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It's Just Research, Season 3, Ep. 4: A child-centered approach to teaching English

28 May 2026

Society

According to Dr Simon Gibbons, current English education allows little room for children to see its relevancy on their own life and experience. He advocates an approach that make senses of the educational content for children, inviting them to share their stories and experiences thereby becoming participants of education.

Dr Simon Gibbons takes us on a journey of progressive English teaching methodologies drawing on inspiration from Harold Rosen, a pivotal figure who transformed English education in the latter half of the 20th century. He shares his own journey from studying Sciences to English and his fascination with the cognitive development of how children learn.

Like Rosen, Gibbons’ passion is for a child-centered approach to teaching English, supporting them to engage in the curriculum so it has relevance in their lives.

“Kids are not being invited into the education they are the object of education, they are objectified, they are measured, and they are tested.”– Dr Simon Gibbons

In discussion with Dr Sara Black and Dr Liam Cini O'Dwyer, Gibbons reflects on how content can be made accessible and relevant for all who come through the school gates and how teachers can develop agency within the limitations of a school system to support children to retain their own community and individuality.