Finally – I can justify to my parents all those school reports that mentioned how ‘vocal’ I was in school. According to a study by Durham University, reported on the BBC, it appears that pupils who shout out in class achieve better results than those who appear to be better behaved and quiet. The study of 12000 primary school pupils found that the outspoken pupils tended to perform better in maths and English.

We all have different learning styles, and even today, if I’m reading an article on a topic I’m unfamiliar with, I’ll find myself reading aloud to myself. Speaking aloud obviously helps me to process and retain information. Although perhaps there’s more to it? The lead author of the research, Peter Tymms, believes that pupils who are outspoken in classes perhaps benefit from receiving additional feedback and attention from their teachers.

What this article has made me think about is the fact that we do all learn in different ways and at different speeds - a real challenge for any teacher faced with a class of 30 children. With a daughter due to start school later this year, it’s also made me realise that I need to be aware of different learning styles and to ensure I try to identify my daughter’s preferred style in order to help encourage and support her learning. If you’re unsure of what your learning style is and you’re keen to find out, here’s a link to the BBC Open University site which features an online survey designed to find out which way of learning works best for you.

http://www.open2.net/survey/learningstyles/  
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Running the press office at BETT, the world's largest technology in education show, is always a momentous event in the Mango calendar. This January was the 7th BETT we've worked on, and they do say time flies when you're having fun!
 
The Mango team works non-stop throughout the show to look after the 400 journalists who visit BETT, and it is a fantastic opportunity for us to catch up with people, show off what BETT has to offer, and give our feet a workout - the poor things are still recovering now.
 
For all of you who stopped by the Press Office to visit us, we would like to say a big thank you for helping to make this year our best BETT ever! Visitor numbers were up by 3.84 per cent which, considering it was BETT's last year at Olympia, truly ensured BETT went out with a bang.
 
The real highlight for us this year was the attendance of The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Education, topped off by HRH the Duke of York, Prince Andrew. Mr Gove delivered the opening address and it was fantastic to see his recognition of the importance of technology in education. Every national newspaper and broadcaster published a news item about Gove at BETT with the BBC running a follow up news item specifically on BETT the following day.
 
Exhibitors showcased their latest resources and as always wowed the crowds with fascinating technology and CPD opportunities. Learn Live and Education Leaders @ BETT CPD sessions provided much sought after best practice ideas and as always, the BETT Awards celebrated innovation in the sector.
 
Next year BETT will be held at ExCel, so it will be bringing its wonderfully successful personality to the east. Also, please put the new dates in your diary too – for BETT 2013 will take place from the 30^th January to the 2^nd February. So, new venue, new date and plenty of time for teachers to settle back to school after Christmas before taking a day off to attend BETT.
 
And if you just can’t wait until the next BETT, catch us at the Education Show: http://www.education-show.com where we will be running the Press Office too!
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When the coalition government arrived in May 2010 there appeared to be a rush of significant changes. Firstly schools received the devastating news that the Building Schools for the Future Programme (BSF), established to re build or refurbish run down schools, was to be scrapped.

Academies, which had previously been defined as failing schools that were rebuilt and restructured schools to save them from closure suddenly became the cream of schools – the ‘outstanding’ ones. This was swiftly followed by ‘Free Schools.’ The curriculum was put on ice and schools were given the freedom to make their own decisions.

These significant changes un-nerved the sector – not just because none of us like such major changes, but more so because there appeared to have been no consultation process prior to these announcements.

Today however we hear the news that the public have responded enthusiastically to a Twitter appeal for questions for MPs to ask the Education Secretary, Michael Gove. A spokeswoman for the committee said the MPs want to reflect the most pressing concerns in education.

This move also demonstrates how MPs are moving into the 21^st Century. Graham Stuart MP, chair of the committee, believes this is the first time MPs have used Twitter to ask for questions for a select committee.

Clearly Gove now wants to hear from those who experience the sector’s issues every day of their working lives. Great news for the sector – we wait to hear the outcomes!

The questions can be submitted by 11:00 GMT on Friday 27 January by adding the hashtag #AskGove to the tweet.
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