In this episode of The Learning Curve, host Dr. Shannon Babbie is joined by Stephanie O’Reilly, program director for the MEd in Health and Wellbeing at the University of Aberdeen. O’Reilly defines wellbeing as a relational concept that "ebbs and flows daily," noting that mental health and education are deeply intertwined.

The discussion explores trauma-informed practice and the necessity of supportive relationships in schools. O’Reilly provides practical advice for educators, such as viewing all behaviour as communication and developing active listening skills. She further emphasizes moving beyond tokenistic self-care to provide teachers with the time, trust, and professional space they need to thrive. Finally, she highlights her work with the Centre for Teaching Excellence and Scotland’s ongoing curriculum reform cycle.

In this episode of The Learning Curve, host Dr. Shannon Babbie joins Dr. Archie Graham to discuss the transition from "Theory to Practice". As a senior lecturer and Director of the Postgraduate Research Programme, Dr. Graham explains how theory serves as a practical "tool" for solving real-world classroom problems rather than just an academic concept.

The discussion explores the Florian and Black-Hawkins framework for participation and an organizing grid designed to manage classroom complexity through social, cognitive, and linguistic lenses. Dr. Graham also highlights his research on preparing teachers for high-poverty contexts and his current project reimagining global teacher preparation. Learn why research-active universities are essential for understanding knowledge production and how theory helps new educators navigate the "complexity of the classroom"

In this episode, host Dr Shannon Babbie explores the integration of technology in the modern classroom. She is joined by School of Education lecturers and programme directors Gordon Stewart and Alan Grieve.

The discussion begins by defining blended learning as a mix of face-to-face instruction and online, asynchronous learning via the university's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The guests note this approach offers flexibility and promotes student autonomy.

The conversation then transitions to Artificial Intelligence (AI), a major topic of debate in education. The guests discuss Generative AI (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot as aids for resource creation , accessibility , and providing inspiration for lesson planning. They emphasize that AI is a tool and that the teacher's professional judgment remains paramount.

Key challenges are also addressed, including fear of the "unknown" , the rapid pace of change , the digital divide in Scotland , and structural barriers like funding and access.

The episode highlights how the School of Education is actively researching these challenges, particularly focusing on GenAI use for student teachers on professional placement. A new elective course, "Digital Technologies in the Primary Classroom," is also detailed. The guests conclude that Aberdeen's focus on technology and pedagogy prepares students to be confident, critically reflective, and autonomous practitioners for the modern Scottish classroom.