Effective classrooms

"Effective schools are full of effective classrooms"

But what makes an effective classroom? What does an outstanding lesson look like? It's not about what the teacher does - it is about what and how the students learn. This must be true at all ages although the list below is more geared to High School.

Here are some ideas:-

• probing questions - not just answering the question for them, really getting them to think (metacognition)
• students keeping learning jorurnals
• collaborative learning
• scaffolded learning
• good rapport
• not escalating too quickly up the sanctions scale
• evidence of Asessment for Learning
• lesson objectives phrased as questions
• differentiation - target students
• pace - don't take 15 minutes on starter
• make sure students know how to improve
• try to move away from stand and deliver
• try to avoid too much copying
• use display as teaching tool
• make good use of diagnostic marking
• use the traffic lights cards in the student planners to demonstrate understanding and evaluate lessons
• think of innovative ways to use the Interactive White Board - see earlier blog
• consider using social media netowrks
• consider using neuroscience ideas in the class room