Immerse yourself in the art and science of teaching and learning with a comprehensive range of blogs. Explore dynamic topics such as effective feedback strategies, impactful explanations, the art of questioning, and more. Gain valuable insights into pedagogical techniques informed by research evidence, along with an array of practical tips. These blogs are useful for teachers, leaders and everyone interested in education.
Barak Rosenshine is most famous for his principles of instruction, but what did he have to say about building knowledge? In his writing on ‘Advances in research on instruction’, he put forward the important – and familiar notion – of ‘knowledge structures’. Put simply, this is how information is organised and stored
Let me introduce you to James. James finds it hard to articulate his thoughts due to limits to his vocabulary and a difficulty in understanding complex language in class. He can rely on simple words, repeat phrases, and non-verbal communication to get through the school day. In science, he particularly
Year after year, teachers conduct assemblies, workshops, and share resources on effective revision. Despite all that effort, students continue to fall for the all-too-common seven deadly sins of exam revision. So, what are these ever-present sins that beset so many students? 1. Procrastination and cramming. Perhaps the most famous sin
Everyone has a view on education. Every parent and politician has sat in a classroom, so they have a view on what the teacher does or doesn't do. But experience does not always translate into wisdom and understanding. Happily, we are not short of wisdom that does shine
Shy pupils can easily, often unnoticed, slide to the sides of lessons. Supporting such pupils, who are nervous to talk with their peers or in front of the class, can be a tricky business but also vital for both their well-being and their learning. The quiet, and seemingly passive, behaviour
Adaptive teaching describes the moment-to-moment responsiveness that is orchestrated continuously in the classroom by expert teachers. In the past few years, in England at least, its prominence has arisen through national frameworks as an alternative to the problematic practices that have attended the label of ‘differentiation’. It features in the
It is that time of the year. Christmas excesses are replaced by new year commitments. Gym memberships are up; diets and exercise regimes are initiated. The urge to set resolutions is pinned to adverts and endless article messages, but the inspiration too often fades quickly. I’d established an annual
Every teacher can be sure of cyclical change. Governments come and go and the national curriculum and assessment shifts along with them. Teacher professional development trends come and go too. We are left asking: what trends for teacher professional development will emerge? Whether forms like instructional coaching will last the
Teaching is brilliantly complex, endlessly challenging, and potentially the most rewarding of the professions. No two lessons are the same. No two classes are the same. This diversity and complexity demands an expertise from teachers that is too often underestimated. Teachers need to constantly anticipate, act and adapt. There is
Do pupils need to know about ‘working memory’ or ‘procrastination’? Will a ‘study skills curriculum’, or a revision programme, really make a vital difference? Each year it is common to see annual plans shared for study skills curricula. Whether it is a key stage three programme, more targeted at GCSE
“Is adaptive teaching the same thing as ‘reasonable adjustments’?” I get asked this question often when working with teachers and leaders on developing adaptive teaching. It is no surprise, given they can often appear similar when applied to classroom practices that support pupils with learning needs. It is helpful for
My weekend typically involves helping coach my boy’s football team in muddy fields in the far corners of North Yorkshire. It is one of those parental experiences that mingles pleasure with pain. From narrow wins to thumping losses. Coaching is a lot like teaching. From wrangling a bunch of