Reflections on the ethics of cold calling in school classrooms
Andrew Davis discusses cold calling as an approach to teacher questioning in schools.
Reflections on the ethics of cold calling in school classrooms
18 Jun 2025, 17:30 – 19:15
‘Cold calling’, a term apparently coined by Doug Lemov, is an approach to teacher questioning. Asking something of a whole group and saying ‘hands up’ without naming a potential responder means that the same pupils usually contribute and others never answer.
So instead, cold calling teachers question named individuals, with the prima facie expectation that they will answer in front of everyone. Many school teachers are eloquent in their defence of this strategy. Anecdotally, at least, some students and ex-students report levels of stress and anxiety.
Andrew will ponder the strength of putative ethical objections to the practice.
This event will be particularly useful for teachers and researchers interested in teaching and its ethical implications.
Please note this is a hybrid event and can be joined either in-person or online. To book your place, please email Yuxin Su: stnvysu@ucl.ac.uk.
PESGB seminar series
This event is part of the Philosophy of Education Society of Great Britain (PESGB) seminar series. PESGB is a learned society that promotes the study, teaching and application of philosophy of education. Its London Branch hosts seminars every Wednesday in conjunction with the Centre for Philosophy of Education. These seminars are led by national and international scholars in the field, covering a wide range of issues of educational and philosophical concern.
All are welcome to attend.
Related links
Image
Phil Meech for IOE.
Andrew is a former primary teacher and university lecturer in philosophy, education and primary mathematics.
He originally studied analytical philosophy. He has previously taught at Cambridge and Durham Universities.
Further information
Ticketing
Pre-booking essential
Cost
Free
Open to
All
Availability
Yes
Related events
CLOSER Emerging Longitudinal Scholars Symposium 2025
Join the inaugural CLOSER Emerging Longitudinal Scholars Symposium, showcasing researchers at the frontier of longitudinal research.
The politics of family memory: Insights from biographical and ethnographic perspectives
Adriana Patiño-Santos will examine how family memory is constructed and transmitted through the everyday communicative practices of displaced families.
The school meals service: Past, present – and future?
Join this conference to discuss the past, present and future of the UK School Meals Service.