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 MoreTeaching Tools
If you could only choose one piece of extra teaching equipment, what would it be? Mine would have to be my visualiser. I love this device for many reasons:☑️modelling virtually anything☑️showcasing student excellence during a lesson☑️exam technique practice☑️recording demonstrations and processes☑️live annotations and much more. So, what piece of teaching equipment would you rather not…
Read MoreAnalogue Vs Tech
Watching someone expertly use analogue tools is refreshing. Reassuring, in fact. Reassuring because it confirms that excellence can be achieved without having access to expensive resources. Reassuring knowing that if the power goes down or you spill Diet Coke on your computer, the lesson can still proceed. I recently had the pleasure of observing a…
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…
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