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 timely reminder of the incredible thinking happening in our classrooms.

A bullet point summary:

• Discussion of the multi-store model of memory (modal model) by Atkinson and Shiffrin.
• Explanation of sensory registers, short-term memory, and long-term memory.
• Importance of capturing student attention in the classroom for effective learning.
• Techniques for enhancing short-term memory retention, including rehearsal and elaborative rehearsal.
• Strategies for connecting new information to prior knowledge to strengthen long-term memory.
• Overview of the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in psychotherapy.
• Benefits of AI in mental health support, including accessibility, affordability, and reduced stigma.
• Limitations of AI therapy, such as lack of genuine empathy and privacy concerns.
• Potential for AI to complement human therapists in mental health care.
• Exploration of future possibilities for personalized therapy and improved access to mental health resources through AI.

...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 conversation offers practical guidance and reassurance for secondary teachers navigating the challenges of inclusive education in UK schools.

Useful Links:

Severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties in school: considering ethical and dilemma-based perspectives by Tracy Edwards: https://www.routledge.com/Severe-Profound-and-Multiple-Learning-Difficulties-in-School-Considering-Ethical-and-Dilemma-Based-Perspectives/Edwards/p/book/9781032888750

Beyond the 'Dilemma of difference': an analysis of stories from expereinced teachers about their inclusive practice: https://bera-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/berj.4129

Simmons, B. (2021) 'How special are mainstream schools? Reflections on social spaces for children with profound and multiple learning difficulties.' : https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/14531/

BBC Articles on the topics mentioned in the podcast:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpr0xwx9e7jo

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2r8y0v6l7o

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjw0e3zjx2lo

Bullet point summary:

• Special and inclusive education challenges for teachers.
• Dilemmas faced by educators working with learners with complex special educational needs.
• Inclusion versus exclusion in educational settings.
• Ethical considerations in teaching and decision-making.
• The role of special schools compared to mainstream schools.
• Importance of "craft knowledge" in navigating educational dilemmas.
• The impact of systemic failures on students with special needs.
• The significance of choice and flexible differentiation in pedagogy.
• The relationship between classroom practices and student engagement.
• The need for ongoing reflection and ethical engagement in inclusive education.

...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 discussion of suicide.

Links to the resources mentioned are below:

• The Mental Elf: nationalelfservice.net/mental-health
• André Tomlin - LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/andretomlin/
• The ReSET Podcast Series https://resetproject.co.uk/the-reset-podcast/
• Schools in Mind — free, evidence-based resources specifically for schools: https://www.annafreud.org/resources/schools-and-colleges/schools-in-mind/
• Mentally Healthy Schools website — helps schools navigate what actually works https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/
• Children and Young People's Mental Health Coalition https://cypmhc.org.uk/
• Kiva Podcast with Julia Badger: https://changingstatesofmind.libsyn.com/unpacking-the-complexities-of-bullying-from-counter-connecting-to-whole-school-solutions
• Kiva Podcast with Lucy Bowes: https://changingstatesofmind.libsyn.com/bullying-its-everybodys-problem
• More Mental Health podcasts from Psychology in the Classroom: https://changingstatesofmind.com/mental-health-%26-wellbeing

Bullet point outline:

• Challenges in making mental health research accessible to non-researchers, particularly educators and practitioners.
• The gap between published research and its practical application in real-world settings.
• Issues with paywalls, academic jargon, and the complexity of research language.
• Importance of critically evaluating research headlines and studies, including understanding correlation versus causation.
• Key factors for assessing research quality, such as peer review, study design, and effect size.
• The role of mixed methods research in providing a comprehensive understanding of mental health interventions.
• The significance of co-production with young people in developing effective mental health programs.
• The distinction between efficacy and effectiveness trials in evaluating interventions.
• Common myths about mental health research in schools and the importance of evidence-based prevention.
• Resources and platforms that help bridge the gap between mental health research and practical application for educators.