Mr Brown

A podcast documenting my journey as a trainee teacher, with a special focus on mental health. Hosted by @mrbrownpod (my main account).

[Mr Brown @mypgcepod]

I want to keep this account just about the PGCE. So, now that I’ve qualified, I’ve started a new account @mrbrownpod. Please follow! @MrTs_NQTs #edutwitter #teachertwitter

[James Brown @mrbrownpod]

As a prologue to the Mr Brown Podcast, I republish the final episode of @mypgcepod, where I offer advice to new trainees and deliver the final verdict on PGCE vs mental health. Let me know your thoughts! #edutwitter #teachertwitter #PGCE #mentalhealth https://t.co/kwOj3ku7jD

[James Brown @mrbrownpod]

After an unexpectedly long hiatus... a new episode!

I talk about the how a great teacher discovered their three guiding principles and how I discovered the power of body language. Let me know what you think! #edutwitter

Full episode: https://t.co/pkO0HlHMNX

[James Brown @mrbrownpod]

https://t.co/E8HnSpxNyK

[James Brown @mrbrownpod]

For example, some excellent teachers might do extra work because they simply care more — and that’s what ultimately makes them excellent, not the extra work per se.

[James Brown @mrbrownpod]

Some of the assumptions of education:

1. Some futures are better than others;
2. Some upbringings are more likely to result in the former;
3. Our efforts as teachers can increase the likelihood of the former.

All dubious!

Teaching is a faith-based practice.

[James Brown @mrbrownpod]

Some excellent teachers do extra work (tasks XYZ). But it isn’t always true that they are excellent *because* they do XYZ, let alone that other teachers should also do XYZ to improve their practice. These assumptions can easily lead to workloads spiralling out of control.

[James Brown @mrbrownpod]

A teacher doesn’t need to be liked by every student in their class. But it is critically important that they not actively disliked by even a few students.

[James Brown @mrbrownpod]

Is it better to have high behavioural standards but implement them a little inconsistently, or have slightly lower behavioural standards and implement them perfectly consistently?

[James Brown @mrbrownpod]

In your school, what are Y11 teachers expected to do with their time after Y11 have finished their exams?

[James Brown @mrbrownpod]

How much does having a degree in your subject matter for being a good teacher? @MrTs_NQTs

[James Brown @mrbrownpod]

Can extrinsic rewards induce intrinsic motivation for virtuous behaviour? I did an experiment to find out, which you can read about in my first peer-reviewed article: https://t.co/GyU8tT5fS3

[James Brown @mrbrownpod]

For my MA dissertation, I ran a classroom study testing whether extrinsic rewards can be used to lure children into developing intrinsic motivation. You can now read about it here! Let me know if you have any thoughts. https://t.co/7n2SR47IMr

[James Brown @mrbrownpod]

I'm going to take a little break from the podcast, just while I find my feet as a PhD student! I hope to start posting new episodes again before Christmas. Patreon billing will be paused in the meantime. Thank you for your continued support! <3

[James Brown @mrbrownpod]

New episode! I talk about the dangers of prioritising procedural over conceptual learning, and the benefits of praising progress privately. Let me know what you think! #edutwitter

Full episode: https://t.co/cAs0Nic9W8

[James Brown @mrbrownpod]

https://t.co/VpIBWaxVnj

[James Brown @mrbrownpod]

Education cannot simultaneously equip students to do well within the system and prepare them to overthrow the system.

[James Brown @mrbrownpod]

https://t.co/jZbPW2e3uZ

[James Brown @mrbrownpod]

New episode! I talk about the ideal source of motivation for a teacher and the value of leaving speeches. Let me know what you think! #edutwitter

Full episode: https://t.co/bDRvlHtiTw

[James Brown @mrbrownpod]

If they are going to last more than a few years in the profession, what should a teacher’s ultimate source of motivation be? #edutwitter @MrTs_NQTs

[James Brown @mrbrownpod]

https://t.co/OkWlQ130lK

[James Brown @mrbrownpod]

New episode! I talk about the Pareto principle and workload, and inclusion vs exceptionalism. Let me know what you think! #edutwitter

Full episode: https://t.co/R9mTXJKUhW