The longstanding debate on student grouping has seen a shift in my department from mixed-attainment to attainment setting. While research suggests minimal impact, our approach emphasises tailored instruction and high student mobility. This method aims to meet diverse student needs, ensuring engagement and challenging all learners, despite controversies in available research.
By centralising routines, schools reduce the stressful cognitive load on pupils and teachers, fostering a consistent, team-oriented environment where everyone can focus on actual learning.
Why is deep subject knowledge so critical for effective teaching? My 'electrolysis moment' taught me it’s the foundation of all pedagogy. This post explores why teacher CPD must focus on building this expertise, moving beyond generic strategies to truly improve student learning and teacher confidence.
The Testing Effect enhances long-term retention through retrieval practice, not frequent testing. Completing more tests doesn't mean you'll get the testing effect.
Education should prepare young people for life, not just work. It’s about building knowledge, understanding society, and giving everyone a fair start.
Centralising educational resources enhances teaching effectiveness by providing a consistent repository of materials. This approach fosters collaboration, allows for flexibility, and ensures all students receive quality instruction, ultimately improving learning outcomes and teacher development.
The article discusses the complexities of student behavior in schools, particularly in light of rising exclusions and disciplinary actions. It critiques simplistic narratives attributing behaviour issues solely to teachers or declining educational standards, emphasising that broader societal challenges, such as poverty and mental health, significantly influence student conduct.
In 2023, I started a new role as Head of the Science Department in Liverpool. It has been an incredible journey, and as I reflect on the experience, several key lessons have emerged that I’d like to share.
Science is a rich narrative that can captivate students' imagination and build literacy. However, literacy initiatives in science face challenges due to time constraints. To address this, incorporating science stories and collaborating with the English department can enhance students' understanding. By embracing literacy in science, we can enrich students' educational experiences.
The conversation around the impact of student loanson teachers is lacking, as the debt burden and repayment terms are concerning. UK students face more debt than those in any other OECD country. Post-2012 graduates will repay almost £30,000 more than pre-2012 graduates, affecting their entire careers.
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