheena Bell from @scilt.bsky.social at the @ipda-prof-learn.bsky.social Scotland symposium at @qmuniversity.bsky.social. They are the guests on the latest episode of the Talking Scottish Education podcast with me and @dnleslie.bsky.social #TalkScotEd 083
Reposted by Darren LeslieStuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 10/05/2025Thanks to you and @sheenascilt.bsky.social for agreeing to be guests. We are aiming to get a range of well informed voices and perspectives on the current state of Scottish education and how to improve it. An episode on languages education is an important part of that. #TalkScotEd 052
Reposted by Darren LeslieLynne_SCILT @lynnescilt.bsky.social · 10/05/2025Thanks Stuart & Darren for the invite onto the Talking Scottish Education podcast 052
Reposted by Darren LeslieStuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 03/05/2025It was great to have @barryblackne.bsky.social as one of the first guests on the Talking Scottish Education podcast with @dnleslie.bsky.social #TalkScotEd It will be good to find out more about Barry's PhD findings and what influences pupil subject choices on his Substack. 133