The trainee teacher in our department has started to teach my Year 10 group this week. It has taken me back to when I was training and the struggles that I had and the feedback my mentor would give me. One thing I didn't consider back then was how the class teacher feels who I was taking over from.
I know that as a trainee I was no where near being an amazing teacher but over time I have continually improved. So it has been a struggle for me to allow the trainee to teach my class thinking that there would be aspects that I know I could deliver much better. On the flip side of this it has been great to learn from him by watching him teach and being able to give small steps to improve for next time. The initial focus has been on general pedagogy, e.g. use of questioning, planning for misconceptions etc. It's made me reflect on my own teaching ensuring I don't just talk it, I walk the walk too! I've also enjoyed seeing the improvements he has been able to make lesson on lesson so far because of my feedback. I'm sure we will be able to have more conversations based around subject knowledge and the best representations, questions, examples etc to use.
🔊 Listen:
Five best bets for teaching and learning with Jon Hutchinson. Jon talks about some easy wins that we can put in place to improve student progress. Listen here.
🔊 Listen:
Too often we are caught saying yes and end up overloaded with work. Greg McKeown talks about how to say a graceful no. Have a listen here.
📚 Read:
Consistently making small steps of progress over time end up looking like giant leaps to those who haven't seen the work being put in. Read the post on Farnam street here.