ASE 2025 Annual Conference: Full Schedule

The ASE is delighted to be hosting its Annual Conference, generously sponsored by AQA, at the University of Nottingham from 9th to 11th January 2025. International sessions are incorporated throughout the event’s 3 days and we will have a great exhibition with lots of exclusive Conference offers. Post-16 focus-day and for those involved in leading and delivering professional development, the Teacher Developers’ Group programme is Thursday. Friday is the dedicated Technicians day, kindly sponsored by Philip Harris, and Early Career Teacher day. Sessions for both Primary and 11-19 are threaded throughout all 3 days with a focus on Research on Saturday.

Book your tickets now at https://ase2025AnnConf.eventbrite.co.uk - and remember, if you are an ASE member you will benefit from hugely discounted prices! Check out our membership here - it’s free for Early Career Teachers and only £25 for Technicians!

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15:30 GMT

Work smart, not hard: retrieval practice and metacognition

Saturday January 11, 2025 15:30 - 16:20 GMT

ESLC C13

This engaging workshop led by the dynamic Sam Holyman will delve into the transformative power of retrieval practice to save teachers time while improving student outcomes. Delegates will learn to evaluate the use of retrieval practice in the classroom and understand how it significantly enhances student learning and retention. Retrieval practice involves actively recalling information, which strengthens memory and aids in transferring knowledge to long-term storage. It helps students become more adept at remembering and applying what they learn. This session will begin with an evaluation of the effectiveness of retrieval practice based on research, including a consideration of different types of retrieval practice and their relative merits.

A key feature of this session is demonstrating how quizzes can be a cornerstone of retrieval practice. Sam will provide a practical, interactive demonstration of how quizzes can be used not just as assessment tools, but as powerful instruments for fostering student metacognition. Delegates will see how quizzes help students reflect on their learning processes, identify knowledge gaps, and develop improvement strategies. This metacognitive approach encourages students to take ownership of their learning, leading to greater academic success.

The session will also explore how quizzes can serve as diagnostic tools to identify student concerns and inform classroom practice. By analysing quiz results, teachers gain valuable insights into students' understanding and misconceptions. This data-driven approach allows for more targeted and effective teaching interventions, ensuring every student receives the support they need to succeed.

This session is highly interactive, combining discussion, group work, and live demonstrations to create a rich CPD experience. Delegates will have the opportunity to collaborate with fellow educators, share their experiences, and gain new perspectives on best practices in teaching.

Leading this workshop is Sam Holyman CSciTeach, an explosive Chemistry teacher with a wealth of experience in various educational settings, including comprehensive, grammar, and independent schools in the Midlands. Sam is also a prolific academic author with over 30 titles published by renowned publishers such as OUP, Pearson, and Collins. Her extensive catalogue includes print and digital textbooks, worksheets, and opinion blogs, catering to UK specifications and beyond.

This session is supported by Educake, which provides online homework and revision for many KS3 and GCSE subjects. It is based on a bank of about 100,000 specification-mapped questions that are automatically marked and give instant feedback to students. These questions, written by teachers and specialist subject editors, range from multiple choice to one-to-three-word answers.

This not-to-be-missed session promises to be both inspiring and practical, equipping attendees with the tools to make a real difference in students' learning journeys.

Speakers

Sam Holyman

Science teacher, author and consultant, Educake

I am a chemistry teacher who has worked at management level in a variety of settings including comprehensive, grammar and independent schools in the Midlands. I am also an academic author with over 30 published titles. I have an interest in innovative pedagogy and am a keen advocate... Read More →

Sponsors

Educake

Educake is an award-winning online assessment and revision platform for KS2, KS3 and GCSE. Educake can help you do more teaching, by saving you time on setting homework, marking and analysing results: specification-matched tests can be set in seconds. You get immediate insights into... Read More →

Saturday January 11, 2025 15:30 - 16:20 GMT
ESLC C13

11-19

Theme Wellbeing and Effective Working Practices
Key Stage / Audience Type 11-14, 14-16, ITEs, Advisors/Consultants, Trainees
Twitter feed @educake