TEACHING & LEARNING

Always allow time for a structured end to the lesson.  Do not teach up to the last minute.

 

Allowing students’ time to reflect on their learning is crucial if deep learning is to take place.

 

Allowing students’ time to demonstrate their understanding and progress is crucial to their self-esteem but also in order for you to gauge the success of the lesson and its outcomes.

 

During this final plenary of the lesson it is important to focus totally on learning outcomes.  Students need to feel successful and that they have made progress, no matter how small.   This serves two purposes, firstly, you want them to come back feeling positive about your subject next lesson.  Secondly, the student is probably going on to another lesson, if they leave you feeling negative or with issues unresolved, this is taken into the next classroom.  Their next teacher then has a much harder job of motivating learning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a variety of ways that you check for understanding; it does not have to be written or verbal – see examples already mentioned in the Handbook and from the T&L Toolkit.

 

If homework is being set, do not leave it until the end; make sure there is time for everybody to write it in their planner and for you to check that everyone understands what they have to do and when it must be brought back into school.

 

Students who are on report need their report signing before the end of the lesson so that they are not delayed getting to their next lesson.

 

Have clear routines for the end of the lesson just as you have for the start.  Have organised places for resources, have high expectations for the standard of tidiness and order.  Students will respond positively and conform.  Make sure you leave the classroom tidy for the next lesson and member of staff.

 

Remember that you may have students who are at an early stage of learning English in your classes, make sure that before the end of the lesson you speak and make eye contact with any of your vulnerable students.

 

Try never to end the lesson on a nagging note.  There will be students in the class who have done everything that you are asked of them.  “Class nags” de-motivate your most loyal and hard-working students.