GGGG Ep 1 - The benefit of hindsight and lessons learned

In this first episode of a special 10-part series named Ger Graus Gets Gritty , Mark Taylor sits down with Professor Dr. Ger Graus OBE to launch an honest conversation about education and schooling. Following the release of Ger's book "Through a Different Lens: Lessons from a Life in Education" this series uses each chapter as a springboard for examining what's working—and what isn't—in our education systems. In this episode Ger shares his personal journey from a difficult childhood in the Netherlands to becoming a passionate advocate for experience-based learning. He reflects on how one transformative teacher changed his trajectory, the crucial differences between primary and secondary education, and why putting children at the centre of learning must be more than just rhetoric. This episode tackles the benefit of hindsight, the importance of storytelling in education, and why courage is needed to swim against the current of compliance-driven schooling. Key Quotes "If you're a teacher, just realize that 50 years from now someone will say your name... That's your responsibility, whether to say good things or bad things, nice things or not so nice things. That's in your gift and that's in your hands." "The minute you touch on an abstract in your lesson, the next thing that should happen is, comma, for example, the two most important words in that lesson. Because what that means is that you exemplify, you tell a story effectively, you take these children in mind and heart, you take them on a short journey." "What we have become is accountable to the system and not accountable to the child." "I think we need to make education and schooling and the connection between the two much more of a societal dialogue." "Children can only aspire to what they know exists." Takeaways: The podcast marks a significant milestone, celebrating ten years and 500 episodes, highlighting the journey of Education on Fire. Professor Dr. Ger Graus OBE's engagement signifies a collaborative effort to address pressing educational issues through meaningful dialogue. The series titled 'Ger Graus Gets Gritty' aims to promote positive change in education, focusing on the welfare of children and supportive learning environments. Listeners are encouraged to participate in the conversation and share stories that advocate for the well-being of children in educational settings. The podcast emphasizes the importance of community involvement in education, asserting that collective action is essential for fostering supportive learning experiences. The discussion raises critical questions about the current educational system, advocating for reforms that prioritize children's needs over economic or political agendas. Chapters: 00:08 - Celebrating Milestones in Education 01:09 - The Importance of Community in Education 23:31 - The Importance of Storytelling in Education 33:03 - Reflections on Childhood and Education 52:41 - The Need for Courage in Education Reform 01:12:39 - The Importance of Personalization in Education Get the book - Through a Different Lens: Lessons from a Life in Education 🔥 Discover more about Education on Fire, get a FREE pdf of 10 guest resources and be part of our season finale with Ger. 🔥 Support the show – Buy me a coffee, Merch and Sponsorship Opportunities Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) Their Primary First Journal:

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GGGG Ep 1 - The benefit of hindsight and lessons learned is an episode from Education On Fire - Sharing creative and inspiring learning in our schools by Mark Taylor.

This episode is 01:20:55 long.

This episode was published on Jan 19, 2026.

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