In this engaging discussion, Tom Oakley, a Deputy Head Teacher, dives into persistent classroom issues and effective strategies for tackling them. He identifies key challenges teachers face, especially in math education, and emphasizes the importance of variation theory. Tom highlights innovative methods like self-explanation to deepen student understanding and retention. He also addresses the specific hurdles disadvantaged students encounter, advocating for tailored approaches to bridge learning gaps. Tune in for insightful solutions and fresh perspectives!
Engaging with current educational research is essential for teachers to improve their instructional practices and address persistent classroom challenges.
Students' struggles with specific vocabulary significantly impact their comprehension, highlighting the need for explicit vocabulary instruction alongside content teaching.
Implementing evidence-informed strategies like prediction in learning and self-explanation can enhance student engagement and retention of concepts in the classroom.
Deep dives
Teachers' Engagement with Research
The discussion highlights the significance of teachers engaging with current educational research to inform their practices. Tom Oakley shares his recent readings from FRAP First's blog, particularly focusing on concepts like making meaning from short-term to long-term memory. He emphasizes the value of exploring predictions in learning, referring to research that connects this process to effective memory retention and knowledge application. This reinforces the idea that continuous professional development through accessible research can greatly enhance teaching efficacy in the classroom.
Common Classroom Challenges
The episode delves into nine persistent classroom challenges that teachers encounter, including students' varying levels of understanding of curriculum concepts. Many children may not be ready for the lessons being taught, leading to instructional gaps. Additionally, the issue of students forgetting previously taught material poses a significant challenge, requiring teachers to revisit past lessons frequently. This ongoing struggle underscores the necessity for educators to implement strategies that address these gaps while acknowledging the diverse needs of their students.
Vocabulary and Conceptual Understanding
A crucial point raised is that many students struggle with the specific vocabulary pertinent to their lessons, impacting their overall comprehension. This includes confusion over terms such as 'factor' and 'multiple', which can hinder learning outcomes. Without a clear grasp of vocabulary, students may find it difficult to engage with the material being presented. This highlights the need for explicit vocabulary instruction alongside content teaching to ensure that all students can access and make sense of their learning.
Engagement and Behavioral Challenges
Behavioral issues also emerge as a significant concern, with some students struggling to engage with the core learning objectives and instead focusing on distractions. Many children exhibit a tendency to follow instructions but fail to apply their learning in new contexts, which can be linked to lack of motivation or interest. Teachers need to cultivate a classroom environment that maintains students' attention on critical learning aspects, and this may require a deliberate approach to lesson design that includes interactive and relatable content. This calls for ongoing reflection and adaptation of teaching methods to enhance student engagement.
Strategies for Improvement
The episode concludes with a discussion on various evidence-informed strategies that can be employed to address persistent classroom problems. Among these strategies, prediction in learning is highlighted for its potential to enhance students' understanding and retention of concepts. Furthermore, self-explanation is presented as a valuable technique that encourages students to articulate their reasoning and connect new information with existing knowledge. By implementing these approaches, teachers can create a more supportive learning environment that fosters deeper comprehension and better retention among students.
Episode 140: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I'm joined by Deputy Head Teacher, Tom Oakley as we discuss persistent problems in the classroom and how we might approach trying to solve them. As part of the chat we explore...
1. What are the most persistent classroom problems?
2. How can we approach these problems?
3. Why do you think x will be the next big research-informed explosion?
...and much, much more. Whether you're new to the profession or an experienced senior leader, you won't want to miss this one!
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If you would like to submit a question, email us at thinkingdeeplyinfo@gmail.com or join the TDaPE discord, where we have a special channel for unseen question submission!
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