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
explanation
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 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
Explanation, Feedback & Practice
With limited curriculum time, it is essential to reflect on the competing time taken up by explanation, practice and feedback.
Bunsen Blue 