#35 - The Power of Dialogue: How Conversation Shapes Children’s Learning with Prof Andrew Tolmie

Have you ever wondered why some of your child’s biggest learning moments happen in conversation - when they are explaining an idea, asking questions or debating something with friends?In this episode, I am joined by Professor Andrew Tolmie, Chair of Psychology and Human Development at UCL’s Institute of Education and Deputy Director of the UCL–Birkbeck Centre for Educational Neuroscience.Professor Tolmie is a developmental psychologist whose research explores how children’s thinking and reasoning develop through social interaction - how attention, dialogue and collaboration shape learning.Together, we unpack what it really means to learn together: how talk and shared attention support understanding, why some children benefit more from group learning than others and how teachers and parents can help children think more deeply and independently.🎙️ In this episode, you will learn: ✅ What shared attention means and why it’s a foundation for effective learning and focus✅ How productive dialogue helps children reason, reflect and build deeper understanding✅ Why social interaction and peer collaboration are essential for developing thinking and problem-solving skills✅ What research reveals about spaced learning, reflection and avoiding cognitive overload✅ Practical ways to nurture focus, curiosity and meaningful discussion at home and in the classroomWhether your child is in primary or secondary school, this conversation offers research-based insights into how attention, dialogue and shared learning experiences shape understanding.🔗 Links & ResourcesProf Andrew Tolmie https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/48122-andrew-tolmiehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-tolmie-1ab21522/?originalSubdomain=ukhttp://www.educationalneuroscience.org.uk/about-us/cen-research-group-2/prof-andrew-tolmie/ 📩 Enjoyed this episode? Share it with another parent or educator, and don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations on learning, motivation and student wellbeing.👉 Interested in personalised academic coaching? Book a free 30-minute consultation via my website: https://www.york-weaving-education.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.