#169 Tools and Tips for Teachers: Episode 3 (with Ollie Lovell)
Jun 14, 2023
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Teacher, author and podcaster Ollie Lovell joins the host to discuss connections, worked examples, teacher knowledge, iPads, timer dice, and rewards for revision.
Using timers can enhance productivity and prevent prolonged sitting, promoting focus and preventing fatigue.
Implementing technology in the classroom requires thoughtful consideration for balanced student focus and learning.
Explicitly articulating connections between prior knowledge and new concepts can support comprehension and retention in various subjects.
Deep dives
Using timers for productivity
Using timers, such as specialized dice timers, can enhance productivity and prevent prolonged sitting or working without breaks. Setting a timer for a specific duration, like 20 minutes, prompts the individual to take regular breaks, stretch, and rejuvenate before getting back to work. This practice can help maintain focus and prevent fatigue or discomfort associated with long periods of sitting.
Being mindful of device usage in the classroom
While technology can be beneficial in education, particularly for specific tasks or subjects, it is important to approach device usage in the classroom thoughtfully. iPads and similar devices can be distracting and may lead to behavior issues if not used effectively. However, there are instances where teachers, like Lucy, have demonstrated successful integration of iPads, such as using interactive apps like whiteboard.fi or mathsuniverse.com, which allow real-time student engagement, efficient monitoring, and individualized feedback. It is crucial to find a balance and consider the impact on overall student focus and learning before implementing technology in the classroom.
The power of explicit connections in teaching
Being explicit about the connections we want students to make is crucial in effective teaching. By clearly articulating the intended thread of prior knowledge and stitching it into new concepts, teachers can guide students in forming meaningful and accurate connections. This approach helps prevent misunderstandings or incorrect interpretations, as highlighted by examples such as the misperception of "cross" in Romeo and Juliet, or the attribution of popularity to Shirley Temple films without understanding the context of the Great Depression. Explicitly mapping out knowledge structures and providing practice in navigating them can support students' comprehension and retention in various subjects, such as mathematics.
Importance of Rehearsal and Practicality in Teaching
The podcast episode discusses the significance of rehearsal in teaching. The speaker shares their experiences with rehearsal, emphasizing the importance of proper preparation and practicality. They reflect on a disastrous first rehearsal but highlight the success of a rehearsal focused on practical teaching techniques, such as getting students to transfer their work from books to mini whiteboards. The main takeaway is that rehearsal is essential for effective teaching, and teachers should consider practical aspects when planning rehearsals.
Changing Expectations of Teacher Knowledge over Time
The podcast explores how expectations of teacher knowledge have evolved over time. It compares a 19th-century teacher examination from California, which covered a wide range of subjects, to the present-day literacy and numeracy tests for initial teacher education in Australia. The contrast highlights the dramatically reduced scope of knowledge required for teachers today. The discussion raises questions about the reasons for this shift, including the abundance of available knowledge and changes in teaching culture. The episode highlights the need to revisit expectations of teacher knowledge and the potential impact on education.
Teacher, author and my arch-rival podcaster, Ollie Lovell, joins me from the land Down Under for the third of our monthly chats. We each share three things we have been thinking about from the world of education recently. In this episode, we discuss connections, worked examples, teacher knowledge, iPads and more. For show notes, videos and links please visit this page: mrbartonmaths.com/blog/tools-and-tips-for-teachers-3
Time-stamps:
Be explicit about connections (05:27)
A quadrilogy for worked examples (14:07)
Expectations of teacher knowledge have fallen over time (29:44)
The best use of iPads I've seen (41:21)
Buy some timer dice! (52:02)
Rewards for revision (54:55)
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