PrimaryEssentials Profile: Stuart Tiffany
ETIH asks the PrimaryEssentials speakers for their thoughts on the education and EdTech sector, and throws in a random question to keep them on their toes.
This time around, our questions go to Stuart Tiffany, aka Mr T, author of Mr T Does Primary History.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing primary education today?
There are several main ones that I think need addressing but... how achievable remains to be seen:
1) education is a political football and curriculum thinking can veer from knowledge-rich to 21st century skills at the government's behest... both have advantages and pitfalls therefore the answer probably sits between the two.
2) the primary curriculum is far too crowded and needs streamlining in order to provide depth and not just adding ever more breadth at a surface level.
3) each stage of education needs to be revered for the immense value it adds to children's learning. One stage should not dictate to the others - more collaboration with a egalitarian mindset would be better.
How has EdTech transformed the way we teach primary school subjects?
There are many rich possibilities that exist to enhance the learning experience for children. Some of my favourites are VR/AR to immerse children in worlds they are unlikely to visit in reality. The live collaboration that is possible via the use of cloud storage and video calls opens up possibilities to share best practice in ways not seen before.
How has Edutwitter influenced professional development for educators?
The double-edged sword of Twitter... the positive side is the generosity of people sharing their hard work based on research, evidence, and classroom experience. The darker side is the intransigent positions people take on matters of pedagogy, best-practice etc. A less combative approach would be my dream BUT sadly, I fear that is unlikely!
If you could host a dinner party and invite any five educators from Edutwitter, who would make your guest list and why?
Emma Cate Stokes (Ed. note - Thank you!) so we can fanhausen together haha!
Kieran Mackle as it would be lovely to meet him in person.
Emma Turner so I can have a proper natter on things primary.
Chris Such as he just seems a joy.
Neil Almond and Shannen Doherty can share a bench as I'm not inviting one without the other!
PrimaryEssentials
Stuart will be delivering his session on Why We Must Narrate the Knowledge in History Lessons at the #PrimaryEssentials online conference on the 4th May 2024. 
