There are two ways to interpret the phrase “stretch and challenge”. On the one hand, it relates to whole-class teaching and the importance of stretching and challenging every pupil’s thinking. On the other, it relates to individuals and the importance of pushing the thinking of the most able pupils. Both interpretations are equally valid and essential components of great teaching.
Most teachers recognise that, far from being the study break some students believe it to be, play is actually a key tool in the learning process, enabling children to explore new things, to make and learn from mistakes, and to expand their understanding of topics being taught.
Teachers ask thousands of questions each week. They are the prime means of finding out what pupils think and to get them to think in the first place. And there are a range of techniques you can use to develop questioning skills.
Here are five ways to avoid that frustrating situation in which you ask a question and receive absolutely no response:
A problem shared is a problem halved, goes the old saying. But what does it really mean? Analysing the maxim helps us to understand why discussion is a powerful tool in the classroom that can help pupils to make significant progress, no matter what the subject.
If we share a problem in the classroom through discussion, we:
It is regarded as one of the most important parts of teachers’ work and has been referred to in a variety of ways, from mixed-ability teaching to personalised learning. But the teaching approach now most widely referred to as “differentiation” can still be a difficult one for teachers to grasp.
Spring PowerPoint
A presentation about what happens in nature during spring.
Seeds and plant growth
Explore how plants grow with this discovery pack.
From May 2013, all year 6 pupils will sit the new spelling, punctuation and grammar test, which replaces the English writing test previously taken at the end of KS2. The test is part of the Government’s push to make sure all children leave primary school with a sound grasp of essential English skills. And the changes don’t stop with primary; alterations have also been made to GCSE courses so that from 2013 marks will be awarded for spelling, punctuation and grammar in key subjects.
How to teach
Phil Beadle
£12.56
If you’re looking for ways to introduce ICT to your lessons without spending a fortune check out this advice from a TES panel of successful classroom practitioners and ICT leaders for recommendations.
Year 11 have their GCSEs looming on the horizon. It’s time to think about revision. February is a good time to review progress.
