Many a debate is sparked in education about the need for ‘engagement‘ in teaching and learning. Some dismiss ‘engagement‘ as the bastard language of OFSTED to encourage an adventure playground …
Triplicate Note Making
Looking to improve the organisation of note making? In English lessons I often find myself getting students to make notes on literary texts they are studying: noting the key information, …
‘Disciplined Discussion’ – As Easy as ABC
This practical post on a couple of teaching and learning strategies is wholly indebted to an excellent trio of posts from Doug Lemov, of ‘Practice Perfect‘ and ‘Teach Like A …
Top Ten Tips for Behaviour Management
Most of my posts are about teaching strategies, the curriculum or the odd political rant. I have written very little on the subject of behaviour management. I considered why …
Moving Beyond National Curriculum Levels
A fair few months ago the government announced the end of KS3 levels. Only there has been little real change – to my knowledge – in the status quo because …
Designing a New Curriculum – What are your ‘Big Ideas’?
Cross the threshold and seize a new and improved curriculum. Many teachers will already be thinking about the significant curriculum changes just around the corner. I admit that I have …
One-to-one Feedback & Testing What Works
Feedback has always been all the rage! In all my years of teaching I think I know instinctively the things that make the difference to learning. Once such tipping points …
DIRTy Work
Excuse the cheap pun of a title. With all the public furore about the Daily Mail I couldn’t help but be mindful of a tabloid headline! DIRT, if you didn’t …
Top Ten Tips for New Teachers
The new school year is careering into view already. Plans are being crafted, return to work stress is growing like a weed. My thoughts turn to the newbie teachers about …
‘Question Time’ and Asking ‘Why’
No, this post isn’t a dissection of David Dimbleby’s negotiation of a bent table full of politicking talking heads. I’m sorry if you came looking for political debates! My post …