Having spent the last seven years teaching internationally, I find myself back in the UK teaching in London. This is the circlest of full-circle moments. I love many things about being back in the place I grew up in and where I honed my classroom practice almost two decades ago. London is diverse, eclectic and…
Read MoreThe Importance of Background Knowledge
On the importance of background knowledge (schemas)…Background knowledge is essential for pupils to access any material the teacher presents them with. This knowledge, with which we see and understand the world, is called schema. Those who have had experiences that range broad and wide have a deeper, richer schema. The impact of this on their…
Read MoreAre you hearing the students but not listening?
Let me presume that the average, well run classroom is full of conversation, most of which will be productive talk about the work the teacher has instructed pupils to do. With this in mind, there is ample opportunity for teachers to listen in on learning conversations as well as responses directly offered by students during…
Read MoreMistakes vs Errors
As an early career teacher I was advised to correct most pupil mistakes in their work. One piece of advice I received concerning spelling mistakes was to write the correct word for the student and then have them write it out three times, even if the mistake was made through a lapse of concentration or…
Read More5 Caveats of Feedback
We have received it all of our lives; some of us run from it; some love and welcome it; others heap it on in large amounts, much to the annoyance of friends and family; feedback! Done well, (and received with the right attitude) it can lead to significant growth. Conversely, meted poorly it can crush…
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