Written by Jo
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From The Knowledge Nest on Substack
New pieces appear here as they are published.
Success Builds Belief & Belief Builds Success
How early wins shape student self-belief, and why getting the first taste of success right matters.
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Restoring the Heart of Education
Bridging research and practice while keeping the human side of teaching and learning at the centre.
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When Success Masks Fragility
Why surface-level achievement can hide brittle understanding, and what schools can do about it.
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Dear Families: This isn't a step back in time
An open letter to parents on why quieter, more structured classrooms are a research-informed step forward.
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Move over, Pinterest classrooms… Make way for 'Pinterest brains'
What happens when curated, visually busy aesthetics become the way young minds expect to learn.
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Pinterest classrooms can wreak havoc with students' attention, regulation and cognitive load
Visually overstimulated classrooms compete for student focus rather than support learning. Intentional, minimalist design reduces cognitive load and benefits all learners.
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Quieter, calmer and less colourful classrooms are far from a 'back to basics' return
Structured, calmer classrooms reflect educational progress, not regression. Explicit instruction and predictable routines reduce cognitive distractions and create space for meaningful learning.
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A practical guide you can download and share with your team.
Designing Classrooms for Thinking
A free guide exploring how classroom environment design impacts attention, regulation, and cognitive load, with practical strategies for creating spaces that support learning.
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