Diagrams can help an explanation in two ways. Firstly, to organise a complex web of information such as: A process or sequence in time Multi fact definition Complex concept Some procedures Secondly, to depict things: either faithfully from real life or as models. I call this type of dual coding 'representative visuals'. Diagrams are powerful … Continue reading Clear Teacher Explanations 2d: Faithful Diagrams
Teaching & Learning
Clear Teacher Explanations 2c: Procedures
Effective teacher explanations are integral to teacher-led lessons. Clear explanations are best delivered when teachers begin with concrete examples before sharing abstract and generalised ideas. Clear diagrams also help teachers to effectively communicate their ideas. Diagrams elucidate the relationships in a sequence. Diagrams can also make definitions memorable and complex ideas easier to follow. All of … Continue reading Clear Teacher Explanations 2c: Procedures
Clear Teacher Explanations 2b: dual coding – definitions & complex ideas
Dual coding involves the use of diagrams to support an explanation. In my last post, I explained that there are two types of diagrams: organising visuals & representative visuals. I discussed how organising visuals are diagrams which make the hidden structure behind an idea visible to pupils. There are four types of organising visuals, the first … Continue reading Clear Teacher Explanations 2b: dual coding – definitions & complex ideas
Clear Teacher Explanations 2a: dual coding – processes
Dual coding is in vogue. I’m excited by this because the use of diagrams can make an explanation significantly clearer and more memorable. However, I’m also worried, because ideas in education have a tendency to mutate and be misapplied. In my next few posts, I explain exactly how I teach using diagrams. I will do … Continue reading Clear Teacher Explanations 2a: dual coding – processes
Clear Teacher Explanations I: examples & non-examples
The phrase “too much teacher talk” scrawled across lesson observation forms seems to be on the decline (at least, according to my Twitter feed). Teachers are abandoning ineffective discovery-based approaches, and harnessing the power of teacher-led, explicit instruction. I like to imagine sages around the country getting onto their stages and unashamedly explaining the marvels … Continue reading Clear Teacher Explanations I: examples & non-examples
Observations at Michaela
The culture of observations at Michaela is truly phenomenal. It provides a structure conducive to genuine improvement and honest reflection. Observations at Michaela are frequent, low-stakes and random. Since starting in September (around 24 teaching weeks), I have been observed around 70 times by other Michaela teachers. That's right - 70! Observers are typically in … Continue reading Observations at Michaela
Retrieval Cues: Do Your Questions Help or Hinder?
It’s so easy, when we really want our pupils to answer a question correctly, that we give them cues to help them reach the answer. Sometimes we see our pupils still struggling and we become tempted to offer them a just-a-few more cues to help them get there. Finally, they give the correct answer and … Continue reading Retrieval Cues: Do Your Questions Help or Hinder?
Explanation, Feedback & Practice
With limited curriculum time, it is essential to reflect on the competing time taken up by explanation, practice and feedback.
Evolution of Our Science Assessment Model: CogSci & Christodoulou
Assessment has seen a lot of evolution recently. New accountability measures across Key Stages recently has forced schools to re-consider their models. To adapt, a few teachers in my science department have been reading Daisy Christodoulou's lucid new book on assessment: Making Good Progress? We have also been reading various books, blogs & research papers to help us … Continue reading Evolution of Our Science Assessment Model: CogSci & Christodoulou
Dual-coding in Science
Dual-coding is a very effective tool in teaching when used correctly. For me, the use of an academically rigorous piece of writing supported by a simple but clear image has a powerful impact on pupil learning. Equally, a verbal explanation to go along with a simple image has huge merit. I don't claim to be an … Continue reading Dual-coding in Science
Bunsen Blue 