#158 Adam Boxer: explanations, retrieval and maths & science working together
Dec 16, 2021
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Adam Boxer, a dedicated science teacher and co-founder of Carousel Learning, shares his insights on effective teaching strategies. He discusses the vital role of clear explanations and the power of silence in the classroom. Adam emphasizes the importance of math and science departments collaborating, alongside the integration of technology for retrieval practices. He also reflects on his evolution as an educator and how narratives can enhance student engagement in learning complex concepts. Prepare for an engaging conversation filled with practical tips for educators!
Silence in the classroom enhances focus and engagement, allowing students to absorb material more effectively during independent practice.
Implementing retrieval practice is crucial for reinforcing learning, with a focus on methods and clear communication of its significance to students.
Adapting teaching strategies to align with cognitive science principles helps students connect prior knowledge with new concepts in science education.
Collaboration between maths and science departments fosters a cohesive learning environment and enhances students' success through shared problem-solving strategies.
Integrating educational research into teaching practices requires accessible resources and a mindset of reflection to continually improve instructional effectiveness.
Deep dives
The Importance of Silence in Teaching
Silence plays a vital role in the classroom, particularly during independent practice. It allows students to concentrate on the task at hand, ensuring that they are fully engaged and absorbing the material. The timing of silence is crucial; waiting until students are deeply engrossed can help maintain their focus while dismissing any distractions. Furthermore, silence fosters a productive learning environment, where teachers can monitor student progress and gain invaluable insights into their understanding.
Retrieval Practice and Its Execution
Retrieval practice is fundamental in reinforcing student learning, but the way it is implemented is equally important. To effectively gauge understanding, teachers must prioritize the incorporation of retrieval opportunities in the classroom while clearly communicating their significance to students. Techniques like using quizzes based on previous homework can identify knowledge gaps and illustrate whether students engage in retrieval practice at home. This approach allows teachers to use data to inform instruction and help students recognize the importance of consistent retrieval in retaining knowledge.
Adapting Teaching Strategies for Science
In science teaching, it's crucial to adapt strategies based on the content being delivered and the specific abilities of students. The teaching approach should align with the principles of cognitive science, creating an environment in which students can connect prior knowledge with new concepts. By focusing on one unfamiliar aspect at a time—whether through concrete examples or through guiding students to understand scientific principles—teachers can effectively facilitate learning. This incremental approach eases students into complex scientific ideas while allowing room for deeper exploration and understanding.
Building a Culture of Retrieval
Creating a culture of retrieval in the classroom involves ensuring that both students and teachers value the process of revisiting previously learned material. Teachers should strive to foster an environment where students are not only encouraged to engage in retrieval practice but also understand why it is fundamental to their learning. By integrating at-home activities with in-class strategies and making retrieval an integral part of regular lessons, teaching can shift students' perspectives about learning. This cultural shift promotes accountability, reinforcing the notion that continual engagement with material leads to better retention and understanding.
Collaborating Across Departments
Collaboration between different subject departments, particularly maths and science, can enhance student learning experiences. While subjects may have their specific teaching practices, aligning on foundational skills, such as problem-solving strategies, can help create a cohesive learning environment. The ability for teachers to openly share strategies that work and to learn from one another can have a significant impact on students' success. Efforts should be made to develop a unified approach to teaching concepts that require math skills within the context of science, ensuring consistency and clarity throughout the curriculum.
Engaging with Educational Research
Teachers seeking to improve their practice by integrating educational research should focus on accessible resources tailored to their subject areas. Identifying reliable sources of information can facilitate this process, enabling teachers to stay up-to-date with effective strategies and innovations. It is essential to foster a mindset of inquiry and reflection, encouraging educators to engage critically with research to refine their teaching methods. By sharing insights and findings from research, teachers can collaboratively enhance the overall effectiveness of their instruction.
Managing Workload Without Compromising Education
Teachers often grapple with balancing their workload while ensuring effective instruction and assessment. To manage this, it is crucial to identify the most impactful methods of assessment while decreasing the amount of time spent on routine paperwork, such as detailed marking and feedback. By focusing on key indicators of student understanding and implementing efficient feedback practices, teachers can maintain high standards without the burden of extensive marking. Ultimately, finding that balance allows educators to dedicate more time to planning engaging lessons and supporting student needs.
Problem Solving in Science and Beyond
Problem-solving is a cornerstone of scientific understanding, and it involves equipping students with strategies that can be applied across various contexts. Teaching students how to approach problems not only enhances their subject knowledge but also develops their critical thinking skills. By providing a range of problem-solving strategies and ensuring that students have the necessary background knowledge, educators can prepare learners to tackle complex questions confidently. This ability to transfer skills and knowledge to new situations is crucial for long-term academic success.
Cultivating Student Accountability
Instilling a sense of accountability in students regarding their learning and retrieval practices is essential. Teachers can foster this by consistently communicating expectations and demonstrating the consequences of not engaging with material. Utilizing strategies such as tracking performance and providing immediate feedback can help students understand their progress and identify areas for improvement. By holding students responsible for their learning, educators empower them to take ownership of their education and strive for academic success.
The Role of Reflection in Educator Growth
Continuous reflection is vital for educators as they navigate their teaching practice. Reflective practices enable teachers to assess their effectiveness, recognize areas for improvement, and adapt their methods to better serve their students. Engaging in peer observations and discussions can provide valuable feedback, fostering growth and a culture of learning within the teaching community. Reflecting on past experiences and employing new strategies can help educators remain dynamic and responsive to students' needs.
Adam Boxer is a science teacher, author and creator of Carousel Learning. He joins me to discuss the key ideas from his book: Teaching Secondary Science: a complete guide, including What makes a good explanation? What role does silence play in Adam’s lessons, and how has this changed over the years? Is it important maths and science departments work together? If so, how? What role does technology have to play in terms of retrieval? Observation feedback, engaging with research, and so much more.
