A Cambridge International survey of 3,000 teachers and 3,800 students reveals a decline in student attention spans, with 88% of teachers noticing decreased focus. Teachers and students attribute the decline to technology, with 71% of teachers and 66% of students citing excessive screen time as a major distraction, and to address this, 81% of teachers emphasise the importance of developing subject knowledge, a view shared by 73% of students.

Teachers can foster metacognition by weaving reflective practices into daily routines rather than treating them as isolated lessons. Strategies include prompting students to articulate their thought processes, encouraging peer explanations and using checklists or summary tables to monitor progress.

High-school Principal S. Kambar Khoshaba shares three ways to recognise and motivate teachers beyond traditional, extrinsic rewards. Public recognition, including a programme that allows students, families and staff to nominate teachers; personalised, handwritten notes of encouragement; and passing recognition to students through an initiative that rewards positive behaviour are some ways Khoshaba shares that help to foster a culture of connection and appreciation.

Carly Barber, head of Brighton College Vietnam, shares her experiences launching a startup international school. Barber highlights the challenges of uneven teaching loads and underdeveloped structures, and notes the significant roles teachers play in marketing and community building, as well as the evolving relationship with parents.

The widespread use of AI tools among students is prompting educators to rethink traditional assignments and what constitutes cheating. Teachers are shifting to in-class writing and verbal assessments to counter AI-assisted cheating, while students express confusion over AI usage boundaries, as school policies often vary.

A school in Meghalaya, India, is enhancing its midday meal programme by incorporating local wild ingredients such as fish mint and Himalayan chives, thanks to an initiative by the North East Society for Agroecology Support. This approach has improved student attendance, energy levels and nutrition, addressing high rates of child malnutrition in the region and helping over 92% of participating pupils reach a healthy weight after just one year.