IB Unplugged

What does it mean to truly educate for sustainability, not just about it? In this episode, we speak with long-time IB educator and global thinker John Cannings about how sustainability must be more than a concept in the curriculum—it must be reflected in the very practices, decisions, and environments of our schools. John shares his experience supporting schools across the IB continuum to embed sustainability through experiential learning, nature-based education, and systems thinking.

What’s the difference between cognition and metacognition—and why does it matter? In our Season 2 kickoff, educator and school leader Gareth Rogers breaks down how understanding how students think can elevate how we teach. From retrieval practice to busting learning myths, this episode brings practical, research-based strategies to your IB classroom.

In this special season finale, hosts John Patton and Courtney Marline reflect on their journey through Season 1 of IB Unplugged. From conversations on TOK and AI to mental health and curriculum design, they revisit the standout moments and surprising takeaways that shaped their thinking. Tune in for heartfelt insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and a look ahead at what’s to come.

The IB is rethinking assessment—and going digital.
In this episode, we speak with Matthew Glanville, Director of Assessment at the IB, about the organization’s evolving vision for digital assessments. From ensuring equity and accessibility to designing more authentic ways to measure student understanding, Matthew offers a clear-eyed look at what’s changing, why it matters, and how IB educators can prepare.

What if everything you believed about learning was only part of the story? In this thought-provoking episode, cognitive science expert and author David Didau challenges common assumptions in education and offers practical insights for IB educators. From memory and motivation to misconceptions and metacognition, David explores how understanding the limits of what we know can lead to more intentional, effective teaching.

What if our assessments focused on growth instead of ranking? In this episode, Dr. Conrad Hughes, Director General of the International School of Geneva and Senior Fellow at UNESCO's International Bureau of Education, challenges the traditional purpose of assessment. From the limits of high-stakes exams to designing systems that truly support learning and wellbeing, this conversation offers a bold and timely vision for how we can better serve students in the IB and beyond.

What does it mean to teach psychology conceptually—and why does it matter? In this episode, Rachel Thornton, a passionate psychology teacher, unpacks the updates to the course and how they support more meaningful, connected learning. From a reduced content load to a clearer structure and stronger real-world application, this is a must-listen for every IB Psychology educator.

What does it take to shape a truly future-ready curriculum? In this episode, Fidelis Nthenge, Director of Curriculum Development at the IBO, shares how the IB approaches curriculum design to empower student agency, promote lifelong learning, and respond to an ever-changing world. A must-listen for educators curious about what’s next in international education.

Can one school deliver two diplomas—and do both well?In this episode, IB educator Richard Jones-Nerzic shares how Ecole Moser in Switzerland integrates the IB Diploma and the Swiss Maturité into a single, demanding program. He reflects on the cultural, curricular, and pedagogical balancing act required—and what other schools can learn from it.

What if building student competencies—not just covering content—was the heart of your course?In this episode, educator Matt Kuykendall shares how his Deep Learning Seminar reimagines reflection, agency, and metacognition as the core of learning, offering strategies any IB educator can bring into their own classroom.