Questioning is a fundamental element of pedagogy, one you could read endlessly around, but the reality is using questioning to challenge and engage all learners is demanding and potentially problematic to get right. Recently I’ve been working with a team of teachers, shaping our CPD model in preparation for the new academic year. Engaging in … Continue reading
13 years ago I was a fresh-faced 22 year old having just qualified from my PGCE study and the reality had just hit home, I was about to go into my first full-time teaching post. No doubt this anticipation and excitement, tinged with a little anxiety will be shared by hundreds of NQT’s this year too. Something … Continue reading
Last week, on Wednesday 1st July, #TMDevon finally arrived. I think it’s fair to say in just one word it was ‘epic’. We all know that teach meets, as a teaching underground revolution, are transforming CPD across the country and I felt Devon needed to be a part of it! For quite a while now … Continue reading
Remember the old days when a lesson observation was THE deal breaker, well at least in my mind it was. This was my chance, a window to showcase my repertoire of teaching tools and cram as much into that 30/60 minute session as I could, an all singing all dancing lesson, in essence I was … Continue reading
Following a recent teacher talk wednesday – #TeacherTalkWednesday, where the discussion was around cooperative approaches to learning, my colleague Cicely Alsbury has very kindly contributed to my blog: Cooperative teaching and learning is about fostering an educational environment which provides opportunities to build resilient, inquisitive, resourceful and inspired learners. I grew up in an educational … Continue reading
Why attend #TMDevon? The question really should be; Why not?! In addition to the endless informal networking opportunities, you’ll get the chance to listen to real teachers presenting on innovative approaches to all aspects of education from the latest EdTech in teaching and learning through to Masters/EdD level action research. This will be delivered through a … Continue reading
Although I’m not a fan of key word bingo and leadership buzz words, on this occasion I’m going to make an exception. At some point in the change process the ‘baton’ needs handing over, and in this case it will be to our teachers, who will become the engine house of change. A couple of … Continue reading
Innovation in teaching and learning is rife not only here in the UK but globally too, you only need to spend a week on twitter following the array of educational ‘chats’ to realise that. But do school leaders, myself included, actually understand how this innovation impacts upon the day-to-day student experience? Leading whole school teaching and learning, … Continue reading
Although I love writing the occasional blog all about my experiences in education, I’ve decided to jump on the ‘Vlog’ bandwagon. I’m fortunate and privileged to work with colleagues who have a wealth of inspirational, innovative and creative approaches to all aspects of teaching and learning. So it would be a shame if they didn’t … Continue reading
Work scrutiny, well that’s nothing new I hear you say, and you’d be right. However, the question I ask is, how and where does this sit within a schools teaching and learning strategy – to what extent does it relate to targeted CPD and inform sharing of practice, involving all staff and not just benefit those … Continue reading