Institute of Education, University of Reading

Can storytelling help children engage more deeply with maths? 📖➕✨

That's the question explored by more than 70 teachers, teacher educators, curriculum specialists and policymakers in Thailand as they came together to learn about the Maths Through Stories approach, developed by our colleague Dr Natthapoj Vincent Trakulphadetkrai.

Hosted at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok and supported by contributions from UNESCO and OECD colleagues, the workshop explored how storytelling can help make mathematics more meaningful, engaging and inclusive for learners.

The event was also livestreamed, allowing hundreds more educators from across Thailand to join the conversation.

It's exciting to see research from our Institute of Education helping shape educational practice around the world. 🌍

Learning about climate change isn’t just about facts—it’s about curiosity, connection, and action. 🌿

During our BA Education Studies annual lecture on Climate Change and Climate Education, students, lecturers, and experts came together to explore sustainability in practice. These moments are a reminder that education can spark real change.

Check out some highlights from our 2025 session! 🌍

They started with a decision. 🎓

Fast forward a few years, and here they are: celebrating graduation together, alongside the Programme Director who supported them along the way.

Every graduation starts with choosing where your story begins. If you're exploring your options this summer, BA Education Studies could be the start of yours too.

Whether you're passionate about education, learning, inclusion or making a difference beyond the classroom, there's still time to find your place.

Explore BA Education Studies through Clearing:
https://www.reading.ac.uk/clearing/

What happens when researchers from across the world come together to share ideas?

In April, the Institute of Education hosted a joint research seminar with colleagues from SCNU, bringing together a wide range of research interests and perspectives from across education.

The seminar featured presentations on topics including:
• Gen AI in Education
• Education and sustainability
• Maths through Stories
• Student mobility and teacher identity
• Assessment Only Teacher Education
• UK–China transnational higher education programmes

The event created space for meaningful discussion, knowledge exchange and international collaboration across research and practice.

Thank you to everyone who presented and contributed to the conversations throughout the seminar.

Some of the best ideas start with a conversation.

Recently, our Head of School, Professor Sarah Marston recently welcomed Barry Smith from Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, to the Institute of Education to discuss shared interests around sustainability, skills, innovation and strengthening connections between universities, businesses and communities.

We're always keen to explore opportunities that bring people together, spark new ideas and create meaningful impact beyond the University.

Watch this space for more information!

Some goodbyes say more than words ever could. 💙

When students choose to come back just to say thank you, you know someone has made a lasting impact.

This week, we celebrated Jo Elsey as she said goodbye to her role as Programme Director for Early Years. Surrounded by students past and present, it was a reminder that teaching is about so much more than lectures and assignments; it's about the people who shape your journey.

Thank you, Jo, for everything you've given to our Early Years community. Wishing you all the very best for what's next. 🌟

The faces behind the lectures... and some of the biggest cheers on graduation day. 🎓

For our academics, graduation is one of those rare moments where they get to see the impact of countless lectures, conversations, feedback sessions and words of encouragement.

To our graduates: who made a difference to your journey?

Tag a lecturer, tutor or mentor who inspired you along the way. 💙

From the rehearsal room to the Department for Education!

Our Universal Voices choir took their songs all the way to Westminster, performing at a Department for Education reception and sharing powerful messages about climate, hope and the future.

For the children, it was a chance to sing in a place where big decisions are made. For us, it was a reminder of what education can do, helping young people find their voice, build confidence and inspire change.

A huge congratulations to every member of Universal Voices, and thank you to everyone who helped make this special performance possible.

You came for a ceremony. You left with a story you'll tell for years. 🎓💙

The hugs. The happy tears. The proud smiles from the people who've been cheering you on since day one.

Last week's Summer Graduation wasn't just about crossing a stage—it was about celebrating every assignment, every challenge, every breakthrough and every "I can do this" moment that led here.

To every graduate: this moment is yours. And to every family member, friend and supporter beside you... thank you for being part of the journey.

Here's to new beginnings, bigger dreams and everything that comes next. ✨