Utilize mini whiteboards to engage students and streamline practice sessions.
Establish explicit department culture to improve teamwork and reduce workloads.
Implement front-loaded means of participation and golden silence to minimize disruptions and maintain lesson flow.
Deep dives
Using Mini Whiteboards for Student Preparation and Engagement
An effective strategy discussed in the podcast is using mini whiteboards to ensure students are prepared to practice and engaged in the lesson. By implementing a structured routine where each row has a basket with mini whiteboards and pens, students quickly adapt to the process. The speaker emphasized the importance of clear instructions and training students on the physical routine associated with mini whiteboards to streamline the distribution process. Additionally, addressing potential issues like students doodling on whiteboards by implementing consequences like cleaning them or emailing parents helps maintain focus and engagement during activities.
Making Culture Explicit for Lower Workloads and Team Ethic
The importance of making the department's culture explicit was highlighted as a key strategy to lower workloads and enhance team collaboration. By establishing clear norms and expectations regarding accountability and communication, the speaker emphasized the significance of shared values and understanding among team members. Examples such as using accountability ladders to address mistakes and streamlining email communication through designated channels demonstrate how explicit communication and consistent practices can foster a cohesive and efficient work environment.
Reducing Choppy Time with Front-Loaded Participation Instructions
To minimize disruptions and choppy transitions in lessons, the podcast suggested using a front-loaded means of participation and waiting for golden silence. By clarifying instructions upfront and ensuring students know how to engage with tasks from the start, educators can prevent noise escalation and maintain a smoother flow of activities. The concept of golden silence involves waiting for complete quiet before proceeding with instructions or activities, emphasizing the importance of establishing clear expectations and routines to manage classroom dynamics effectively.
Addressing Choppy Time and Behavioral Escalation with Explicit Instructions
Highlighting the negative impact of choppy time on classroom behavior, the podcast recommended providing explicit instructions and early intervention to prevent disruptions. By proactively setting clear expectations and means of participation, teachers can mitigate noise escalation and maintain a focused learning environment. The speaker emphasized the need for teachers to be specific and direct in their guidance, addressing potential transitions from noise to disruptive behavior by front-loading participation instructions and managing classroom dynamics to enhance student engagement and reduce disruptions.
Importance of Wait Time in Instruction
Implementing a crucial aspect in teaching, the podcast stresses the importance of incorporating 'wait time' after giving instructions. This 'wait time' allows students to process information, ensuring everyone is on the same page without causing chaos or distractions. By introducing periods of quiet reflection and refraining from immediate responses to student queries, teachers can maintain focus and clarity in the classroom, fostering a conducive learning environment.
Enhancing Homework Efficacy Through Integration
Addressing the challenges of homework effectiveness, the podcast advocates for integrating homework with classwork to enhance accountability and value. By aligning homework tasks with in-class activities, teachers can demonstrate the relevance of homework to students, fostering a deeper understanding of concepts. Moreover, integrating homework results into classroom discussions allows for targeted support and encourages students to take their homework responsibilities seriously, leading to improved academic performance.
Adam Boxer joins us on the Tips for Teacher podcast to share his 5 tips:
1. To make sure your students are ready to practise, use mini-whiteboards (2:43)
2. To lower workload and build a better team ethic, make culture explicit (27:09)
3. To reduce “choppy time” in lessons, use a Front Loaded Means of Participation and wait for Golden Silence (43:10)
4. To make good use of data, compare to other subjects (54:53)
5. To make homework more effective, integrate it with classwork (1:01:03)
Access the show notes and audio transcription of the episode, plus a load more audio and video tips here: tipsforteachers.co.uk
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