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Education

I, Me, and Curriculum: Reflecting on Self and Educational Reform in Wales

Posted on 11 April 2024 by Dr Kevin Smith

What does curriculum mean to me? Drawing on Mead’s theory of self and Pinar’s reconceptualist method of Currere, this post explores how Welsh educators can reclaim their professional voice and rethink curriculum as a living, reflective practice.

Beyond “Knowledge Rich”: Rethinking What Curriculum Richness Means

Posted on 18 December 2020 by Dr Kevin Smith

“Knowledge rich” sounds appealing—but what are we really saying when we use it? In this post, I take a closer look at how the term shapes our thinking about curriculum, teaching and value, and why we might need richer language—and richer ideas—to describe what education is for.

Dysgu Cymraeg: Llais y Disgyblion

Posted on 1 May 2020 by Dr Kevin Smith

Pam mae cymaint o ddisgyblion yn teimlo’n anfodlon gyda’u gwersi Cymraeg? Yn y cofnod hwn, mae Dr Mirain Rhys yn archwilio beth mae dysgwyr eu hunain yn ei ddweud am ddysgu’r Gymraeg — o’r diffyg cyfleoedd i siarad i’r pwyslais gormodol ar arholiadau. Mae’r canfyddiadau’n cynnig cipolwg gonest ar y dyfodol i’n hiaith fyw genedlaethol.

Listening to Pupils: Trust, Rights, and the Dangers of Dismissal

Posted on 12 November 2019 by Dr Kevin Smith

When adults assume children aren’t telling the truth, what happens to trust in schools? This post responds to recent controversy by exploring why listening to pupils isn’t just good practice—it’s a moral imperative. Drawing on Welsh research and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, it makes the case for safeguarding through empathy, respect and belief.

Finding Purpose in Teaching

Finding Purpose in Teaching

Posted on 8 July 2019 by Dr Kevin Smith

Are teachers guided by aphorisms or axioms? This post looks at what teachers say their top priorities are and questions whether phrases like “help pupils achieve their potential” offer genuine meaning or empty slogans. Drawing on Nietzsche, Frankl and Welsh education research, it invites reflection on how we find—and define—purpose in teaching.

800 Words or less…

Posted on 18 June 2019 by Dr Kevin Smith

This blog consists of concise posts on various aspects of educational research, pedagogy, and curriculum.