Teaching reading: Developing fluency

Evidence into Action

#Podcasting Education #Education Endowment Foundation EEF

26:18

How do you know when it’s time to make your next big career move? With International Women’s Day around the corner, we are excited to feature Avni Patel Thompson, Founder and CEO of Milo. Avni is building technology that directly supports the often overlooked emotional and logistical labor that falls on parents—especially women. Milo is an AI assistant designed to help families manage that invisible load more efficiently. In this episode, Avni shares her journey from studying chemistry to holding leadership roles at global brands like Adidas and Starbucks, to launching her own ventures. She discusses how she approaches career transitions, the importance of unpleasant experiences, and why she’s focused on making everyday life easier for parents. [01:26] Avni's University Days and Early Career [04:36] Non-Linear Career Paths [05:16] Pursuing Steep Learning Curves [11:51] Entrepreneurship and Safety Nets [15:22] Lived Experiences and Milo [19:55] Avni’s In Her Ellement Moment [20:03] Reflections Links: Avni Patel Thompson on LinkedIn Suchi Srinivasan on LinkedIn Kamila Rakhimova on LinkedIn Ipsos report on the future of parenting About In Her Ellement: In Her Ellement highlights the women and allies leading the charge in digital, business, and technology innovation. Through engaging conversations, the podcast explores their journeys—celebrating successes and acknowledging the balance between work and family. Most importantly, it asks: when was the moment you realized you hadn’t just arrived—you were truly in your element? About The Hosts: Suchi Srinivasan is an expert in AI and digital transformation. Originally from India, her career includes roles at trailblazing organizations like Bell Labs and Microsoft. In 2011, she co-founded the Cleanweb Hackathon, a global initiative driving IT-powered climate solutions with over 10,000 members across 25+ countries. She also advises Women in Cloud, aiming to create $1B in economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs by 2030. Kamila Rakhimova is a fintech leader whose journey took her from Tajikistan to the U.S., where she built a career on her own terms. Leveraging her English proficiency and international relations expertise, she discovered the power of microfinance and moved to the U.S., eventually leading Amazon's Alexa Fund to support underrepresented founders. Subscribe to In Her Ellement on your podcast app of choice to hear meaningful conversations with women in digital, business, and technology.…

3 years ago 54:57

MP3•Episode home

Tim Rasinski, Professor of Literacy Education and author of “The Megabook of Fluency” (Start – 29:50);
Julie Phazey, Primary School Headteacher (29:50 – 39:52); and
Louise Quinn, Secondary School Deputy Headteacher and Senior Leader in Education (39:52 – End).

Further Resources:

The EEF Reading Fluency Glossary
EEF Blog, Why Focus on Reading Fluency?

27 episodes

Teaching reading: Developing fluency

Evidence into Action

published 3 years ago

MP3•Episode home

Tim Rasinski, Professor of Literacy Education and author of “The Megabook of Fluency” (Start – 29:50);
Julie Phazey, Primary School Headteacher (29:50 – 39:52); and
Louise Quinn, Secondary School Deputy Headteacher and Senior Leader in Education (39:52 – End).

Further Resources:

The EEF Reading Fluency Glossary
EEF Blog, Why Focus on Reading Fluency?

27 episodes

#Podcasting Education #Education Endowment Foundation EEF

All episodes

1
Teaching: an art or science - part 3 26:16

18 days ago26:16

26:16

In the final episode of our three-part series, ‘Teaching: an art or science?’ host Harry Madgwick meets with Yamina Bibi to discuss how teachers can best exercise their professional judgment, with insights from a panel of experts. Episode 1: Teaching: an art or science - part 1 Episode 2: Teaching: an art or science - part 2 Yamina Bibi (Project specialist at Chartered College of Teaching and freelance consultant) Panel: Dr Cat Scutt (Deputy Chief Executive, Education and Research, Chartered College of Teaching) Sarah Cottinghatt (Professional development consultant and instructional coach) Dr Sally Riordan (Associate Professor of Social Policy Research, Northeastern University London) Further resources Metacognition Guidance Report Engaging with Evidence report…

1
Teaching: an art or science - part 2 33:05

25 days ago33:05

33:05

In this second episode of our three-part series, ‘Teaching: an art or science?’, host Harry Madgwick meets with Sarah Stock, Director of Newcastle Research School, to discuss teachers’ use of research evidence, with insights from a panel of experts: Sarah Stock (Director of Newcastle Research School, Primary School Improvement Lead NEAT Academy Trust) Panel: Dr Cat Scutt (Deputy Chief Executive, Education and Research, Chartered College of Teaching) @CatScutt Sarah Cottinghatt (Professional development consultant and instructional coach) @scottinghatt Dr Sally Riordan (Associate Professor of Social Policy Research, Northeastern University London) You can catch up on part 1 here. Further resources EEF, Teacher Feedback to Improve Pupil Learning Guidance Report (October 2021) EEF Blog, The ShREC approach EEF, Vocabulary in Action tool (based on Beck model) EEF, Using Research Evidence: A Concise Guide (January 2024) Research Schools Network Clips from the Classroom…

1
Teaching: an art or science - part 1 30:53

5 weeks ago30:53

30:53

In the first episode of a three-part series, ‘Teaching: an art or science?’, host Alex Quigley is joined by co-host, Harry Madgwick (EEF senior content and engagement manager) and expert guests including: Damilola Ajagbonna (Deputy Headteacher, Hitchin Boys’ School) Dr Cat Scutt (Deputy Chief Executive, Education and Research, Chartered College of Teaching) Sarah Cottinghatt (Professional development consultant and instructional coach) Dr Sally Riordan (Senior Research Fellow, UCL) In this episode, Harry meets with his mentor from when he was an ECT to discuss what ECTs must master first upon entering the profession, what good mentoring can involve, and how to stay present and motivated as a teacher, accompanied by insights from a panel of experts.…

1
Breakfast clubs 44:22

11 weeks ago44:22

44:22

In this instalment, host Alex Quigley is joined by co-host Kirsten Mould and expert guests. They discuss breakfast club provision in schools, implementation challenges, impact, and advice for those looking to set up breakfast club provision in their setting. Lindsey McDonald, Chief Executive, Magic Breakfast, @LindseyMac_ @Magic_Breakfast (Start – 19:50) Toni Hayzen, Headteacher, Pembroke Park Primary School and Nursery, @PrimaryHT_Mum and Ash McGann, Headteacher, Burton Green Primary School (19:59 - End) Further Resources: EEF Breakfast Interventions: Rapid Evidence Assessment (August 2024) TES, How to Build an Effective Breakfast Club: What the Research Says (August 2024) To find out more about the Magic Breakfast Early Adopters Scheme: Early Adopters Scheme - Magic Breakfast School Food Matters | School Food Matters…

1
Retrieval practice 56:55

25 weeks ago56:55

56:55

In this instalment, host Alex Quigley is joined by co-host, Rachael Cattrall, EEF Content Specialist Alumna) and expert guests. They discuss the evolution of retrieval practice and insights into cognitive science, including how these principles and practices are being applied in classrooms. Dr Tom Perry, Associate Professor, University of Warwick (Start - 24:10) Rachel Wilson, Year 6 teacher & Deputy Research Director of Norwich Research School (24:10 - 37:50) Mark Miller, Director of Bradford Research School, Dixons Academies Trust (37:50 - End) Further Resources: Cognitive Science Approaches in the Classroom: a Review of the Evidence (summary) EEF Podcast: Cognitive Science in the Classroom The Processes of Memory: A brief explainer Cognitive Load Theory: A brief explainer…

1
Implementation in schools 1:09:09

30 weeks ago1:09:09

1:09:09

In this instalment, host Alex Quigley is joined by co-host, Kirsten Mould, EEF Senior Content and Engagement Manager, and expert guests. They discuss implementation in schools following the recent update of the EEF's implementation guidance report. They explore how we think about implementation and what it looks like in a practical sense. Jonathan Sharples, Associate Professor, EEF (Start - 28:23) Phil Stock, Director of Greenshaw Research School (28:23 - 49:27) Laura Spence, Director of Gloucestershire Research School (49:27 - End) Further Resources: EEF, A School’s Guide to Implementation guidance report (Updated April 2024) Engage and Unite: moving beyond buy-in – blog from Greenshaw Research School…

1
Using research evidence well in education 1:08:54

39 weeks ago1:08:54

1:08:54

In this instalment, host Alex Quigley is joined by co-host, Kirstin Mulholland, EEF Associate for School Engagement and Evidence Use, and expert guests. They discuss using research evidence well in the context of education, exploring the development of a culture and capacity for engaging with evidence in schools. Prof Rob Coe, Director of Research and Development at Evidence Based Education, EEF Senior Associate (3:10 - 30:03) Sean Harris, Lead for Research Improvement and Innovation at Tees Valley Education Trust (30:03 - 48:33) Claire Williams, Deputy Headteacher of Alexandra Park Primary School and Director of Alexandra Park Research School (48:33 - End) Further Resources: EEF Using Research Evidence – a concise guide (Published January 2024) Research School Network The COM-B Model for behaviour change – an explainer from The Decision Lab…

1
Supporting school attendance 58:11

1 year ago58:11

58:11

In this instalment, host Alex Quigley is joined by co-host, Freya Morrissey, EEF Content Specialist for Learning Behaviours, and expert guests. They discuss the complex topic of attendance and explore what the evidence tells us about the best ways to support it. Owen Carter, Director at ImpactEd (Start - 19:48) Jane Elsworth, Director of Huntington Research School (19:48 - 41:28) Oliver Kerr, Headteacher of Old Moat Primary School, Manchester (41:28 - End) Further Resources: Impact Ed: Understanding Attendance report EEF Supporting School Attendance webpage EEF’s Attendance intervention rapid evidence review 2022 For quick and easy access to future episodes, search for 'Evidence into Action' in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts and make sure you subscribe there.…

1
Primary Science 1:03:38

1 year ago1:03:38

1:03:38

In this instalment, host Alex Quigley is joined by co-host, Grace Coker, EEF Content Specialist for maths, and expert guests. They discuss high-quality science teaching that fosters progress and children’s interest in science. Sarah Earle, Reader in Education, Bath Spa University (Start - 28:14) Ben Rogers, Director of Curriculum and Pedagogy, Paradigm Trust (28:14 - 47:21) Mikaela Moore, Director of Primary Science, Delta Academy Trust (47:21 - End) Further Resources: Improving primary science guidance report , Education Endowment Foundation (Published November 2023) Guidance and resources to support teaching and assessment , Teacher Assessment in Primary Science (TAPS) Explorify resources For quick and easy access to future episodes, search for 'Evidence into Action' in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts and make sure you subscribe there.…

1
Defining disadvantage 1:12:18

1 year ago1:12:18

1:12:18

In this instalment, host Alex Quigley is joined by Kirsten Mould and expert guests to discuss how best to support pupils from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Guests include: Dr Rebecca Montacute, Head of Research and Policy, Sutton Trust (Start - 30:32) Marc Rowland, Pupil Premium Adviser, Unity School’s Partnership (30:32 - 53:26) Gill Fearns, Director, Lancashire Research School (53:26 - End) Further Resources: Contextual Admissions , Sutton Trust The COVID Social Mobility and Opportunities ( COSMO ) study Elitist Britain , Sutton Trust The EEF Guide to the Pupil Premium , Education Endowment Foundation (Updated September 2024) For quick and easy access to future episodes, search for 'Evidence into Action' in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts and make sure you subscribe there.…

1
Personal Social and Emotional Development (PSED) in the early years 1:04:00

2 years ago1:04:00

1:04:00

In this instalment, host Alex Quigley is joined by co-host Nicola Cherry, EEF Early Years Content Specialist and Early Years Delivery Manager for North Somerset Council, alongside expert guests. They discuss PSED and how we can support how early years practice can be enriched through evidence-use. Claudia Coussins, Deputy Head of Early Years - Policy and Practice, Anna Freud Centre (Start - 20:45) Ruth Coleman, Headteacher, Highfield Nursery School (20:45 - 38:44) Louise Jackson, Independent Consultant, Author, Trainer and Teacher, Wye Early Years (38:44 - End) For quick and easy access to future episodes, search for 'Evidence into Action' in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts and make sure you subscribe there. Further Resources: EEF Early Years Hub Since this episode was recorded there have been updates to the Early Years Evidence Store, including the Personal, Social & Emotional Development theme, the Self-Regulation & Executive Function theme and the ‘ Supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing in the early years ’ guide.…

1
SEN in mainstream and adaptive teaching 1:08:42

2 years ago1:08:42

1:08:42

In this instalment, host Alex Quigley is joined by co-host, Kirsten Mould, EEF Senior Content Specialist, and expert guests to discuss how best to support pupils with SEND, outlining the current challenges and opportunities in schools. Gary Aubin, EEF Associate content specialist for SEND and Head of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities at Future Academies (3:10 - 23:47) Rebecca Gonyora, Director of Inclusion (MAT) Every Child, Every Day Academy Trust and Deputy Regional SEN Lead for East of England and East London (WSS) (23:47 - 43:07) Jon Eaton, Director of Kingsbridge Research School and Research Lead at Kingsbridge Community College (43:07 - End For quick and easy access to future episodes, search for 'Evidence into Action' in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts and subscribe. Further reading EEF’s Special Educational Needs in Mainstream Schools guidance report EEF resource: reflecting on your practice EEF blog: Assess, adjust, adapt – what does adaptive teaching mean to you? EEF blog: Moving from ‘differentiation’ to ‘adaptive teaching’ Whole School SEND…

1
Metacognition 1:08:22

2 years ago1:08:22

1:08:22

In this instalment, host Alex Quigley is joined by co-host, Hannah Heron, Learning Behaviours Content Specialist for the EEF, and expert guests, to discuss metacognition, with particular focus on putting study strategies into practice. Professor John Dunlosky, Professor of Psychology and Director of the Science of Learning Center at Kent State University (Start - 34:16) Jo Ashcroft, CEO of the CLIC Trust (34:16 - 49:34) Freya Morrissey, Head of English at Teign School (49:34 - End) Further Resources: EEF Metacognition and Self-Regulated Learning Guidance Report (Published April 2018)…

1
Vocabulary and Language 58:37

2 years ago58:37

58:37

In this instalment, host Alex Quigley is joined by co-host Alex Reynolds, Literacy Content Specialist for the EEF, and expert guests to discuss vocabulary instruction, connections to reading and the curriculum. Professor Jessie Ricketts, Director of Language and the reading acquisition research group for the Department of Psychology at Royal Holloway University of London (Start - 27:25) Marcus Jones, Literacy Lead at Huntington Research School and English Teacher (27:25 - 50:32) Host and co-host reflections (50:32 - End) Further Resources: EEF Vocabulary in Action Classroom Strategies Resource EEF Vocabulary in Action: Misconceptions Resource EEF Blog, Through the Keyhole of the Reading House, Part 1: Vocabulary, Comprehension and Word Reading…

1
English as an Additional Language 1:00:51

2 years ago1:00:51

1:00:51

In this instalment, hosts Alex Quigley and EEF Senior Content Manager Kirsten Mould are joined by expert guests in linguistics and education, alongside education leaders, to discuss how best to support pupils with English as an Additional Language. Guests include: Prof Victoria Murphy, Director of the Department of Education & Professor of Applied Linguistics, University of Oxford (Start - 27:45) Diana Sutton, The Bell Foundation (27:45 - 42:27) Karl Rogerson, Principal of Billesley Primary School and Director of Billesley Research School (42:27 - End)…

Evidence into Action

1
Evidence-informed Leadership 1:02:58

2 years ago1:02:58

1:02:58

In this instalment, hosts Alex Quigley and EEF Senior Content Manager Kirsten Mould are joined by expert guests to discuss evidence informed leadership. Guests include: Nick Brook, Deputy General Secretary at NAHT and Chair of the School Improvement Commission (Start - 24:00) Asima Iqbal, Vice Principal of Billesley Research School (24:00 - 40:50) Alex Samways, Director of Research School and Teaching School Hub, Unity Schools Partnership (41:02 - End)…

Evidence into Action

1
Supporting pupils during exams 50:59

3 years ago50:59

50:59

In this new instalment, our expert panel discuss the evidence around how to prepare pupils for exams effectively. Regular host Alex Quigley is joined by our Learning Behaviours Content Specialist, Kirsten Mould, in discussion with: Prof. David Putwain of Liverpool John Moores University (Start – 26.55); Sadie Thompson, Deputy Director of HISP Research School and Modern Foreign Language teacher (26.55 – 40.23); and Simon Cox, Director of Blackpool Research School and Maths teacher (40.23– End).…

Evidence into Action

1
Teaching reading: The Reading Comprehension House 53:47

3 years ago53:47

53:47

In this new instalment, our expert panel discuss how reading teaching can be supported using the reading comprehension house, which featured in our updated guidance report, Improving Literacy in Key Stage 2. Regular host Alex Quigley is joined by our Literacy Content Specialist, Sarah Green, in discussion with: Kate Cain, Professor of Language and Literacy Development at Lancaster University (Start – 30:25); Caroline Bilton, Deputy Headteacher at Cragside C of E Primary School (30:25 – 36:50); and James Siddle, Primary School Headteacher and Director of Kyra Research School (36:50– End). Further Resources: This episode is the counterpart to a previous episode on teaching reading fluency , which featured Professor Tim Rasinski, Julie Phazey and Louise Quinn. EEF Improving Literacy in KS2 Guidance Report (Published November 2021) EEF Blog, The 'Reading Comprehension House' and foundations that support word reading…

Evidence into Action

1
Teaching reading: Developing fluency 54:57

3 years ago54:57

54:57

In this latest instalment of the EEF's 'Evidence into Action' podcast, our expert panel discuss the evidence around the importance of fluency in teaching children to read. Regular host Alex Quigley is joined by our Literacy Content Specialist, Sarah Green, in discussion with: Tim Rasinski, Professor of Literacy Education and author of “The Megabook of Fluency” (Start – 29:50); Julie Phazey, Primary School Headteacher (29:50 – 39:52); and Louise Quinn, Secondary School Deputy Headteacher and Senior Leader in Education (39:52 – End). Further Resources: The EEF Reading Fluency Glossary EEF Blog, Why Focus on Reading Fluency?…

Evidence into Action

1
Effective Professional Development 53:47

3 years ago53:47

53:47

In this instalment, our expert panel discuss the key insights from our recent guidance report, Effective Professional Development. Regular host Alex Quigley is joined by our new maths Content Specialist, Kirstin Mulholland, in discussion with: Harry Fletcher-Wood, author and researcher at Teacher Tapp (Start – 22:09); Helen Bellinger, Director of Doncaster Research School (22:09 – 38:00); and Tom Martell, Director of Shotton Hall Research School (38:00 – End). Further Resources: EEF Effective Professional Development Guidance Report (Published October 2021) and additional tools…

Evidence into Action

1
Unpicking the updated Teaching and Learning Toolkit 51:04

3 years ago51:04

51:04

In this new instalment, our expert panel explore the newly updated Teaching and Learning Toolkit. Regular host Alex Quigley is joined by the EEF’s Head of Synthesis, Jon Kay, alongside: Professor Steve Higgins, lead author of the Teaching and Learning Toolkit and Professor of Education at Durham University (Start – 28:09); Sarah Green, Assistant Headteacher, National Oracy Leader, Evidence Lead in Education and EEF Literacy Content Specialist and Julie Kettlewell, Assistant Director of Huntington Research School, Memory and Metacognition specialist, Psychology teacher and EEF Content Specialist for Learning Behaviours (28:09 – End). Further Resources: EEF's Teaching and Learning Toolkit Additional support resources for the Toolkit…

Evidence into Action

1
Cognitive Science in the Classroom 51:34

4 years ago51:34

51:34

Today, the EEF has released the latest episode of ‘Evidence into Action’, our podcast which considers specific areas of educational research and its implications for classroom practice. In this new instalment, our expert panel explore the findings from our recently published evidence review, ‘ Cognitive Science in the Classroom ’. Regular host Alex Quigley is joined by assistant headteacher and literacy specialist Caroline Bilton, in discussion with: Dr Thomas Perry, lead author on the EEF’s recent ‘Cognitive Science in the Classroom’ evidence review, educational researcher and lecturer at the University of Birmingham (Start – 28:09); and Mark Miller, Headteacher at Bradford Research School and Dixons Trinity Academy. (28:09 – End)…

Evidence into Action

1
Teacher Feedback to Improve Pupil Learning 57:19

4 years ago57:19

57:19

In this latest episode, our expert panel examine the recommendations from our recently published Feedback guidance report and explore the implications for teaching practice. Regular host Alex Quigley is joined by Joe Collin, EEF programmes manager, in discussion with: Our team of Content Specialists: Assistant Headteacher and EEF Literacy Specialist Caroline Bilton, secondary school chemistry teacher and EEF Science Specialist Dr Niki Kaiser, and secondary school maths teacher and EEF Maths Specialist Simon Cox; (Start – 21:44); Clare Christie, primary school maths teacher and Specialist Leader of Education; (21:44 – 39:41); and Corinne Settle, Senior Education Lead at SSAT. (39:41 – End) Further resources: EEF Teacher Feedback to Improve Pupil Learning Guidance Report (Published June 2021) EEF Blog, Using Evidence to Deliver Feedback Effectively…

Evidence into Action

1
Developing oral language 1:16:51

4 years ago1:16:51

1:16:51

In this instalment, hosts Alex Quigley and, EEF programme manager, Sarah Tillotson, are joined by guests including programme developers, speech therapists and school practitioners, to discuss oral language interventions and how to successfully implement them schools. Gillian West, Lecturer at the University of Oxford Department of Education; & Claudine Bowyer-Crane, Associate Research Director at the National Institute of Economic & Social Research (NIESR) explore the development of the Nuffield Early Language Intervention (NELI) , along with the research on the impact of the Covid pandemic on young children. (Start – 38:12); Caroline Coyne, Joanne Burr & Rhian Owen - all part of Communicate SLT CIC - discuss the Leading Language and Loving It programme and approach. (38:13 – 55:34); and Charlotte Hardwick, a teaching assistant at Settrington Primary School and Rebecca Austwick, headteacher at Bentley High St Primary in Doncaster, explore the process of developing pupils' oral language and implementing NELI successfully in schools. (55:35 – End)…

Evidence into Action

1
Exploring the complexities of reading comprehension 52:14

4 years ago52:14

52:14

In this episode, regular host Alex Quigley is joined by Caroline Bilton, assistant headteacher at Cragside Primary School and the EEF’s literacy specialist, to discuss teaching reading comprehension with our expert panel: Professor Kate Nation, experimental psychologist and expert on language and literacy development in school children, explains the process of learning to comprehend text; (Start – 19:43); Hydeh Fayez, Year 5 teacher and evidence lead in education, highlights the importance of exposing children to high-quality texts; (19:48 – 31:41); and Stella Jones, Director of Teaching and Learning at Tower End Associate Research School, describes her school’s approach to improving pupils’ reading fluency. (31:48 – End) Further resources: EEF Improving Literacy in KS2 Guidance Report (Published November 2021) and additional tools…

Evidence into Action

1
Setting pupils up for success in maths 1:00:31

4 years ago1:00:31

1:00:31

In this instalment, host Alex Quigley discusses best practice in maths teaching, from establishing strong foundations in the early years, to making purposeful use of pupils’ misconceptions: Simon Cox, EEF maths specialist and current secondary school teacher, discusses how maths teaching has changed in recent years and the importance of assessment (Start – 15:07); Craig Barton, author and educational podcaster, highlights the importance of misconceptions and how they can be effectively tackled; (15:08 – 41:47); and Fliss James, Early Years teacher at East London Research School, Specialist Lead and Evidence Lead in Education, explains how to cultivate a deep, holistic understanding of early mathematical concepts. (41:48 – End) Further resources: EEF, Improving Mathematics in the Early Years and KS1 Guidance Report (Published January 2020)…

Evidence into Action

1
Making the Difference for Disadvantaged Pupils 44:15

4 years ago44:15