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.
Tag: Decision making
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.
How To Implement The Science Of Learning When The Rest Of The School Isn’t
More educators are wanting to implement the Science of Learning or Reading but hit a roadblock when trying to implement it across the school. This article explains how to move a Pre-Contemplator through the Stages of Change (Prochaska & DiClemente) and present them with a Theory of Action (Robinson).
The ABCD(E) of Motivation
Coming from a sporting background and then moving into teaching, I have always been intrigued with motivation. Many classes have left me wondering why some students have this drive to do their best, while others will do their best to avoid doing their best! I have come up with this model on motivation as a way of combining the knowledge I have gained from learning about psychology and cognitive science. I feel knowing these five principles are vital for understanding why people do what they do.
It’s not the footballers’ fault they make dumb decisions
Why do we continue to see young footballers making such poor decisions off the field? This article looks at why it is happening and what we can do to support them better.
Teacher attitudes towards professional learning
Teachers are passionate about learning, but not necessarily good at it. School leaders need to create the right culture and environment that enables teachers to learn. This article looks at how cognitive biases affect us all and where we sit on the Dunning-Kruger curve. How can we get The Personal Trainer, The Chef, The Train Driver, The Carpenter and The Card Collector all collaboratively working towards school improvement?
Why we need systems to optimise learning
When you sign up to become a teacher, no-one ever tells you that one of the most important things you need to teach students is how to enter a classroom! Every teacher joins the profession to make a difference in the lives of young people. Teachers want to inspire and motivate! They definitely do not dream about how exciting it’s going to be putting their class into a seating plan! However, if you can get your routines, structure and organisation right, you might just be able to teach that amazing lesson that you prepared!
How the Dunning-Kruger Effect continues to get me!
Have you ever walked into a cafe and been disappointed with the service and overall experience? You look at the costs of their products/services and think, “How hard could it be?” That’s basically the Dunning-Kruger effect. It’s been described as “a cognitive bias in which people wrongly overestimate their knowledge or ability in a specific…
How to make every minute meaningful
If you are not spending your time increasing your resources, then you are spending resources and losing time. So, spend your time on the things that matter.
How to communicate with your child like an FBI negotiator
Do you ever feel like you just can’t win with your kids? Picture this, you have five minutes before you have to leave and all of a sudden your little darling decides they no longer want to go to their friends party. Even though, they were just raving about how excited they were ten minutes earlier! How ridiculous!
This leads to you calling out their crazy behaviour and being met with a firm “No!” You then change your approach and try being understanding and yet they still refuse to leave. So, you go back to being the boss because you are the boss, right? However, you are met with hysterical screaming that would have your neighbours thinking you were a mass murderer!