#192 Tools and Tips for Teachers: Episode 13 (with Ollie Lovell)
Jun 25, 2024
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Experienced educator Ollie Lovell shares insights on breaking down concepts for effective teaching. Topics include productive struggle, atomization in teaching, benefits of shared curriculum resources, and the importance of balancing curriculum and pedagogy. The conversation also touches on the curse of knowledge, pairing teachers, and the power of storytelling in education.
Clear and concise teaching communication aids student understanding.
Breaking complex concepts into smaller parts enhances student engagement and learning.
Balancing curriculum development with effective classroom practices optimizes student learning experiences.
Deep dives
Importance of Effective Teaching Communication
An important point discussed in the podcast is the significance of effective teaching communication. It emphasizes the need for educators to focus on clear and concise explanations to aid student understanding. By ensuring that teachers communicate information effectively, students can engage more thoroughly with the curriculum, leading to better learning outcomes.
Significance of Breaking Down Complex Concepts
Another key insight highlighted is the importance of breaking down complex concepts into smaller, more manageable parts. By dissecting challenging topics into simpler components, students can grasp the material more effectively and engage in productive struggle at a higher level. This approach promotes deeper understanding and enhances learning outcomes.
Balancing Curriculum Development and Pedagogy
The podcast also delves into the balance between curriculum development and in-class pedagogy. It suggests that while high-quality curriculum resources are essential for systematic improvement, teachers should not neglect the immediate pedagogical strategies that can enhance student engagement and learning. By striking a balance between refining the curriculum and focusing on effective classroom practices, educators can optimize student learning experiences.
Teaching Approaches: Striking a Balance Between Discovery and Efficiency
There is a discussion on teaching approaches that balance exploration and effectiveness. A teacher introduces challenging concepts through hands-on activities allowing students to make connections independently. Although this method may appear less efficient than direct instruction, it fosters student engagement and understanding. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of being open-minded, recognizing the power of student discovery, and strategically incorporating guided learning to ensure successful comprehension.
Curriculum Development: Fostering Teacher Creativity Within Established Curricula
The episode highlights the significance of maintaining teachers' creativity when using pre-purchased curricula. It emphasizes the need for teachers to view themselves as curriculum designers even within structured curriculum frameworks. A practical example from Ballarat Clarendon College showcases a successful model where fixed curricula serve as a foundation for ongoing professional development and collaborative curriculum enhancement. This approach ensures teacher engagement, active participation, and continuous improvement within the curriculum development process.
In this conversation, Craig and Ollie discuss various topics, including their health, their rankings as education influencers, and the importance of breaking down concepts into smaller atoms for effective teaching. They also explore the idea of sharing what students need to hear rather than showing off one's knowledge, and the challenges of atomization in teaching. Ollie shares his experience working with a school and the importance of focusing on specific areas for improvement. Craig highlights the value of breaking down routines and processes in teaching and the need to assess or teach each atom separately. They also discuss the curse of knowledge and the benefits of pairing experienced and less experienced teachers. The conversation explores the idea of productive struggle in education and the importance of curriculum resources. It discusses the benefits of students struggling with tasks and the role of teachers in helping them struggle at a higher level. The conversation also delves into the relationship between curriculum and pedagogy, highlighting the need for both to be addressed in teaching and learning. The importance of shared and prescriptive curriculum resources is emphasized, as well as the need for teachers to see themselves as curriculum designers. The conversation concludes with a discussion on gratitude and the power of storytelling. In this conversation, Craig Barton and Ollie discuss the benefits and drawbacks of discovery-based learning in mathematics. Craig shares his experience observing a teacher who used a discovery approach to teach geometry theorems, which initially made him skeptical. However, he found that the students were engaged and able to explain the theorems effectively. They discuss the importance of efficiency and strategic use of discovery activities in the curriculum. Ollie shares his love for teaching in ways that allow students to make connections on their own. You can view the shownotes here: mrbartonmaths.com/blog/tools-and-tips-for-teachers-13
Tell teachers what they need to hear (08:01)
Breaking things down is the most important thing (13:03)
Choose the level of struggle (24:56)
What should we spend finite CPD time on (30:35)
Dinner table chat (51:44)
Circle Theorems discovery lesson (59:27)
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