Pedex Issue 10

This issue‌

Issue 10.

December 2016

Classroom Spy Sharing the engaging and exciting learning environments from around our College.

Tweet! Tweet! Bite size TES Check out Twitter highlights from across the web!

Sharing great ideas from throughout the Teaching and Learning world.

Pedagogy exchange - steeped in practice

‘‘ Alex Cook

Learning Environments

T

his edition of PedEx is dedicated to the exciting and engaging learning environments that we have within our College. There is a wealth of exciting ideas which teachers and support staff have worked hard to achieve in order to stimulate and support student learning. As we approach Christmas we wanted to share the wonderful work and ideas that we should be so proud of!

Why arere our learning environments important?

In a interview with HundrED, Rose Luckin, a former teacher and learning scientist at University College London’s Institute of Education, discusses the gaps in 21st Century learning and the impacts of modern Learning environments: “ Are we fully preparing students for the needs of the 21st century? No. We address some of what they need to know - students do need to understand particular subjects in depth, but they also need to understand the connections between subjects. For example, the connections between Maths, Science and Geography.”

Students need to understand the connections between subjects

’’

teacher is there to help the ‘‘ The learner reach their potential. ’’ “Students also need the kinds of skills that will help them to be effective learners in the 21st century - the so-called ‘21st century skills.’

They do need to have good critical thinking and analytical skills, and they need to be able to synthesize material. They need to be able to use their metacognitive skills, and be trained to have these skills and abilities, so they can be effective learners throughout their lives.

The teacher is there to help the learner reach their potential, but the role of the teacher is going to change.

I hope that they are going to become much more actively involved in developing learning resources, I want them to be partners with those who develop technologies and resources, along with learners who are all part of the design of these tools so they are much more suitable to meet the needs of learners and teachers in the classroom. The most exciting learning environment would be one where learners were free to explore, but had support to make the most of that exploration. Where their contribution was valued, and they were aware that their contribution was valued.”

PedEx Issue. 10 Pg.2

Classroom Spy Colourful and practical references.

PedEx Issue.10 Pg.3

Classroom Spy Collaborative and challenging to stimulate ideas.

PedEx Issue. 10 Pg.4

Intriguing facts and interactive displays.

PedEx Issue. 10 Pg.5

Classroom Spy

Displays that make students want to investigate further.

PedEx Issue. 10 Pg.6

Quick and accessible tools to support our independent learners

PedEx Issue. 10 Pg.7

Is that all?

Bite size TES

Extract from November 2016

What is great teaching and how can I achieve it?

Defining effective teaching is far from easy there is no simple recipe. This is hardly surprising, given that classroom teaching has been described as the most complex, nuanced and frightening activity our species has ever invented. A review of more than 200 studies concluded that great teaching was simply that which led to improved student progress.

There are four other factors for which there is moderate evidence of a positive impact on student results; classroom climate (including teacher expectations); classroom management; teacher beliefs; and professional behaviours

"Master teachers are highly adept improvisers, knowing what to do and when.

It's a bit like the technical challenge in the The Great British Bake Off. You can have the same ingredients and recipe as other people but it is your personal skill in combining and 'cooking' the components that leads to effective learning rather than a soggy lesson.

Aren't there any specific common attributes exhibited by the best teachers?

There is strong evidence that teachers who know their subject well, and who are skilled in the practice of instruction (including effective questioning and use of assessment), are consistently associated with higher progress among learners.

How do you use your learning environment? Could it support great teaching?

Twitter steals @WeAreTeachers Exciting review activities linked to rewards and treats, just in time for Christmas!

PedEx Issue. 10 Pg.8