EBTD Podcasts

Why the Early Years Matter in Bangladesh | The Science Behind EBTD’s Early Years Framework

The first eight years of life shape everything that comes after — language, emotional control, learning habits, and future academic success. Yet in Bangladesh (BD), many young children face intense academic pressure far too early, weakening the very foundations they need to thrive. In this episode, Evidence Based Teacher Development (EBTD) explores the science behind early childhood development and introduces the EBTD Early Years Framework for Bangladesh — a free, research-informed guide built for real Bangladeshi classrooms. You’ll learn why: • Strong Bangla language foundations lead to stronger English later • Play-based learning builds deeper understanding than early drilling • Emotional safety and self-regulation are essential for learning • Simple, low-cost classroom strategies can transform outcomes • Rushing academics often harms long-term achievement Access the full Early Years Framework here: https://www.ebtd.education/research-hub-free-teacher-resources/early-years-framework/ [https://www.ebtd.education/research-hub-free-teacher-resources/early-years-framework/] Designed for teachers, school leaders, NGOs and education stakeholders, this episode offers practical, evidence-based insights grounded in cognitive science, child development research and the realities of Bangladeshi schools. Listen now to discover how we can reduce pressure, strengthen foundations, and improve learning outcomes for children across Bangladesh.

EEF Metacognition Report Explained for Bangladesh Classrooms | EBTD Research Bites

In this episode of the EBTD Research Bites, we examine how the Education Endowment Foundation’s updated guidance on Metacognition and Self-Regulated Learning (MSRL) can be applied practically in Bangladesh (BD) classrooms. This episode is based directly on the EEF’s official guidance report: EEF Metacognition & Self-Regulated Learning Guidance Report https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/guidance-reports/metacognition [https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/guidance-reports/metacognition] We strongly encourage all teachers, leaders and teacher trainers to explore this report alongside the podcast. Drawing on evidence from 355+ international studies, this session explores how metacognition can move from theory into everyday classroom practice in Bangladesh’s exam-driven context. You will learn: • What metacognition and self-regulated learning really mean for Bangladeshi classrooms • The three types of metacognitive knowledge all students need • The EEF’s seven-step teaching sequence explained simply • Why modelling your thinking aloud has such a large impact on learning • How to structure metacognitive classroom talk in large classes • How to balance challenge and cognitive load in exam-focused lessons • How exam wrappers help students become more independent learners • What school leaders can do to embed MSRL across whole-school practice In Bangladesh, teachers often work with: • Very large class sizes • Intense exam pressure • Strong reliance on private tuition • Limited teaching resources This episode shows how metacognition can help build independent, strategic learners who rely less on coaching centres and more on their own thinking — without adding extra workload for teachers. Guide to Better Assessment (Research Hub): https://www.ebtd.education/research-hub-free-teacher-resources/guide-to-better-assessment/ [https://www.ebtd.education/research-hub-free-teacher-resources/guide-to-better-assessment/] Teacher Training Bangladesh: https://www.ebtd.education/teacher-training-bangladesh/ [https://www.ebtd.education/teacher-training-bangladesh/] Leadership Training Bangladesh: https://www.ebtd.education/teacher-leadership-bangladesh/ [https://www.ebtd.education/teacher-leadership-bangladesh/] EBTD Research Hub: https://www.ebtd.education/research-hub-free-teacher-resources/ [https://www.ebtd.education/research-hub-free-teacher-resources/]

Why AI Might Be the Best — and Worst — Thing to Happen to Education

Is AI the future of learning — or the fastest way to stop learning altogether? Across classrooms in Bangladesh and beyond, teachers are being told that generative AI will “transform education.” It promises to save time, personalise tutoring, and make every student more creative. But what if those promises come with a hidden cost? In this episode of EBTD Research Bites, we take a hard look at the evidence behind the hype. Drawing on new studies from Harvard, Dinsmore & Frier, and Carl Hendrick, this deep dive separates science from speculation. You’ll discover why some AI tutors can double learning gains, while others quietly undermine critical thinking. We explore the Model of Domain Learning — showing how expertise develops through struggle, feedback, and cognitive effort — and why removing that friction can destroy genuine understanding. This is the real debate every teacher and policymaker should be having: Is AI acting as a scaffold, supporting students as they build knowledge? Or as a crutch, letting them skip the hard thinking that makes learning last? From classrooms in Dhaka to rural schools across Bangladesh, this episode unpacks what “AI in education” really means for teachers, students, and the future of learning. Because the question isn’t whether AI will change education — it already has. The question is: Will it make us smarter, or just faster at forgetting? 🎧 Listen now to “Why AI Might Be the Best — and Worst — Thing to Happen to Education” — and explore all episodes of EBTD Research Bites at www.ebtd.education [https://www.ebtd.education].

How Students Remember: Evidence-Based Teaching for Lasting Learning in Bangladesh (BD)

Why do students seem to understand a concept perfectly one day — and forget it by the next? In this episode of Teacher Talks, we explore the science behind durable memory and what it really takes to help learning stick in Bangladeshi classrooms. Drawing on global research and practical classroom experience, this episode breaks down the core findings from Evidence Based Teacher Development (EBTD) — showing how teachers and school leaders can move from short-term performance to long-term understanding. We unpack: * Why forgetting is not failure — it’s biology. * How to beat the forgetting curve using four evidence-based tools: spaced practice, retrieval practice, interleaving, and dual coding. * How to align curriculum and assessment for durable learning. * The habits students need to self-regulate their own memory. * How leaders can build a culture that protects recall time and rewards lasting knowledge. This episode connects directly to EBTD’s Guide to Memory [https://www.ebtd.education/research-hub-free-teacher-resources/ebtd-guide-to-memory/] — a free multi-part series for teachers and leaders in Bangladesh, including: * How Memory Works [https://www.ebtd.education/research-hub-free-teacher-resources/ebtd-guide-to-memory/how-memory-works/] * Designing Lessons for Durable Memory [https://www.ebtd.education/research-hub-free-teacher-resources/ebtd-guide-to-memory/designing-lessons-for-durable-memory/] * Helping Students Regulate Their Memory [https://www.ebtd.education/research-hub-free-teacher-resources/ebtd-guide-to-memory/helping-students-regulate-their-memory/] * Memory, Curriculum & Assessment Alignment [https://www.ebtd.education/research-hub-free-teacher-resources/ebtd-guide-to-memory/memory-curriculum-and-assessment-alignment/] * Implementation & Culture [https://www.ebtd.education/research-hub-free-teacher-resources/ebtd-guide-to-memory/implementation-and-culture/] Explore more free research and teacher-training resources at: 👉 www.ebtd.education [https://www.ebtd.education/] EBTD — Empowering Teachers to Lead and Inspire in Bangladesh (BD).

EBTD: Empowering Teachers to Lead and Inspire

At Evidence Based Teacher Development (EBTD), our mission is to empower teachers, tutors, and school leaders across Bangladesh to lead and inspire through research-driven, context-ready training. In this short overview, discover how EBTD connects global evidence with local classroom practice, transforming how schools approach assessment, classroom talk, leadership, and sustainable growth. Explore our key areas of work: * Teacher Training in Bangladesh: [https://www.ebtd.education/teacher-training-bangladesh/] Practical, research-led professional development for teachers. * Leadership Development [https://www.ebtd.education/teacher-leadership-bangladesh/]: Programmes for principals and school leaders driving system-wide improvement. * Tutor Training Programme [https://www.ebtd.education/tutor-training/]: Professional pathways for private tutors across Bangladesh, aligned with international standards. * Research Hub [https://www.ebtd.education/research-hub-free-teacher-resources/]: Free resources, evidence summaries, and comparison tools for informed decision-making. * BRIDGE School Review Framework [https://www.ebtd.education/research-hub-free-teacher-resources/bridge/]: Supporting school improvement through reflection and evidence, not inspection. Together, these initiatives form Bangladesh’s most comprehensive ecosystem for evidence-based teacher, tutor, and leadership training — helping every educator turn knowledge into measurable classroom impact. Learn more or get in touch: https://www.ebtd.education/ [https://www.ebtd.education/⁠]