Elizabeth Mountstevens
@drmountstevens.bsky.social
Lifelong learner and Chemistry teacher. Interested in the links between cognitive science, metacognition and the extended mind. #CTeach pilot cohort. . Views all my own.
Blogs at catalysinglearning.wordpress.com
Blogs at catalysinglearning.wordpress.com
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
📹 Have you seen Clips from the Classroom?
🗓️ Every week we spotlight a clip of a school putting evidence into practice
This week Unity Research School, explore the purposeful use of manipulatives to scaffold pupils’ learning.
👀 WATCH NOW: buff.ly/wpzXGGO
🗓️ Every week we spotlight a clip of a school putting evidence into practice
This week Unity Research School, explore the purposeful use of manipulatives to scaffold pupils’ learning.
👀 WATCH NOW: buff.ly/wpzXGGO
January 25, 2026 at 6:30 PM
📹 Have you seen Clips from the Classroom?
🗓️ Every week we spotlight a clip of a school putting evidence into practice
This week Unity Research School, explore the purposeful use of manipulatives to scaffold pupils’ learning.
👀 WATCH NOW: buff.ly/wpzXGGO
🗓️ Every week we spotlight a clip of a school putting evidence into practice
This week Unity Research School, explore the purposeful use of manipulatives to scaffold pupils’ learning.
👀 WATCH NOW: buff.ly/wpzXGGO
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
Not everything that feels supportive actually helps. Coloured paper and invented retention rates tell a bigger story about why bad ideas persist in schools.
open.substack.com/pub/daviddid...
open.substack.com/pub/daviddid...
The appeal of nonsense
How pseudoscience, placebo interventions and invented statistics continue to shape classroom practice despite decades of contrary evidence
open.substack.com
January 24, 2026 at 7:36 AM
Not everything that feels supportive actually helps. Coloured paper and invented retention rates tell a bigger story about why bad ideas persist in schools.
open.substack.com/pub/daviddid...
open.substack.com/pub/daviddid...
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
New study on cognitive load shows it's not a single, stable thing that students carry through a lesson. It rises, falls, peaks, and interacts with motivation. 1/4
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
January 19, 2026 at 10:54 PM
New study on cognitive load shows it's not a single, stable thing that students carry through a lesson. It rises, falls, peaks, and interacts with motivation. 1/4
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
Are people doing 'eduthreads' any more? Thought I'd give one a go. Some thoughts on the 'revolution' of whole-class feedback (and a cautionary tale).
#EduSky
#EduSky
January 16, 2026 at 1:51 PM
Are people doing 'eduthreads' any more? Thought I'd give one a go. Some thoughts on the 'revolution' of whole-class feedback (and a cautionary tale).
#EduSky
#EduSky
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
"Over a decade ago, Rob Coe and other researchers at the Sutton Trust authored What makes great teaching? Review of the underpinning research (2014).
In this influential review, the authors identified several ‘poor proxies’ for learning..."
Blog by Kate Jones
Read it here
In this influential review, the authors identified several ‘poor proxies’ for learning..."
Blog by Kate Jones
Read it here
Poor Proxies for Effective Feedback - Evidence Based Education
Over a decade ago, Rob Coe and other researchers at the Sutton Trust authored What makes great teaching? Review of the underpinning research (2014). In this influential review, the authors identified…
buff.ly
January 12, 2026 at 6:12 AM
"Over a decade ago, Rob Coe and other researchers at the Sutton Trust authored What makes great teaching? Review of the underpinning research (2014).
In this influential review, the authors identified several ‘poor proxies’ for learning..."
Blog by Kate Jones
Read it here
In this influential review, the authors identified several ‘poor proxies’ for learning..."
Blog by Kate Jones
Read it here
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
Hi #EduSky - it's time for my #Saturday3 in what was a fairly fallow week, possibly due to the teachers having the shock of being back in class! However, I happened to read 3 articles all dealing with the theme of the extent to which we can trust research.
January 10, 2026 at 1:10 PM
Hi #EduSky - it's time for my #Saturday3 in what was a fairly fallow week, possibly due to the teachers having the shock of being back in class! However, I happened to read 3 articles all dealing with the theme of the extent to which we can trust research.
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
The EEF have created a 'Disciplinary Tree', I think it is like the Whomping Willow but I am not 100% sure. Check it out here - educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-ev...
January 11, 2026 at 9:00 AM
The EEF have created a 'Disciplinary Tree', I think it is like the Whomping Willow but I am not 100% sure. Check it out here - educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-ev...
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
💫NEW BLOG ALERT 🚨Thinking aloud isn’t just narration—it’s a powerful teaching strategy 🗣️🧠
By modelling how we approach GCSE Science exam questions, we help students plan, monitor, and succeed.
Read more here 👉 researchschool.org.uk/manchester/b...
By modelling how we approach GCSE Science exam questions, we help students plan, monitor, and succeed.
Read more here 👉 researchschool.org.uk/manchester/b...
Modelling Thinking
Modelling Thinking: How Science Teachers Can Help Students Tackle GCSE Exam Questions
researchschool.org.uk
January 8, 2026 at 6:50 AM
💫NEW BLOG ALERT 🚨Thinking aloud isn’t just narration—it’s a powerful teaching strategy 🗣️🧠
By modelling how we approach GCSE Science exam questions, we help students plan, monitor, and succeed.
Read more here 👉 researchschool.org.uk/manchester/b...
By modelling how we approach GCSE Science exam questions, we help students plan, monitor, and succeed.
Read more here 👉 researchschool.org.uk/manchester/b...
I'm looking for some examples of whole class feedback as a response to written work in science. Are there any science teachers out there who have some examples that they would be willing to share? @cogscisci.bsky.social @chatbiology.bsky.social @chatchemistry.bsky.social @chatphysics.bsky.social
January 7, 2026 at 9:20 AM
I'm looking for some examples of whole class feedback as a response to written work in science. Are there any science teachers out there who have some examples that they would be willing to share? @cogscisci.bsky.social @chatbiology.bsky.social @chatchemistry.bsky.social @chatphysics.bsky.social
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
Are you getting goal setting right in your classroom? Research shows that setting the right kind of goal with students is crucial for motivation and progress, writes @mrenglishteach.bsky.social
How ‘process goals’ can improve student performance
Research shows that some types of goals are much more likely to lead to academic success, writes Mark Roberts, as he explains how teachers can help students to set them
www.tes.com
January 7, 2026 at 6:05 AM
Are you getting goal setting right in your classroom? Research shows that setting the right kind of goal with students is crucial for motivation and progress, writes @mrenglishteach.bsky.social
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
Free download ⬇️ I authored an eBook for teachers (and students) about flashcards. Lots of practical tips focusing on using flashcards effectively & efficiently!
2366135.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/236613...
2366135.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/236613...
January 7, 2026 at 7:08 AM
Free download ⬇️ I authored an eBook for teachers (and students) about flashcards. Lots of practical tips focusing on using flashcards effectively & efficiently!
2366135.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/236613...
2366135.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/236613...
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
Are funny teachers more effective?
This is an interesting study because most studies on this are correlational, this uses randomised controlled experiments.
This is an interesting study because most studies on this are correlational, this uses randomised controlled experiments.
January 4, 2026 at 10:12 AM
Are funny teachers more effective?
This is an interesting study because most studies on this are correlational, this uses randomised controlled experiments.
This is an interesting study because most studies on this are correlational, this uses randomised controlled experiments.
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
#EduBlogClub in 2026 is going to start with the @teachertapp.bsky.social #1 blog from their Christmas countdown - Joyous Ownership Of Our Pupils With SEND.
8pm UK time. I’ll ask three questions over half an hour relating to the blog. Grab a brew and join the convo.
sendmatters.co.uk/2025/08/25/j...
8pm UK time. I’ll ask three questions over half an hour relating to the blog. Grab a brew and join the convo.
sendmatters.co.uk/2025/08/25/j...
Joyous ownership of our pupils with SEND
The responsibility for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) lies with everyone in a school. While a culture of joyous ownership is necessary, it can be undermined by unre…
sendmatters.co.uk
January 1, 2026 at 8:35 AM
#EduBlogClub in 2026 is going to start with the @teachertapp.bsky.social #1 blog from their Christmas countdown - Joyous Ownership Of Our Pupils With SEND.
8pm UK time. I’ll ask three questions over half an hour relating to the blog. Grab a brew and join the convo.
sendmatters.co.uk/2025/08/25/j...
8pm UK time. I’ll ask three questions over half an hour relating to the blog. Grab a brew and join the convo.
sendmatters.co.uk/2025/08/25/j...
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
Helping pupils to transfer their understanding into novel context is a notoriously difficult thing to do, but there are some strategies that you can try out.
Take a look at our sketchnote to get started.
Take a look at our sketchnote to get started.
December 15, 2025 at 6:31 AM
Helping pupils to transfer their understanding into novel context is a notoriously difficult thing to do, but there are some strategies that you can try out.
Take a look at our sketchnote to get started.
Take a look at our sketchnote to get started.
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
Retrieval practice is a powerful tool but it's often used in ways that are not supported by the evidence. Here are five principles to think about when trying to avoid lethal mutations and apply it more effectively. open.substack.com/pub/carlhend...
December 11, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Retrieval practice is a powerful tool but it's often used in ways that are not supported by the evidence. Here are five principles to think about when trying to avoid lethal mutations and apply it more effectively. open.substack.com/pub/carlhend...
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
Teach the Electron Transport Chain with Cyanide Poisoning
“students learn how cellular respiration works by investigating what happens when it stops. Follow the dramatic scenario of a runner who collapses after accidental cyanide exposure.”
“students learn how cellular respiration works by investigating what happens when it stops. Follow the dramatic scenario of a runner who collapses after accidental cyanide exposure.”
Teach the Electron Transport Chain with Cyanide Poisoning
If you’re looking for a high-engagement way to teach the electron transport chain, this case-study activity is a perfect fit. Instead of memorizing steps in isolation, students learn how cellular respiration works by investigating what happens when it stops. Follow the dramatic scenario of a runner who collapses after accidental cyanide exposure. The story hooks
www.biologycorner.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Teach the Electron Transport Chain with Cyanide Poisoning
“students learn how cellular respiration works by investigating what happens when it stops. Follow the dramatic scenario of a runner who collapses after accidental cyanide exposure.”
“students learn how cellular respiration works by investigating what happens when it stops. Follow the dramatic scenario of a runner who collapses after accidental cyanide exposure.”
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
Graphic organizers (GO) support memory and comprehension, whether they are learner-generated or instructor-provided. Some publication bias but effects are still practically significant. Efficacy depends on how well they prompt generative learning. #PsychSciSky #AcademicSky #EduSky
Learner-Generated and Instructor-Provided Graphic Organizers as Aids to Learning from Text: A Meta-Analysis - Educational Psychology Review
Graphic organizers are spatial representations of key textual information—such as matrices, flowcharts, or hierarchies—that can support learning through two primary approaches: as a generative…
doi.org
December 1, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Graphic organizers (GO) support memory and comprehension, whether they are learner-generated or instructor-provided. Some publication bias but effects are still practically significant. Efficacy depends on how well they prompt generative learning. #PsychSciSky #AcademicSky #EduSky
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
New research with @clareroutledge.bsky.social
Funded by the Gatsby Foundation
We asked 2000 UK/US undergrads to choose between pairs of hypothetical jobs to understand how more of them could be tempted into teaching
Funded by the Gatsby Foundation
We asked 2000 UK/US undergrads to choose between pairs of hypothetical jobs to understand how more of them could be tempted into teaching
November 28, 2025 at 12:05 PM
New research with @clareroutledge.bsky.social
Funded by the Gatsby Foundation
We asked 2000 UK/US undergrads to choose between pairs of hypothetical jobs to understand how more of them could be tempted into teaching
Funded by the Gatsby Foundation
We asked 2000 UK/US undergrads to choose between pairs of hypothetical jobs to understand how more of them could be tempted into teaching
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
Why do some self-regulated learning interventions seem to benefit less competent students more than their competent peers, but others seem to benefit only the already competent students? Well...(1/2)
#PsychSciSky #AcademicSky #EduSky
authors.elsevier.com/c/1m9ns3irP4...
#PsychSciSky #AcademicSky #EduSky
authors.elsevier.com/c/1m9ns3irP4...
November 24, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Why do some self-regulated learning interventions seem to benefit less competent students more than their competent peers, but others seem to benefit only the already competent students? Well...(1/2)
#PsychSciSky #AcademicSky #EduSky
authors.elsevier.com/c/1m9ns3irP4...
#PsychSciSky #AcademicSky #EduSky
authors.elsevier.com/c/1m9ns3irP4...
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
Delighted to make a summary of this EXCELLENT book - thought-provoking and extremely useful, and one of the BEST chapters about 'How Do We Learn' that I have read. Thanks @drcastelino.bsky.social
Summary pdfs here: itsalearningcurve.education/cogsci-book-...
Summary pdfs here: itsalearningcurve.education/cogsci-book-...
November 7, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Delighted to make a summary of this EXCELLENT book - thought-provoking and extremely useful, and one of the BEST chapters about 'How Do We Learn' that I have read. Thanks @drcastelino.bsky.social
Summary pdfs here: itsalearningcurve.education/cogsci-book-...
Summary pdfs here: itsalearningcurve.education/cogsci-book-...
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
How can we examine research evidence?
The EEF share the 'CLAIMS' approach in Using Research Evidence: A Concise Guide.
Read more:
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-ev...
The EEF share the 'CLAIMS' approach in Using Research Evidence: A Concise Guide.
Read more:
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-ev...
November 6, 2025 at 5:50 PM
How can we examine research evidence?
The EEF share the 'CLAIMS' approach in Using Research Evidence: A Concise Guide.
Read more:
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-ev...
The EEF share the 'CLAIMS' approach in Using Research Evidence: A Concise Guide.
Read more:
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-ev...
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
A list of diverse scientists you can feature across the primary national curriculum
www.sciencefix.co.uk/scientists-i...
#eduskyprimary #edusky #primaryscience
www.sciencefix.co.uk/scientists-i...
#eduskyprimary #edusky #primaryscience
Scientists in the National Curriculum - Danny Nics Science Fix
A list of diverse scientists which could be used in the primary science curriculum as featured scientists to study
www.sciencefix.co.uk
October 17, 2025 at 8:52 AM
A list of diverse scientists you can feature across the primary national curriculum
www.sciencefix.co.uk/scientists-i...
#eduskyprimary #edusky #primaryscience
www.sciencefix.co.uk/scientists-i...
#eduskyprimary #edusky #primaryscience
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
Trainee teacher or ECT?
Join Dame @alisonpeacock.bsky.social, Lisa-Maria Muller, Yamina Bibi, and Sufian Sadiq as they explore joining the teaching profession and thriving in your early career.
Get support from your professional body as you begin this journey.https://chartered.pulse.ly/ix2bcvo1hg
Join Dame @alisonpeacock.bsky.social, Lisa-Maria Muller, Yamina Bibi, and Sufian Sadiq as they explore joining the teaching profession and thriving in your early career.
Get support from your professional body as you begin this journey.https://chartered.pulse.ly/ix2bcvo1hg
October 13, 2025 at 5:59 AM
Trainee teacher or ECT?
Join Dame @alisonpeacock.bsky.social, Lisa-Maria Muller, Yamina Bibi, and Sufian Sadiq as they explore joining the teaching profession and thriving in your early career.
Get support from your professional body as you begin this journey.https://chartered.pulse.ly/ix2bcvo1hg
Join Dame @alisonpeacock.bsky.social, Lisa-Maria Muller, Yamina Bibi, and Sufian Sadiq as they explore joining the teaching profession and thriving in your early career.
Get support from your professional body as you begin this journey.https://chartered.pulse.ly/ix2bcvo1hg
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
The 2025 #NobelPrize in Chemistry was awarded today for the development of metal-organic frameworks, molecular sponges with applications in gas storage, water purification and more: www.compoundchem.com/2025/10/08/2...
#ChemSky 🧪
#ChemSky 🧪
October 8, 2025 at 9:00 PM
The 2025 #NobelPrize in Chemistry was awarded today for the development of metal-organic frameworks, molecular sponges with applications in gas storage, water purification and more: www.compoundchem.com/2025/10/08/2...
#ChemSky 🧪
#ChemSky 🧪
Reposted by Elizabeth Mountstevens
@nimishlad.bsky.social book about Shimamura’s MARGE model of learning is perfect for busy teachers.
It explains the key ideas, illustrates how to apply them practically in the classroom and it’s short enough to read on a rainy day in October.
What’s not to love
It explains the key ideas, illustrates how to apply them practically in the classroom and it’s short enough to read on a rainy day in October.
What’s not to love
October 4, 2025 at 4:41 PM
@nimishlad.bsky.social book about Shimamura’s MARGE model of learning is perfect for busy teachers.
It explains the key ideas, illustrates how to apply them practically in the classroom and it’s short enough to read on a rainy day in October.
What’s not to love
It explains the key ideas, illustrates how to apply them practically in the classroom and it’s short enough to read on a rainy day in October.
What’s not to love