The topic of school behavior is widely discussed, but can be a taboo topic within schools. It poses a significant barrier to learning and retention of teachers due to constant disruption. Studies show that time spent managing behavior is substantial, and disruptive classrooms affect student learning negatively. Implementing a whole school approach and a behavior curriculum is essential for creating a positive classroom culture and improving learning outcomes.
Tag: Blog
5 Key Principles for Teaching Primary Mathematics Effectively
Currently, there are a lot of misconceptions about how to teach primary mathematics effectively. In this post, Brendan Lee offers five research-informed principles for teachers to follow in order to improve student learning outcomes.
Gradual Release of Responsibility for Teacher Development
We know how valuable the gradual release of responsibility model can be for supporting our students’ learning, but why don’t we also do it for teacher development? This article looks at how we could transfer the approach to support teachers’ practising new techniques in the classroom.
A Systematic and Structured Approach to Teaching Primary Mathematics (Part 1)
This article looks at how we can take a systematic and structured approach towards teaching primary mathematics. In Part 1, Brendan Lee gives an overview of the Pre-Lesson Phase and the Daily Review Phase.
The Nuances Of Changing Teacher Behaviour
We can provide the best professional learning for teachers, but often it doesn’t change what they do in the classroom. In this post, I look at why changing teacher behaviour can be so difficult and what we can do about it.
How teachers have a finger in every pie, but no time to eat it
Currently, teachers are facing a major workload crisis. This article looks at the different types of knowledge needed, how much time it actually takes to develop resources and questions why many teachers continue to insist on doing it all.
Why you can’t change someone who believes in balanced literacy
In this blog, I will look at why it can be so hard to get someone to change and four simple steps that we can follow to support them through the transformation in their thinking.
1. Agree on the problem
2. See the world through their eyes
3. Shrink the change
4. Clarify the solution
5 Rules For Using Data Effectively
So much is invested into schools based on data, yet I will argue in this article, a lot of school data isn’t reliable or valid. I will also analyse some of the mistakes many schools make when looking at data. Finally, I will offer 5 rules to follow in order to use data effectively.
Can we create professional learning that works for teachers? (Part 2)
This post will look at what we used for effective professional learning for teachers, how we used it and how it measured up against the Education Endowment Foundations Effective Professional Development guidance report. Finally, I reflect on how effective it actually was and what future recommendations I have.
Can we create professional learning that works for teachers? (Part 1)
Teacher professional learning is one of those things that all schools do, but not many do well. This article looks at why it needs to be done well and how we can do it using the evidence.