1. Big Picture first
At the beginning of every lesson the teacher gives the overview – ‘By the end of this lesson we will have learned…’
2. High expectations of teachers and learners
Teacher expectation shapes student performance and vice versa. Have high, positive expectations of each other always
3. Personal contact is important
Teachers should try to speak to every student, every lesson and call them by their first name
4. Lessons should be ‘high challenge, low stress’
Teachers and students should make the classroom a safe haven for learning where people are not scared, stressed or put down.
5. Describe the behaviour expected
Be positive, not negative. Say ‘Everyone look at me, please’ not ‘Don’t turn around!’
6. Be positive (4:1)
Create opportunities for everyone to experience success. Try to praise on a minimum ratio of four positive comments for every negative one
7. Use time well (Age + 1)
Optimal time on task is age plus one. For average 14 year olds, 15 minutes per task and then some sort of reflection activity for 2 to 3 minutes
8. I see, I hear, I do (VAK)
Reinforce information visually, auditorally and kinesthetically. Access everyone’s preferred learning style
9. Feedback, feedback, feedback
Encourage immediate feedback. Check for understanding regularly. Share understanding with each other
10. Recap last
At the end of the lesson spend 2 to 3 minutes recapping ‘What we have learned today is…’ |
Waingels College 