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Darren Leslie

@dnleslie.bsky.social
329 followers 215 following 95 posts

Teacher writing about teaching, learning, leadership and evidence-informed practice.

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Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Why 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.
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Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
AI 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.
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Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
AI 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.
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Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
I 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
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Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
The 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.
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Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Why 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.
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Pooja K. Agarwal @retrievelearn.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Transform your teaching with my book "Powerful Teaching" and discover evidence-based strategies to boost student learning.
retrievalpractice.org
Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning
Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning
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Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
AI 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.
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Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
We 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.
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Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
AI 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?”
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Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
Teacher 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.
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Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
1/ 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. 🧵
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Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
If 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. 🧵
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Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Differentiation is often presented as creating something different for every pupil. But could inclusive teaching sometimes begin with a stronger shared classroom experience instead? 🧵
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Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Can 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. 🧵
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Bruce Robertson @brucenextlevel.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
I’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 😊
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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!
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Kate Jones @katejonesteach.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
There 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.
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Drew Burrett @drewburrett.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
Find the episode here - open.spotify.com/episode/0ZIp...
open.spotify.com
Andy Creamer
Talking Scottish Education · Episode
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Drew Burrett @drewburrett.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
Great 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.
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Drew Burrett @drewburrett.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
Another 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
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Aileen Kennedy @profaileenk.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
An interesting whirlwind tour of the history of @gtcscotland.bsky.social, reminding us why it was set up 60 years ago. youtu.be/zZbMlc0ExPI
youtu.be
60 years of Trusted Teaching
YouTube video by GTC Scotland
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InnerDrive @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…
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Drew Burrett @drewburrett.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
Awake 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.com
Sheena Bell & Lynne Jones
Talking Scottish Education · Episode
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InnerDrive @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…
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Bruce 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...
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Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
As 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
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Paul 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.com
Paul Cochrane
Podcast Episode · Talking Scottish Education · 20/05/2025 · 1h 7m
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Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
I 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?
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Drew Burrett @drewburrett.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
Paul 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!
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Drew Burrett @drewburrett.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
An 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.com
Talking Scottish Education
Podcast · 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 ...
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Bruce Robertson @brucenextlevel.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
A 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
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Carl Hendrick @carlhendrick.substack.com · 06/04/2025
Please subscribe to Emily's podcast. This is important work. open.spotify.com/show/0tcUMXB...
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The Learning Scientists @learningscientists.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
NEW PODCAST EPISODE! Episode 90: Dual Coding-Can There Be Too Much of a Good Thing? @drsumeracki.bsky.social www.learningscientists.org/learning-sci...
learningscientists.org
Episode 90: Dual Coding-Can There Be Too Much of a Good Thing? — The Learning Scientists
This 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...
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Blake Harvard @blakeharvard.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Harnessing Attention and Explaining Better Webinar with @mrzachg.bsky.social and myself! It's FREE! effortfuleduktr.substack.com/p/harnessing...
effortfuleduktr.substack.com
Harnessing Attention and Explaining Better Webinar
June 13 - Save the date!
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Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 18/05/2025
Have 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
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Carl Hendrick @carlhendrick.substack.com · 17/05/2025
Introducing 'Instructional Illusions' with @paulkirschner.bsky.social and Jim Heal carlhendrick.substack.com/p/introducin...
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
Great Becoming Educated podcast with @carlhendrick.substack.com and @dnleslie.bsky.social
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Carl Hendrick @carlhendrick.substack.com · 17/05/2025
An honour to be on the brilliant Becoming Educated podcast
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Darren Leslie @dnleslie.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
The 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...
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David Didau @didau.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
Cognitive science isn’t confused, it’s just not doing philosophy open.substack.com/pub/daviddid...
open.substack.com
Cognitive science isn’t confused, it’s just not doing philosophy
Understanding, remembering, and the purpose of explanation
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ThePhysicalEducator.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.com
ThePhysicalEducator.com • PE Best Practices
Since 2010, ThePhysicalEducator.com has helped physical education teachers worldwide adopt PE best practices. Let's raise the bar for PE together!
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Paul Kirschner @paulkirschner.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
So 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
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SCILT @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...
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Nathan Walker @nwalkerpe.bsky.social · 10/05/2025
I’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 #EduPE
open.spotify.com
Episode 60 - Tom Manley - Team games in PE, still the favourite?
PE Insights Podcast - PE Scholar · Episode
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ImpactWales @impactwales.bsky.social · 10/05/2025
NEW - 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
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 10/05/2025
Good 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
Lynne Jones and Sheena Bell from SCILT beside a tree in the grounds of Queen Margaret University Edinburgh on a sunny dayLynne Jones from SCILT introduces a session on improving engagement in professional learning at the IPDA Scotland Symposium at Queen Margaret University Edinburgh
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 10/05/2025
Thanks 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
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Lynne_SCILT @lynnescilt.bsky.social · 10/05/2025
Thanks Stuart & Darren for the invite onto the Talking Scottish Education podcast
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
It 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.
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