In this episode, Ollie talks to Scott Milam. Scott is an award-winning chemistry teacher in the US, having experience as both an IB Examiner and IA moderator. Learn more from Scott through his YouTube (@APphyzicks), X (@IBchemmilam) or his outstanding book (Teaching Introductory Chemistry).
We discuss:
0:00 Intro
1:22 Scott's book - Teaching Introductory Chemistry 4:55 How can cognitive science help teachers?
13:33 Integrating chemical history into lessons
22:39 Developing students' conceptual models
28:08 Building conceptual understanding before the IB
31:35 Reflection and vulnerability in learning
41:31 Johnstone's triangle
49:32 Preparing students for exams
57:40 Making the best of the IA
1:05:39 Quick-fire questions
In this episode, Ollie talks to Richard Thornley. Richard has taught IB Chemistry for 25 years across 11 countries. With over 70k subscribers and 20 million views on YouTube, his name has become synonymous with IB Chemistry.
Richard talks us through:
0:00 Intro and the importance of learning from others
7:28 Failures in the classroom
12:03 Building a YouTube empire
26:10 Tips for the Internal Assessment and Extended Essay
35:34 Preparing students for exams
42:24 Giving back
44:42 Tips for new teachers
50:34 Quick-fire questions
In this episode, Ollie talks to Elisa Jimenez Grant. Elisa has worked in all aspects of the IB Chemistry ecosystem including roles as a Senior Examiner, IA Moderation Team leader and Co-Author of the most recent edition of the Oxford University Press textbook. In the episode, Elisa talks us through: 0:00 Her journey to becoming a teacher 4:19 Learning in the early years of teaching 12:53 Experience as a Senior Examiner 27:02 Experience as an IA Moderator 51:00 Approaches to structuring the IA 56:24 IA Programme Communities and Exchange 59:59 Final tips for new teachers 1:03:42 Quick-fire question
This week, Ollie talks to James Midgley aka Mr M 4 Chem. James is currently the Head of Student Well-being at the Australian International School in Singapore and has taught IB Chemistry for 15 years. He has become an internal assessment guru through his YouTube videos breaking down all aspects of the IA process. In the episode, James talks us through: