ERRR #093. Adam Boxer on the First 10 Minutes of a Lesson
Aug 4, 2024
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Adam Boxer, a North London chemistry teacher and education writer, discusses the pivotal first ten minutes of a lesson and their impact on student learning. He introduces Carousel, an edtech tool designed to enhance knowledge management for students. The conversation dives into crafting effective questions, balancing procedural and declarative knowledge, and innovative teaching strategies. Adam emphasizes the importance of classroom culture in fostering trust and accountability, and shares practical insights for maximizing engagement right from the start of a lesson.
The podcast highlights the importance of recognizing Indigenous history and rights, setting a respectful tone for educational discussions.
Adam Boxer emphasizes the critical role of teacher expertise and continuous professional growth for enhancing student success in classrooms.
Core questions are discussed as vital tools for curriculum planning, ensuring consistency and specificity in student learning outcomes.
Implementing an effective 'Do Now' routine is crucial for engaging students immediately, facilitating a productive learning environment from the start.
The integration of educational technology, such as Carousel, empowers teachers to personalize learning and track student progress effectively.
Deep dives
Acknowledgment of Indigenous Lands
The podcast begins by recognizing the traditional custodians of the land where it was recorded, specifically the Wurundjeri, Wurrung, and Boonwurrung peoples of the Kulin nation. It pays respects to Elders past and present and acknowledges that sovereignty was never ceded, highlighting the ongoing impacts of colonization and dispossession. This recognition sets a respectful tone for the discussions to follow, emphasizing the importance of understanding and honoring Indigenous history and rights within education.
Introduction to Catalyst Project
The Catalyst Project, initiated by Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, is introduced as an evidence-based educational initiative. It aims to implement the science of reading and the science of learning in over a thousand classrooms within the ACT and parts of New South Wales. The project reflects a strategic approach to enhance teaching practices by providing support and resources for teachers. Catalyst is rooted in collaboration with experts and is closely linked to the podcast's mission of improving educational outcomes.
Importance of Teacher Expertise
The podcast underscores the critical role of teacher expertise in fostering an effective learning environment. New teachers are advised to establish clear boundaries to maintain professional integrity and effectiveness in the classroom. The host emphasizes that understanding the significance of teacher knowledge and skills can significantly impact student success. As educators are at the forefront of teaching, their professional growth and continuous learning are essential for creating impactful educational experiences.
Core Questions in Curriculum Planning
The conversation shifts to the concept of core questions as vital tools in curriculum planning. Core questions provide specificity in what students should learn, aligning teaching across different classrooms and ensuring consistency in educational content. Adam Boxer highlights the importance of crafting these questions to guide curriculum design effectively, enabling teachers to focus on essential knowledge and skills. This approach fosters deeper understanding among students and facilitates targeted retrieval practice.
Characteristics of Effective Core Questions
Boxer elaborates on the characteristics of effective core questions, suggesting that they should be clear, specific, and structured to promote retrieval practice. He recommends using concise phrasing that focuses on key facts and concepts rather than vague or open-ended questions. Teachers are encouraged to refine their questioning techniques by incorporating various forms of inquiry, which can draw on students’ previous knowledge while challenging them to articulate their understanding. This ensures that assessments accurately reflect student learning and comprehension.
Integration of Core Questions into Teaching Practice
The integration of core questions into day-to-day teaching practice is discussed as a vital strategy for promoting student learning. Rather than merely presenting questions to students, effective teaching requires that these questions be woven seamlessly into lesson plans and activities. This process not only fosters engagement but also reinforces the importance of mastery in specific knowledge areas. By continuously revisiting core questions, teachers can help students build long-term retention of crucial concepts and develop critical thinking skills.
Building a Routine Around Do Nows
The podcast emphasizes implementing an effective 'Do Now' routine as a critical component of lesson structure. Do Now activities are designed to engage students upon entering the classroom, allowing for a smooth transition into learning. The routine should include meaningful, challenging work that encourages students to settle into a productive mindset without wasting instructional time. By establishing clear expectations and consistency, teachers can foster a conducive learning environment from the very start of each lesson.
The Role of Feedback in Education
Feedback is positioned as a pivotal element in the learning process, with the podcast discussing how it should be timely and constructive. The conversation highlights the significance of assessing student work and using that data to inform future teaching strategies. Effective feedback not only helps educators identify areas of improvement but also supports the development of student understanding and confidence. By focusing on growth and learning from mistakes, teachers can create a supportive culture that emphasizes continuous improvement.
The Power of Educational Technology
Educational technology is explored as a means to enhance teaching and support student learning through tools such as Carousel. The platform is described as a teacher-driven resource that allows educators to create and track assessments, ensuring that learning objectives are met effectively. Through robust data analytics and customizable quizzes, teachers can tailor their approaches to meet individual student needs while fostering an environment of accountability. The integration of technology into the classroom empowers both educators and students alike in the learning process.
Wider Impacts on Educational Practices
The podcast concludes by reflecting on the broader implications of the discussed practices on educational standards. As more educators embrace evidence-based strategies and prioritize intentional teaching methods, overall teaching quality continues to improve. The dialogue reaffirms the commitment to advancing educational outcomes and fostering environments conducive to learning. By cultivating a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement among educators, the potential for transformative change in education becomes attainable.
Adam Boxer is a chemistry teacher in North London, he writes about science education, cognitive science, evidence-based education, and many other important topics. He’s an extremely popular on teacher social media and has had a huge impact on education both locally and internationally through his writings, books, podcast, and talks.
I’ve followed Adam for a long time and have always found his writing to be extremely logical, practical, and well thought out. His book, Teaching Secondary Science, is a must-have for anyone who is keen for a great overview of a structured and systematic approach to teaching high school science, and I can highly recommend Adam’s other outputs too.
This podcast was prompted when I recently explored a fantastic bit of edtech initiated by Adam, Carousel, which is an excellent knowledge management platform to help students to learn and master key knowledge that is fundamental to their success. Off the back of that, I was really keen to get Adam onto the podcast to discuss how he uses the first 10 minutes of a lesson to embed such knowledge… and I’m so glad I did! I hope you love it too
See full show notes at www.ollielovell.com/adamboxer
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