Session 69 – Thursday 27th October 2011

Session Summary:

Being given the role of subject leadership within a school can either inspire or overwhelm colleagues. There was plenty of advice early on in the session which focused on vision, philosophy and leading by example. It was also evident that colleagues had been given subject leadership roles in subjects they knew very little about, seemingly with the ‘un-popular’ areas of teaching, with maths, literacy and science being given to more senior teachers. The best subject leaders, it was claimed, are those who love the subject, with that enthusiasm shining through for pupils and colleagues to see. As the role is about ‘sharing’, subject leaders need to empower and enthuse colleagues to ensure the subject is given the best coverage within the school.

Notable Tweets from the Session:

@PhilWheeler1: @chrisleach78 #ukedchat don’t think the world can be changed in a term, take your time, settle in and then drive change from the middle.
@StuartMaginnis: #ukedchat make sure you have a clear vision and set of values for dept to follow.
@Sundayteatime: #ukedchat I would say change one thing at a time so as not to upset colleagues.
@Kathrynwiki: #ukedchat Be the kind of leader YOU would like to follow and remember your subject is only part of their busy teaching load
@ICTmagic: @chrisleach78 The subject leader leads the subject. You can’t teach it for other teachers (no matter how much you want to!) #ukedchat
@BAFDiploma: @ukedchat I think it is a common mistake for a new leader to come in and think they have to change the world immediately,. #ukedchat
@KristianStill: Leading always looks easier from afar. Share, devolve credit – accept responsibility. #ukedchat When u need 2, redeem the credit in the bank
@mrjonesISM: @StuartMaginnis I agree #ukedchat clear philosophy and timeline for policies, integration, deployment etc help to clarify expectations
@Kathrynwiki: leading by example and driving change through positive experiences within your team #ukedchat
@BeeBecF: Its difficult when you have been given the subject as only subject leader vacancy and have no great love/knowledge of it! #ukedchat
@BillRoddick: #ukedchat New/all SLs should read the latest Ofsted report on their subject – make sure you know the big issues nationally.
@MattFothergill: Listen to the advice of others in the dep’t. Don’t claim ideas as your own, give credit where it’s due #ukedchat
@ICTmagic: You are the leader of a team, but you are still *in* that team. Draw on other people’s experience. #ukedchat
@BillRoddick: #ukedchat Lead collaborative discussion on priorities in your department. Get evryone to ‘buy in’ and take shared ownership
@bucharesttutor: I believe that before sharing a new team or department Sharing must be mentioned as one the traits a candidate needs to possess #ukedchat
@dukkhaboy: #ukedchat trust your dept to do their job well. Go out for curry together. Praise them when they do well esp. to SLT …. Er … That’s it
@steedie1980: Leaders should be able to come up with solutions to problems and lead by example in the classroom #ukedchat
@memarkyb: #ukedchat If you want to be thought of as a leader rather than just wearing the title you need to make things easier/better for colleagues
@ianaddison: Where do you start when leading a subject? Noone ever gave me any idea of what to do or what was expected #ukedchat
@HamptonEnglish: #ukedchat it’s important to empower people to work towards a common goal: encourage them to ask for forgiveness, not permission.
@little_whitebag: @ukedchat. Subject leaders should be bold enough to make decision and confident enough to support them. Too much discussion wastes time
@literacylender: #ukedchat don’t just give your NQT the subject no one else want’s
@Educationchat: #ukedchat The best SLs know their subject, love it, can help all age groups and know how to improve provision.
@chrisleach78: I think one of my main roles is to dislay real enthusiasm for the subject – “embrace the geekiness” as some of my kids say #ukedchat
@Teen_70: #ukedchat – as a newbie ICT Co-ordinator, some of the best advice I have had so far is from all of you
@innerquest: Leave the bag or crate of guilt at school! Only take home the pieces of paper you will actually look at! #ukedchat
@digitalmaverick: @chrisleach78 I am on my school’s Lesson Obs Working party & as such am *LOVING* seeing Eng, Geog, Sci, Maths, MFL, HEc lessons #ukedchat
@CarrotyCarrots: #ukedchat I do believe that it’s possible to be an excellent classroom teacher, but poor leader and vice versa. Few people can do both.
@tutor2u_econ: #ukedchat Idea: Anytime a colleague mentions meaningless educational or management acronym in conversation they have to eat a cream cracker
@StuartMaginnis: #ukedchat give all members of the team a chance to chair meetings. Must include sharing good practice.
@chrisleach78: Is ICT one of the hardesrt subjects to lead? – always evolving and expected to be embedded across other subjects? #ukedchat
@ICTwitz: Don’t know if it’s been said, but I think the difference of subject leadership between primary and secondary colleagues is HUGE #ukedchat
@SheliBB: @ICTmagic @ianaddison lol! All ICT coords I know on twitter are passionate about subject and lead by example #ukedchat
@little_whitebag: #ukedchat As a science teacher, seeing others run practical sessions and doing ‘master classes’ is always really useful
@steedie1980: Leaders need to be enthusiastic about harnessing good practice and find ways for it be shared effectively #ukedchat
@benwhite25: #ukedchat Once again always a pleasure to view the positive ideas and solutions get thrown around at this week’s ukedchat
@Paddymcgrath: #ukedchat would recommend teach like a champion by doug lemov for subject leaders. Some specific actionable techniques that staff can wok on
@JOHNSAYERS: #ukedchat this hour / hashtag proves that being open about experiences, knowledge etc improves us all as leaders of the students.

Tweet/s of the Week:

@little_whitebag: #Ukedchat. Good leaders can lead anything, It’s a state of mind.
@TeacherToolkit: As SLT, a good SL must know difference between leadership & management & know they can shape great teams & shape learning #ukedchat

Links Highlighted during the Session:

@chrisleach78: I use a blog to share example sof my departments work and to raise interest in the subject – http://t.co/MpmBCmAS #ukedchat
@MrNickHart: #ukedchat ‘Lesson Study’ has been great in applying subject specific pedagogies and refining staff practice. http://t.co/XAiMRhiy
@literacylender: which could be used to develop other subjects. http://t.co/X197s2tV is hoping to develop resources to save literacy leaders time #ukedchat
@ukedchat: A TES forum user is sharing a toolkit for new ICT coordinators if anyone is interested: http://t.co/2Y0Q5Dcq #ukedchat
@chris_1974: @MattFothergill http://t.co/oe26d1zl for what I do weekly. #ukedchat
@ICTEvangelist: Bit of a plug but can I share this resource about Google Forms I made this week – a really powerful tool http://t.co/XqHRJn6P #ukedchat

Session 66 – Thursday 6th October 2011

Session Title:
Is it Possible to Achieve a Good Work/Life Balance?

Session Summary:
Although this topic has been covered a couple of times previously on ukedchat, it is interesting to see how the subject really resonates with contributors, who really do acknowledge the need for a work/life balance. The reality of teaching and education is a core loving for the job, really caring about those who are taught, but this can be at the detriment of reality!
The usual pressures and expectations within education were notable, with a solitary voice reminding us that what we do should be for the benefit of our pupils, not OFSTED – there are many who will recognise this. As teaching is a vocation for many, it was acknowledged that teaching is ‘what we are’, and because of this passion and love for the job (mostly) that many are prepared for this sacrifice. As you will see from the tweets noted below, there were many tips and words of wisdom…but perhaps the most pearl of wisdom was the tweet which mentioned that teaching is like always carrying a box that is permanently ½ full…Sometimes you just need to put the box down!

Notable Tweets from the Session:
@EnterpriseSBox: #ukedchat work life balance difficult with ‘always on’ tech. Means u don’t have to wait and can just get on with it.
@BAFDiploma: #ukedchat teaching is one of those jobs where u can always do more. The key is recognising when you need to take time out to up productivity
@CornwellLFC: #ukedchat DON’T BRING WORK HOME! If you need to stay late then stay late, work is the place for work, home is the place to chill.
@sonicwaffled: #ukedchat One of the biggest things I learned as an NQT was that my ‘to do’ list would never be complete. Once you realise you relax a bit!
@jackieschneider: #ukedchat – teachers aren’t the only ones stuck with long hours. Many of our parents are trapped in low paid dead end jobs working long hours
@DeputyMitchell: I’m interested to know what your HT could do to make your work/life balance better – genuinely! #ukedchat
@philallman1: No useless meetings, no needless paperwork, systems that mean single point of entry, make ppl feel valued #ukedchat #httips
@jamesmichie: #ukedchat And “life” to me does not necessarily involve having a night out. It is more about “me” time or “me and the wife” time.
@Educationchat: If asked to do something I don’t do it. If they ask again I don’t do it. When they ask a 3rd time it must be important so I do it. #ukedchat
@jamesmichie: I think one of the issues is how u define “life” and “work”. For example, taking part in #ukedchat is not work, IMO.
@BAFDiploma: yes, this is a chance to reflect on issues.  So useful to bounce ideas, share workload and realise others feel the same #ukedchat
@joanne_rich: #ukedchat We have school staff aerobics every Friday at 3.30 – really sets the weekend well as all leave together afterwards in great mood
@geraldhaigh1: #ukedchat I interviewed a great head who insisted everyone left by 5.30, taking no work home. “Staff well-being is my responsibility”.
@dughall: …For me, having children made me a better teacher. I saw kids in a different way.  #ukedchat My work got less of me though.
@gsussex: #ukedchat work/life balance is relative to the individual.  We all have choices.
@CarrotyCarrots: I spend a lot of my free time on Twitter, TES, FS forum, but I don’t feel like I’m working #ukedchat
@berkholibrarian: no energy for a night out but enjoy potting up plants, sitting with my labs and enjoy being at home with my fiancee.Me time – yoga #ukedchat
@bevevans22: #ukedchat Each person I know has a different way of working out their perfect balance. Some only do school work in school.
@juneisik: #ukedchat The main themes so far seem to be 1) the importance of saying no 2) not having USELESS meetings 3) cutting down on paperwork.
@geraldhaigh1: …#ukedchat Teachers are not programmed to say ‘no’. But they must learn. “What would you like me to drop to make room for this?”
@Educationchat: The best way to ensure a good WLB is to abolish Ofsted. Then everything we did would be for the children’s benefit – not Ofsted’s. #ukedchat
@amoor4ed: Eating the frog is a good analogy – do the biggest and ugliest job first -not waste time on easier things that don’t really matter #ukedchat
@myhanhdoan: I’m seeing all this great advice re work-life balance, but struggle to put it into practice without panicking that I’m not working #ukedchat

Tweets of the Week:
@mberry: #ukedchat if being a teacher is who you are rather than what you do, your work is your life. Of course, this may not be a Good Thing.
@paultanner71: I’ve become very good at prioritising things that will help me achieve overall aims also, and found I can say no sometimes too #ukedchat
@candyliongirl: #ukedchat I was told teaching is like carrying a box which is permanently 1/2 full. Sometimes you just need to put the box down.
@Stephen_Logan: I don’t see #ukedchat as work at all. Although it does help me to be more productive and take time out.

Useful Weblinks Highlighted:
@geraldhaigh1: #ukedchat Here’s my 1997 TES article on keeping your marking under control. http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=48707
@jamesmichie: #ukedchat 3 things I do every school day that make me a better teacher (& keeps my WLB in check): http://jamesmichie.com/blog/2011/01/3-things-i-do-every-school-day-that-make-me-a-better-teacher/
@primaryict 20:44 Just assessing my progress towards my worklife balance targets for the year. Feedback to self must do better!  #ukedchat https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XI1fVbGqb9UmkVv5VO12iRMmhUHVZK-N3F-GC1GfawI/edit?hl=en_US##ukedchat
@jamesmichie: #ukedchat One more WLB related link. Little and often: http://jamesmichie.com/blog/2011/03/little-and-often/

Replay of the session:

http://www.coveritlive.com/index2.php/option=com_altcaster/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=e1751086e9/height=950/width=560

Session 65 – Thursday 29th September 2011

Session Title:

What is the educational value of blogs, wikis and class/school websites?

Session Summary:

Wow… what a fast and furious end to September as the #ukedchat masses discussed all things bloggery!

There are a number of key #ukedchat contributors who have long advocated blogging as a tool for good. In this week’s discussion, they had a chance to convert the rest of us… and believe me, I think it worked!

People spoke overwhelmingly positively about the potential for blogs to offer pupils an audience for their writing, however it soon became clear that blogs can be used in so many different ways and have many different purposes and goals.

We discussed safety and workload concerns, how to use blogs to promote literacy and parental engagement and how blogging can improve pupils’ self-esteem. The doubters (of which I suppose I was one, having not really yet embraced blogging as a class tool…) were very quickly silenced as more and more educators tweeted about the positive impact blogging has had.

I can honestly say that this week’s #ukedchat discussion has given me so much inspiration. In fact, I’m now working on a plan to change my KS3 writers club into a blogging club!

There were 1,150 tweets from 185 contributors. I would really recommend you check out the archive to get a real sense of the passion and enthusiasm there is out there for blogging. In the mean time, see below for some of the key messages.

Most importantly though, there were numerous class and school/department blogs shared, and a list has been compiled. Please visit as many of the blogs as possible and, where appropriate, comment on the posts; as we learned in the discussion, feedback from their new global audience is really valued by the student bloggers.

Notable Tweets from the Session:

There were some useful tips for bloggers:

@myhanhdoan: Write regularly and label posts clearly

@TESConnect: My top tips for successful blogging are 1) write regularly 2) write as you talk 3) don’t be scared to have an opinion

@SirBlimelyWindy: #ukedchat never blog anything that mightbring the name of your school into disrepute – I’d offer that from a union viewpoint

@jackieschneider: Images/photos & audio clips are really important in creating interesting blogs

@jacksloan: My top tips for kids blogging 1)Comment often and crtitically 2)make sure kids comment often and critically

@jamesmichie: Put blogs on school website. Promo at parents evenings – run demos in rooms, parents can pop in 2 find out more

@jacksloan: We open our ICT suite every playtime and lunchtime forkids without internet at home. Always full of bloggers.

@JOHNSAYERS: I’m getting all Y12-13 to create a blog portfolio of their work so theycan add to their UCAS apps for unis to see capabilities

@HGJohn: Check out @DeputyMitchell @raff31 @jacksloan 3of the best educational bloggers in the world

@nickynewbury: @deputymitchell ‘s Quadblogging phenomenon is brilliant, purpose,audience, peer assessment etc inspirational

The following tweets are reasons to blog or why blogging has proved beneficial:

@Cherise_Duxbury: blogging like twitter has certainly empowered me as a teacher AND as a learner

@bevevans22: Too often VLEs, blogs &wikis get a bad press. Used properly they are all beneficial ineducational contexts

@JamiePortman: #ukedchat Blogging is brave. Putting yourthoughts & reflections into the public domain takes guts. But theysay fortune favours the brave!

@MrsPrentice11: After a year of blogging myclass saw themselves as ‘writers’ #ukedchat ,now that’s an achievement

@anhalf: blogging has raised the chns self esteem,made them proud, shared ideas.As a teacher- morereflective and open-minded

@Stephen_Logan: Great opportunity for student to write to a potential globalaudience that enhances their learning and gets them reflecting

@nickynewbury: Improved parental involvement, wideraudience, greater opportunities for communicating with a new city,country, continent

@DeputyMitchell: When #ukedchat is over, take a look at this 2min video http://t.co/X7aGsEip What Blogging means to my pupils

@JOHNSAYERS: How many of us have found a shy studentscared to present in a class. Then they blog and they come out of their shell and WOW!

@eyebeams: Blogs are spaces to reflect in -they aid thinking – they model stuff – they are neural glue

@bevevans22: Blogs have so many uses in an educational context. They can be a place for learning, sharing and reflection

Tweets of the week

So, in a tweet-sized nutshell, why blog?

@petestuart: Our classblog is a homework portal, pupil diary andwork sharing platform, its a great way for pupils to find their digital feet!

@jamesmichie: #ukedchat blog to embed meta-conitive skills in student learning as well as fostering critical engagement through public comments/assessment

and if nothing else has convinced you, then this should:

@DeputyMitchell: I loved it when pupil in my class said to me”I’ve Got it!! Can I tell everyone about it?’ Yes I said. “Not the class -The world”

Links shared During the Session:
Here’s a list of all the class blogs that were posted by contributors:

Paget High School ICT Blogs: http://pagetict.wordpress.com/year-9-blogs-20112012/

Woodchurch High School Science Department: http://woodchurchscience.edublogs.org/

@HotspurClass12 ‘s blog: http://class12.hotspurblogs.net/

Braishfield Primary: http://braishfieldprimaryblogs.com/saplings/

St. Mark’s: http://stmarks.j2webby.com/?cat=6

Leamore Primary School: http://reception2011.leamoreblogs.net/

Bowood’s Class Blog: http://bowoodclass.wordpress.com/

7P at Pendle Vale College: http://7p2011.wordpress.com/

Woodpecker Class: https://woodpeckers.posterous.com/

Kingfisher Class: http://kingfishers.posterous.com/

Year 7 English at Pendle Vale College: http://jat2011y7eng.wordpress.com/

Year 6 at Ferry Lane Primary: http://y6.ferrylane.net/

Alex’s Class: http://www.alexsclass.com/

Beaumont School Music Department: http://www.musicatbeaumontschool.blogspot.com/

P3/4 at Black Mountain Primary School: http://missharrisonandp34.blogspot.com/

4YM’s Class Blog: http://y4m.posterous.com/

Mr Didau’s English Blog: http://mrdidau.edublogs.org/

6D at Highlawn Primary: http://6d.highlawnprimary.net/

AS Philosophy with Simon: http://asphilosophywithsimon.tumblr.com/

An A2 Media Studies student blog: http://serenaa2media.blogspot.com/

Chalfont’s Media Department blog: http://chalfontmediablog.blogspot.com/

Mr Lovegrove’s class blog: http://www.mrlovegrove.net/

Class 4KM: http://class4km.blogspot.com/

Class M Mersea Island School wiki: http://ictmagic.visibli.com/share/tvtB13

Heathfield CPS’s blogs: http://heathfieldcps.net/

and my absolute favourite (sorry everyone else – but this is just awesome!):

Mr Mitchell’s Well Done blog: http://welldone.heathfieldcps.net/

Apologies if I have missed any!

And other useful links:

http://simfin.wordpress.com/more/thoughts-on-writing-a-social-media-policy/

http://creativeblogs.net/

http://primaryblogger.co.uk/

http://training.ferrylane.net/training-videos/

http://www.creativeeducation.co.uk/blog/index.php/2011/06/class-wiki/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Twitter&utm_campaign=Jobs

http://www.creativeeducation.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/12/how-to-set-up-a-class-blog-quickly-and-easily/

http://www.creativeeducation.co.uk/blog/index.php/2011/05/10-ideas-for-class-blog-posts/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Twitter&utm_campaign=Jobs

About Your Host

I’m an English teacher in Liverpool and I absolutely love my job! I’ve been using twitter as CPD for about a year or so now and it’s great. Being involved in #ukedchat has given me some fantastic contacts and a constant (and very generous!) source of inspiration.

Image Source

 

 

Session 54 – Thursday 14th July 2011

Session Title:

What do you want change about your practice next academic year?

Session Summary:
I was concerned as moderator that the discussion would run out before the end of the hour but it was a vibrant and wide ranging chat.
I think that the strength of the cross phase nature of the ukedchat comunity came to the fore as we explored how successes from other colleagues’ work could be brought into our own practice.
Areas brought up which tweeps wanted to develop in their own practice included:
- integrating blogging into the curriculum
- Ramping up use of mobile devices in class
- Finding a better compromise between spontaneity of learning and organisation
- Integrating more new technologies and develop effective strategies for showing pupil progress
- Improving staff use of tech to facilitate better independent learning and collaboration.
- Implementing Learning focussed meetings (i.e. no admin)
- Getting project based learning established with Yr7-9 and using more Ron Berger style public critique
- Developing greater use of dialogue within Mathematics and Science
- Aiming to develop & embed independent learning in my class
- Including even more drama across the curriculum and extend my repertoire of drama strategies

At the midpoint in the debate there was a clear sense that tweeps were looking for ways in which they could share their ideas and ways of working with colleagues and also learn from them. There was discussion of whether it would be possible to develop a teachmmet approach to CPD within one institution and examples included schools where five minutes are given over at the start of Staff meetings to sharing innovation or successes.
There was also a lot of discussion about developing the use of speaking and listening and drama activities to develop pupil understanding of subjects. It was also felt by tweeps that this was vital in building pupil confidence and raising standards.
Two other issues which raised their heads were the concerns about budgets next year with one poster saying that they were concerend that they had been told that there was no budget to replace projectors or bulbs. The other was about sharing the practice discussed across a whole institution rather than developing silos of innovation.
Another which ran between one group of tweeps was taking the curriculum outside including who is in a Forest school.
The final ten minutes were their usual hectic rush of final thoughts but one which struck was the call from first time #ukedchatter @learningspy to be braver next year – this was something which struck a chord with many of us.

A great chat between 88 tweeps which flew by.

Notable Tweets from the Session
@susanbanister Do you think government’s policy on ICT (or lack of it) will change your practice next year?
@andymellor64 As a head I’m planning a series of staff meetings to introduce staff to art costa, Claxton and bill rogers.
@Totallywired77 Aiming to develop & embed independent learning in my classes
@primarypete_ I also want to dev how and when learners get a chanceto focus on making changes following feedback
@knikidavies I had a great lesson today- showed prob,then just went round groups prodding with provocations then kids ledfeedback later
@tas_sasso My long term aim is to eradicate extrinsic rewards from my practise. I want the kids to learn for the fun of learning
@lauwailap1 I want to evaluate all these innovative tools, skills and techniques tosee what actual impact they are having on learning, data etc
@sheliBB When I do my planning next year I’m going to remember to askmyself ‘How can I do this outside’. there’s more space, fresh air etc#ukedcha
@learningspy To be braver

Tweet of the Week:

@JamiePortman: #ukedchat I want to focus on effective feedback to students. Time & time again research says feedback is the cornerstone for greater progress.

About your Host:
Bill Lord
@Joga5
http://www.lordlit.com
Primary adviser in learning and teaching with a penchant for literacy, GBL, ICT and pupil voice but developing an affection for maths!!!

Session 50 – Thursday 16 June 2011

Session Title: 

What is the best sort of CPD and how can we provide it?

Summary of Session:
This is made up from snippets of tweets – it seemed unfair to re-word it somehow!
We thought good CPD should be:
Relevant, purposeful and fun that empowers and enlightens
…active, fun, reflective…
Should include a number of things – inspirational training, sharing ideas informally or at a TeachMeet – all good
Have time to actually plan how to put those new ideas into practice is helpful…
Be inspirational, reflective, sharing…
It has got to be individualised, and provided by people who are really good at their particular field…
…who decides what is crucial? All educators reflecting on their strengths, interests & develpment needs, then identify CPD.
…send 2 people on a course not just 1 then the conversations continue…
…send one person out on course and they return and disseminate. Works well…
There are so many untapped skills within a school. CPD should begin at sch & staff given time to band together.
…dip in, dip out, relevant, clear, personal: genius…
Best CPD is done in-house, with teachers teaching teachers…
…ongoing and blended – support, training, online – tailored to each individual and personal.
…always be linked to real classroom examples that make a proven difference…
…something I can take back and is ready to implement in my teaching rather than ideology or blue-skies thinking…
…ask a really important question- what is the impact of OUR CPD on THEIR learning?
All CPD should be about the learners. Teachers are about learners. I hope it hasn’t gone too far away from this.
less conference style training and more coaching, demonstration teaching and tailored packages

And it shouldn’t be:
Globally teachers say worst CPD is attending seminars where people report on research and they return to school with no evidence or change to practice.
Teachers don’t like being talked AT… hands on is good…
Worst CPD is “we must tick a box that says everyone has attended child protection/epipen/etc. training every 3 years”…
The worst ever CPD for me? Singing!!! Only bloke among females = not happy…
Often talked at in CPD. Not involved. Would not do this to my class, and OFSTED would righly say unsatisfactory.
…worst ever CPD? 3 hours on how to pick up stuff safely…
Worst CPD so far has been ICT CPD – Trainer behind the staff and the children.
…worse cpd for me was lifesaving, very embarrassing as I can’t swim, irrelevant as I didn’t teach swimming …
…worst CPD – anything where there’s a real mismatch between the message and the delivery…
Worst ‘cpd’ = safeguarding basic message was it’s your fault baby p / vic klimbie happened…

The second part of the questions – who should provide it – it seems hat we are all potential trainers. Teachmeets are recognised as good practice, teacher teaching, coaching and mentoring other teachers are good, some experts seem to be okay but they need to offer one to one support and modeling is best.
Notable Tweets from Session:
@colport To start with an obvious one…The best CPD for me over the last few years has been via twitter

@sh_hanes the best cpd is not ‘provided’ it is ‘chosen’ by the individual teacher to suit their needs.

@ufasarah: I value twitter but there’s something about face to face experiential learning that is so powerful

@wrangles4477 Best CPD has same components as best lessons, afl, reflection, experiential learning, collaboration

@Creativeedu CPD can only be effective when the participants want to learn #ukedchat

@Mark__Burgess: We have loads of expertise in school and it is shared – makes people feel worthwhile as well

@Costa_Man1: Try planning lessons with teachers from totally different subjects – great CPD-shares ideas and changes your perspective

@cardiffscience A course is not cpd , the cpd is what you do with it afterwards

@ICTmagic: The best CPD is over the long term & there when you need it. So in house or online are the only effective ways. #ukedchat

@colport: I think OfSTED should be a CPD provider. > would certainly open some inspectors eyes if they came to a few TMs!

@sh_hanes: @passionateaboot choosing your own learning is motivation. We want kids to do it, why not staff?

@mberry: PLNs, unconferences and conferences always much better CPD than courses or INSET, IMHO.

@passionateaboot I attend business networking events and get much more from them than teacher networking which is same old same old

@xPunzx being part of a learning group, planning themed days with other teachers is a great way of cpd – bouncing ideas!

@bevevans22 Sharing ideas in the staff room or at staff meeting is really useful. watching other people in action is great for ideas

@informal_edu A day of CPD is often too much – nobody has time to remember and try out all those ideas

@EmathsUK Professional Learning Networks are the most effective – whether real or virtual

@informed_Edu We know that teaching others improves our own knowledge&practice. Teachers should teach other teachers.

@cardiffscience Best cpd ‘starter’for me was videoing my own lesson and really seeing what I was like . Everyone should do this.

@Stephen_Logan I have found mentoring a trainee teacher this year great for my CPD. Ideas, planning, moderating and watching them teach. 
@wiputt If we don’t engage with research & dialogue on t & l [pedagogy] then I am not sure that we can call ourselves professionals. 

Tweet of the Week:
@ufasarah  the best CPD takes you to the edge of your comfort zone, challenges and then supports you to put into practice
Web-Links Highlighted During Session:
The Case For Change shared by Miles Berry https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/publicationdetail/page1/DFE-00564-2010

Online CDP shared by Bev Evans http://www.undertenminutes.com/

The Wellcome Trust http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/About-us/Publications/Reports/Education/Believers-Seekers-and-Sceptics/index.htm shared by @Scarycurlgirl

Teachmeet map shared by Ian Anderson http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=105100700573915692991.000489649054bed0b8778&ll=52.842595,-0.900879&spn=7.78157,18.566895&z=6

Some livebinders were shared but sadly private ones

http://www.teachingmusic.org.uk/ Shared by David Ashworth

http://livebinders.com/play/play_or_edit?id=17616 a Summer camp for teachers live binder shared by @LesLinks

http://www.villierspark.org.uk/vphome.php Shared by @informed_edu

Twitter in the classroom shared by @LesLinks http://www.good.is/post/twitter-in-the-classroom-watch-this-teacher-engage-shy-students-in-learning-history/

About Your Host:
Carol Rainbow: Okay – many people already know me – mum, grandma – teacher, ICT Consultant…. that’s all really!! Ahh – love Second Life and do lots of e-safety training too

Session 48 – Thursday 2nd June 2011

Session Title:

What could senior leaders do to make your practice better? (via @theheadsoffice)

Session Summary:

This was one of the toughest ukedchat sessions to moderate, as it was a catalyst for participants to share their frustrations about leadership teams within schools. This was evident across the primary and secondary sectors, but once again similarities were seen.

Many frustrations were shared, such as not allowing teachers the opportunity to be creative; Senior Leaders focusing too much on targets and results; expecting a uniformity across the school; a lack of respect, and a certain arrogance.

It was necessary to call everyone back together within the discussion at times. One question asked was whether it is right to have non-teaching staff (admins) part of the Senior Leadership or not. There was a mixed response to this, as some felt that non-teaching staff would not have an appreciation of what happens in the classroom, whereas others felt it would bring a fresh pair of eyes to a senior leadership team that would focus on the business side of a school. Likewise, inviting non-Senior Leader teachers to attend meetings during a half term would make the whole process more transparent.

The pressure that educators are under from Senior Leaders was also highlighted, especially with new initiatives being taken on whole-heartedly by the team, with the expectation that staff embrace such changes within their practice, which adds further pressure on individuals and teams. If Senior Leaders keep a touch on what happens in the classroom, it was felt that this would be better understood before further new initiatives were raced through.

Therefore, Senior Leaders should:
- Always support staff in trying something new, and backing this up financially whenever possible. There is usually a way.
- Always treat staff as professionals, give teachers the total respect they deserve and you will be respected for it.
- Be supportive, innovative & approachable.
- Take away my pressures and allow creativity to flourish and support it.
- Proactive not reactive leadership
- Treat me as a professional & not insist on moronic paperwork.
- Place learning at the heart of everything
- Must use new technology and not avoid it, “get with it”
- Provide support structure for EVERY aspect of teaching, planning, marking, pastoral role etc and Work Life Balance.
- Lead the staff team by good example, they should listen, care, respect and be forward thinking.
- Make sure all team members are valued by inclusion in the school vision and recognised for their efforts and achievements.

It was acknowledged that each setting is different, so the above list will clearly not be relevant to all involved in the running of schools, but it is well worth re-visiting and reminding leaders of these qualities every now and then. Good luck with that. Please also refer to the tweet of the week.

Eye-Catching Tweets from the Session:

@matthewbritton #ukedchat Always support staff in trying something new, and backing this up financially whenever possible. There is usually a way.
@Catriona_O #ukedchat the 1st role of leaders is to develop the staff they manage. G Donaldson – #TSF(teaching Scotland’s Future review). Through PRD?
@matthewbritton #ukedchat Always treat staff as professionals, give teachers the total respect they deserve and you will be respected for it.
@Tutors4gcse SMT should encourage and develop innovative practice – too many sessions have become mundane so no wonder learners are disengaged #ukedchat
@bellaale Learning & teaching still the central focus: SMT need to ensure CPD is effective #ukedchat
@tas_sasso #ukedchat Staff should be given the opportunity to implement new ideas, not be given a new initiative to try every week. Do one thing well!
@Creativeedu Senior Leaders need to keep their hand in in the classroom if they’re to be in a position to guide and advise #UKEdChat
@MrG_ICT #ukedchat Recognise that they should be helping us to make our practice better, and not jumping to each new initiative.
@Creativeedu SLT can make a huge difference by Implementing a clear, practical and consistent behaviour policy #UKEdChat
@Jane010879 #Ukedchat This discussion will just end up being an impossible list though. SMT are people too (I think) – maybe they just need to listen?
@bellaale Too many managers are great talkers, not great listeners #ukedchat
@JamiePortman SMT need to develop a culture where development does not depend/centre around SMT. Best teachers develop themselves & help others #ukedchat
@respectmycrest @colport supportive, innovative approachable #ukedchat
@TheHeadsOffice Saddens me to hear so many of you unhappy with the leadership in your schs! #ukedchat
@chris_1974 #ukedchat our biggest innovations and moves forward have come from Middle Leaders implementing SLT agenda. SLT have to allow this to happen.
@Catriona_O #ukedchat a good leader/ht/dht will move beyond empire-building & see sharing( practice) w/ a neighbouring school as his/her responsibility
@colport How about non-teaching staff (admin) being a part of the SMT/SLT? #ukedchat
@Timshel82 @colport there are a couple of these in my school and I don’t think it works well #ukedchat
@bellaale A great manager – someone who can relieve pressure on staff, allow time for development > better L & T #ukedchat
@jackieschneider #ukedchat – school leadership = top down, prescriptive, & not very equal opps #ukedchat
@tas_sasso IMO the best leaders are the ones who take away my pressures and allow creativity to flourish and support it. #ukedchat
@SynechismLtd Senior Leaders need to empower people, give them space, make sure they’re happy and be evangelists for the vision. Not micromanage #ukedchat
@PetermSkelton @Dunfordjames some of best CPD sessions I have been to are ones I was reluctant about.Good to have ideas pushed onto you sometimes #ukedchat
@colport Not seen many answers to the question tonight “What could senior leaders do to make your practice better?” #ukedchat
@jackieschneider @colport – trust my professional judgement #ukedchat
@ICTmagic @craftyslh I hate not being in the loop and finding things out at the last minute. I do like to be organised. #ukedchat
@john_at_muuua @colport I lost track of the topic. My answer is simple…. trust their teachers #ukedchat
@Catriona_O @colport #ukedchat – support you in professional learning through CPD!
@NickiA10 @colport pastoral support, taking pressure off, being a critical friend, #ukedchat
@bellaale proactive not reactive leadership #ukedchat
@DanielHugill A good SLT will listen to their staff. Really listen and be willing to change their mind. They are surrounded by professionals. #ukedchat
@jackieschneider @colport – treat me as a professional & not insist on moronic paperwork #ukedchat
@Jane010879 @colport Creating an environment where sharing resources and ideas is the norm as opposed to something that is part of appraisals. #ukedchat
@SynechismLtd Great to see #ukedchat so busy tonight, although we wonder how many have taken up these issues with their SLT?
@geraldhaigh1 Empower, support, communicate, yes. But do not back away from a clear instruction. “Just do that, OK?” Vagueness causes confusion.#ukedchat
@DanielHugill Sometime I think SLT get distracted from the important things too. They deal with a lot of nonsense too! #ukedchat
@ICTmagic @colport Don’t look over my shoulder. Trust me. I’m actually quite good at what I do & I have papers that prove it! #ukedchat
@bellaale place learning at the heart of everything #ukedchat
@bilehs our HT lets us all teach in our preferred way. No whole-school approach, but eclectic mix of creative stuff. It works well #ukedchat
@primarypete_ 1/2 Mike Hughes says schools are red or blue. Red=top down. ‘Do this because of this’. Blue=more bottom up. ‘get people on board.. #ukedchat
@Creativeedu common themes: really listen, care, continue learning, support, guide, trust and share the vision #UKEdChat
@primarypete_ 2/2 by getting them to realise that what you want them to do as a leader is what they want to’. Which is your school red or blue? #ukedchat
@eduKatescom @colport by failing to have clear vision. If I can see the road map I’ll find my own way forward – but no map = disaster #ukedchat
@craftyslh SMT must use new technology and not avoid it, “get with it” #ukedchat
@MattFothergill Most important for SMT to provide support structure for EVERY aspect of teaching, planning, marking, pastoral role etc and WLB #ukedchat
@Creativeedu SLT should lead the staff team by good example, they should listen, care, respect and be forward thinking. #UKEdChat
@hairlikeeddy #ukedchat Making sure all team members are valued by inclusion in the school vision and recognised for their efforts and achievements.

Tweet of the Week:

This one sneaked in after the discussion, but summed it all up for me:
@ePaceonline: Best schools nuture staff as well as pupils and provide a safe, secure environment for all to flourish. #ukedchat

About you Host:

@colport AGAIN!!! Sorry, will try to get more people on board!

Session 47 – Thursday 26th May 2011

coutesy of @bevevans22

Session Title:
Effective group work: getting pupils learning collaboratively

Session Summary:
This week #ukedchat discussed group work and how to ensure that pupils worked collaboratively. Although not one of the busiest nights we’ve had (except perhaps for me, attempting to moderate via iPhone from a school concert!) it was a great discussion with many new names joining in.

For me, it was a fantastic opportunity to get inspiration about a range of collaborative working strategies and to hear from colleagues from all key stages.

It was illuminating to read the many opinions on whether groups should be teacher led or allow pupils to choose their own workmates. Gender differences were discussed, with the oft assumed myth that girls are better at collaborative tasks than boys seemingly being soundly refuted by most!

I’m attempting to incorporate many of the Kagan cooperative learning structures into my own teaching at the moment, after having been on some great INSET. It was interesting to read about other people’s experiences of the Kagan techniques. I’m enjoying working my way through the structures and adapting them to suit my groups and learners.

There was a reminder from many #ukedchatters that sports provide a fantastic opportunity for collaborative working. Others pointed to ‘simple’ tasks such as putting up a tent as being a great way in to practical collaboration.

There were many great links shared, and I have tried my best to pick them all out. There are sites with links to group task assessment resources as well as experiences of how individual schools and teachers have incorporated group work into their own teaching and learning.

Hope you enjoy the #ukedchat archive from this week. It’s certainly something I will be revisiting to refresh and rejuvenate my own approach to collaborative tasks in my classroom.

Notable Tweets from the Session:
@petermoseley: #ukedchat Have used ‘Jigsawing’ effectively before. Each group researches a topic, then mix groups up with an ‘expert’ in each new group.

@bevevans22: We do collaborative work across classes using Primary Pad, Dabbleboard, Prezi and Lino it – lots of fun #ukedchat

@kenradical: I got a whole class of Year 12s (16 of them) to write the same essay simultaneously using GoogleDoc. Messy but fun #ukedchat

@kenradical: Should we also provide kids with examples of good and bad group work (the Apprentice spring to mind!)???? #ukedchat

@HamptonEnglish: #ukedchat group projects can be fantastically motivating for all students. Goals and expected outcomes for each student must be clear though

@bevevans22: Simple things – like putting up a tent or building a bridge, can be great for making kids pull together and great fun too #ukedchat

@bilehs: assess through filming, observations, recording children’s thoughts and their actual end products #ukedchat

@mikeatedji: #ukedchat Don’t you find completely random group or pair works well…Pupils know there’s no hidden agenda and confound expectations

@learnbuzz: collaborative learning with a real life context offers excellent opportunities to work with others schools here & abroad #ukedchat

@smnhunt: #ukedchat Is assessment that important? Self and peer probably outweighs teacher assessment.

@SimonBainbridge: Modern observation techniques are essential for teachers to get the best feedback & evidence on collaboration! #ukedchat

@deerwood: watching learners solve their own problems is one of the finest moments in teaching for me #ukedchat

@JOHNSAYERS: #ukedchat I have students working independently on a collaborative topic and they carousel round and each task develops oracles to aid

@gillpenny: cooperative learning is now a major element of our methodology throughout whole school and has had very positive impact #ukedchat

@JOHNSAYERS: #ukedchat a simple technique I use is job roles in a company and they have feedback meetings and pitch ideas support aids

@bellaale: (can’t resist) My Y7 & Y8 Ger classes 2day used Edmodo to “chat” 4 revision of qu’s for oral/written exams…and invented quizzes #ukedchat

@headteacher01: #ukedchat the best collaborative learning I see is in EYFS, especially outside, using piles of junk to create amazing structures

@Islington EMAS: Give the kids roles in the groups- reporter, timekeeper etc. #ukedchat espec good for including pupils with EAL

@richspencer1979: #ukedchat ANY group, by definition, is of mixed ability – makes differentiation by role and task essential, not an optional extra…

@colport: Perhaps in a bid to promote collaboration, we should do more outdoor OAA activities to help develop the skills #ukedchat

Tweet/s of the Week:
I found it hard to pick just one, so this week we have four tweets of the week:

This, for me, sums up why collaborative tasks are so vital…

@deerwood: watching learners solve their own problems is one of the finest moments in teaching for me #ukedchat

I thought both these comments insightful… and a reminder of why group work should be planned carefully!

@richspencer1979: #ukedchat ANY group, by definition, is of mixed ability – makes differentiation by role and task essential, not an optional extra…

@HamptonEnglish: #ukedchat group projects can be fantastically motivating for all students. Goals and expected outcomes for each student must be clear though

But this, from @bevevans22 reminded me that sometimes, when it comes to collaboration, simple is the way forward!

@bevevans22: Simple things – like putting up a tent or building a bridge, can be great for making kids pull together and great fun too #ukedchat

WebLinks Highlighted During the Session:
Collaborative Learning Toolkit for 14-19: http://tlp.excellencegateway.org.uk/tlp/pedagogy/tools/cooperative/index.html

Ten Tips for Using Group Work to Engage and Motivate Learners:

http://www.creativeeducation.co.uk/blog/index.php/2011/05/group-work/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Twitter&utm_campaign=Jobs

Collaborative Learning & Teams in the Classroom:

http://community.learningobjects.com/Users/Nancy.Rubin/Objects_of_Interest/2011/05/Collaborative_Learning_Group_and

31 Day Game: http://www.31daygame.net/

Impact of Kagan Structures: http://www.t2tuk.co.uk/downloads/Kagan%20Structures%20Altered%20the%20Way%20I%20Teach%20Forever.pdf

Communication 4 All: Resources to Support Inclusion

http://www.communication4all.co.uk/http/Thinking.htm

Cooperative Learning:

http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/intech/cooperativelearning.htm

Complex Instruction: Raising Achievement through Group Worthy Tasks

http://nrich.maths.org/7013

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/article4834334.ece

Mike McSharry talks about Learning FC resources:

http://www.mikemcsharry.com/2011/05/learning-fc/

@deputymitchell blogs about his Quad Blogging project:

http://mrmitchell.heathfieldcps.net/2010/12/10/quad-blogging-an-idea-now-a-reality/

TED talk from Sugata Mitra on collaborative learning and child-driven education:

Links to lots of fabulous ICT tools via @ICTmagic:

http://ictmagic.wikispaces.com/

Andrew Churches site, recommended by @ICTmagic for group work assessment rubrics:

http://edorigami.wikispaces.com/About+Me

@learnbuzz recommended this site for assessment resources:

http://www.edutopia.org/

About Your Host
I’m Lead Practitioner in English at a secondary school in Liverpool.

I’m a huge advocate of the power of Twitter to connect, motivate and engage teachers. I’ve found #ukedchat a source of limitless inspiration and a fantastic way to develop a professional and personal network of educators to share with and learn from.

Picture thanks to @bevevans22

Session 44 – Thursday 5th May 2011

Session Title:

What are you doing here? Work/life balance: is it really possible?

Summary of Discussion:

The vote for this UKEDCHAT went right down to the wire with only a couple of votes in it at the very last minute. A few main themes emerged over the hour and these included:
-    The inherent and relentless challenge to work/life balance that results from a career in teaching – although it was pointed out that teaching is by no means unique in this respect.
-    Strategies that people employ to address these challenges.
-    Discussion about individual, role-related, sector related and school-related circumstances.

There was a recognition that teaching is a job that is unforgiving in that the work is never done, there are constant new challenges and that, because people have children at the heart of their work, it is difficult/impossible to compromise on effort and effectiveness. Some contributors claimed that they were able to confine the bulk of their work to ‘office’ hours and take a minimal amount home with them, whereas, at the other end of the spectrum there were many claims of wall-to-wall workload allowing little time for even lunch breaks or time out in evenings and weekends (at least during term time). There was also some recognition that the pressures of term time workload were somewhat mitigated by generous holiday provision.

There were other differences in the experiences of contributors such as their role in school with a number of tweets not surprisingly indicating significant increases in challenge to work/life balance when taking on further responsibilities and particularly senior leadership. There also appeared to be differences between how schools and individuals dealt with the challenges. Some schools/SLTs made generous provision to ensure staff had a decent WLB, others not.

Contributors also recognised the importance of having a hobby or activity allowing for ‘head-space’ and time out from the hurly-burly. There was real diversity here from creative activities such as amateur dramatics to sporting endeavours from running to discus and hammer throwing.

Parents amongst the ukedchatters recognized the particular challenge of balancing the needs of ones own offspring against the children in school.

There was also a brief reference to the way in which technology allows for work to more easily encroach into home lives through smart phones etc.

It was a fast-paced session involving a high number of contributions and a tweet-count of 820. Interesting that so many people chose to engage in this discussion (essentially about work) for an hour in the evening.

Notable Tweets from Discussion:

@ICTmagic: @dughall Teaching is a life style, not just a profession. Lookat all of us talking about teaching in our spare time. #ukedchat
@mattharding007 A good WLB cannot go with good teaching. Impossible. That’s why weneed holidays! Maybe we should be sharing ways to save time?
@freedman69 Teaching is intense during term time, with the opportunity for long hols.Pointless comparing it to a standard 9-5 #ukedchat
@atklteac  #ukedchat Me & OH set up a joint night off p/week as our work loads meant we never spent quality time together.
@garyavery I try to work smart during the week. Some lessons marking generated,some not. Try to keep to 3 marked pieces a day max #ukedchat
@jackieschneider  #ukedchat – sorry to sound harsh but we have incredibly privileged job.Lots of parents trapped in tedious, unsatisfying lowpaid jobs
@chezallen Twitter doesn’t help the WLB, clearly, but it DOES make teaching morefun, cos it helps me find things to make teaching relevant #ukedchat
@hern96 Being able to afford yourself quality time to think clearly about what yourpriorities are is absolutely key #ukedchat
@mattharding007: Hard to say ‘no’ to work as it doesn’t affect profitsor targets – just children. Who are too important to treat halfheartedly…#ukedchat
@Educationchat: A problem with teaching is it’s neverending. Never finished. Never on top of things. So can always keep going#ukedchat
@hern96 WLB is not about timeframes or leaving early, it’s about knowing exactlywhat your priority is right now and feeling good about it #ukedchat
@bellaale: important to have a “cut-off point”… and then stick to it!#ukedchat
@mattharding07 Good teacher, gets promoted, workload increases outside of classroom,plans less, lessons not as good, WLB out of window, stress. #ukedchat
@MattFothergill: #ukedchat walk through any town and play spot the teacher’s house, it’s the one with the longest grass! Sundays, what are they?
@hern96 At recent SLT planning day looking at school’s priorities, followingbrainstorming we came up with concept of a “To Don’t” list #ukedchat

@rashush2: remember you with your head in gear are a better resourcethan that worksheet you were going to write #ukedchat

@trees2066: The best placed people to teach children about life, havelives themselves… #ukedchat

Tweet of the Week:

@rashush2: realise that you are never going to find the perfect google image #ukedchat

Useful WebLinks Highlighted:

http://pencilandpapertest.wordpress.com/2011/05/04/goves-induction-plan-fails-to-excite/

http://www3.moe.edu.sg/bluesky/tllm.htm

About Your Host:

I am Dughall McCormick and at the time of writing am E-Learning Consultant for Kirklees LA in West Yorkshire.

Session 42 – Thursday 21st April 2011

Session Title:

David Cameron said, “There are some things that actually we really have to make sure young people are taught – sometimes it can be boring, learning arithmetic and your spelling can be boring, but it’s absolutely essential as its part of life” – Should any learning in school be boring?

Summary of Session:

With a lot of educators on their Easter break, or at least with a long weekend ahead, this ukedchat discussion was always going to be a busy session, drawing on David Cameron’s comments the previous week during ‘Jamie’s Dream School’. In response to one of the pupils questions, Cameron commented, “There are some things that actually we really have to make sure young people are taught – sometimes it can be boring, learning arithmetic and your spelling can be boring, but it’s absolutely essential as its part of life” – Should any learning in school be boring?

The discussion swiftly questioned the definition of being bored, with pupils expectations nowadays that they should be engaged – but people questioned the fact that educators are teachers, not entertainers. It was generally agreed that the definition of ‘bored’ may mean different things to different people, with the expectation that teachers should aspire is to try to engage and enthuse most of their learners most of the time. Modern distractions were accused as being a possible cause for pupils to become bored very easily, however many contributors recalled being bored at their schooling years back(!), learning by rote, or indeed learning about cows!!! Therefore, it is the style of teaching that has to be engaging for the pupils, along with the subject matter.

Eye-Catching tweets from the Session:

@dailydenouement – I don’t think any learning is boring, but some teaching can be.
@DrAshCasey – As Sir Ken Robinson said we are not tying to put children to sleep but wake them up to the joy of learning and knowledge.
@withoutmotive – If the teacher is bored with teaching the lesson, the kids will be bored. The lesson should be engaging for both.
@Mr_Thorne – I think the child has to be interested in learning – and its up to the teacher to make it interesting.
@Minervaminx – I love learning and persevere through any ‘boring’ bits because I know the end result. Pupils need to get to that point too.
@DrAshCasey – Frustrated by the idea that boredom in learning is good for you & builds character. We don’t choose things as adults that bore us.
@john_at_muuua – I get bored at meetings. Always seem three pages ahead of the chair… they’ve lost me on the journey.
@RealLara – The political side of this seems to come from politicians who ‘had education done to them’. They weren’t learners in schools.
@AnthHard – Focus on ‘pupil boredom’ by doing a lesson observation, but focus on the kids’ learning instead of the teacher’s teaching.
@primarypete_ – poor differentiation,repetitive tasks-Being realistic you wont engage 100%, 100% of the time but we should aim for it.
@MrMalcontent – Learning probably is boring for many children considering the high level of ‘distractions’ available out of school however…
@MrMalcontent    - It is a reciprocal process. We go for engagement above entertainment but ensure chd know that learning is worthwhile in all forms.
@PostFilm – most of the creative play and learning disappears from the curriculum as children reach 10+ years.
@ColinTGraham – @primarypete_ The key point with any activity is that it should be clear why it’s being done in that particular way, I think.
@dughall – Learning by rote (tables, lines for a performance, poetry) can be deadly boring but I did plenty of it. To my benefit IMO.
@Pederosa – @dughall rote learning fine for regurgitation of a few facts but how about developing real understanding?
@MissSohi -  As HOY, I’m looking at a difficult low ability grp, who seem to be picking & choosing where they want to be engaged.
@MissSohi – The feedback from their teachers has been fantastic.The key=short structured activities that allow for the different learners.
@ICTmagic – In class there will always be kids who loves/hates an activity. Where possible kids should solve problems their way.
@craftyslh – After all my efforts to make a subject interesting, there are always one or two in FE who are still bored, they “aren’t bothered”
@tonycassidy –     What is ‘relevant’ knowledge, is this life relevant or economically relevant? Does knowledge always have to have a value?

Tweet/s of the Week:

@tonycassidy    Isn’t their a difference between fun and engaged, engaged is where time goes quickly- an experience of flow #ukedchat
@primarypete_    To get high SATS results you can be bored out of tiny mind and get there. To become a learner 4 life you most definitely can not.

Notable Links Highlighted During the Session:

@ColinTGraham: The Project Zero approach http://bit.ly/12kh2Q suggests (demands) multiple methods towards learning – audio, visual, kinaesthetic  #ukedchat

About your Host:

I am currently teaching in Year 2 at a primary school in Sefton LA.

Session 40 – Thursday 7th April 2011

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