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Episode 9: Using educational psychology to foster positive learning relationships

In the latest episode, we hear from the educational psychologist Dr David Lamb on how to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

Published:

  • Time to read: 3 minutes

Educational psychologist Dr David Lamb tells us more about the psychological approach WOWW – Working On What Works.

Vicky Sadler, our Deputy Director of Training and host of Tutorcast, interviews David to gain fresh insight into the psychological tools tutors can use to create a space where achievements are celebrated and pupils are in the mindset to succeed.

Vicky invited David onto the podcast after hearing him interviewed at the University of Manchester's Inclusion and Inspiration Education for Social Justice conference for trainee and early career teachers in January 2023. David discussed various approaches to building positive impactful relationships between educators and learners and the practical application of educational psychology in school settings.

WOWW - Working On What Works

In the podcast, we find out how David’s approaches work in the classroom and how they could be applied by tutors too.  In a wide-ranging interview, David talks about the psychological approach WOWW – Working On What Works – and the importance of reflection and having solutions-focused conversations. He also talks about self-determination, intrinsic motivation and the need for ‘RAC’ (Relatedness, Autonomy and Competency) to be met for it to flourish – and much more!

We developed our Tutorcast podcast as another tool to support our tutors to deliver high-quality tutoring, and, like previous episodes, this is focused on how tutors can create an environment where pupils can develop confidence and succeed, David shares a series of powerful insights that are relevant to anyone teaching or tutoring young learners.

He says: “That time for reflection is so important. Whenever I'm doing any WOWW work in schools, I always say to the staff that the feedback only goes so far, the reflection and the discussion are the key bit because that bring it to life, and bring a greater understanding and a richness to the interactions that we're having.”

In this episode, we learn ways to foster positive interactions and student empowerment. Tune in to his exploration of the world of educational psychology and therapeutic practices, delving deep into the practical applications of these techniques within school settings. Uncover how these transformative methods not only empower tutors and teachers but also uplift students and enrich the entire teaching community.

Find out more here:

  1. Twitter @WOWWpsychology
  2. The Learning Exchange | Applied Psychologies | England |
  3. @AppPsych

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Episode 11: What's in your tutoring toolkit?

Join Vicky in this insightful episode as she unlocks the hidden gems behind successful tutoring, and we've got two remarkable educators from Tutor Trust, Charlie and Lucy, here to spill the beans on their go-to methods for igniting student engagement.