This post covers: Why biology is more than just facts; Why I write my own 'textbooks'; How I write my own Biology 'mastery' textbooks - in 6 steps; An example of one of my textbooks. 1. Why Biology is more than just facts "Biology is just lots of facts." I hate this statement - one … Continue reading Writing Biology Mastery Textbooks
science
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
Evolution of my Pedagogy III: Questioning
When I began teaching, I used to use questioning for two main reasons. Firstly, as a way of eliciting ideas I desired pupils to construct. For example, if I was teaching pupils about experimental design, I might ask them why they thought we have only one independent variable in an experiment and lead pupils to … Continue reading Evolution of my Pedagogy III: Questioning
Equations in Science
I've been refining the way I teach equations in science for a while now, and think I've found a way that is reaping good results. The key principles are as follows: No matter what the content or equation, I always get pupils to follow one method. It works for every equation in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Drill pupils … Continue reading Equations in Science
Evolution of my Pedagogy II (Teacher Talk)
In this series of blog posts, I reflect on how my teaching has evolved since my time as trainee. Last week I wrote about behaviour. This week... Teacher Talk Everyone seems to have an opinion on how much time a teacher should spend talking each lesson. I've heard of countless trainee teachers receiving feedback after lesson … Continue reading Evolution of my Pedagogy II (Teacher Talk)
Welcome to Bunsen Blue!
I'm Pritesh Raichura, a science teacher in a London secondary comprehensive school. Teaching is an incredibly exciting profession. It is also incredibly challenging since 'learning' is very complicated to measure. As teachers, we have the opportunity to express our subject and pedagogical knowledge through our curriculum- and lesson-planning day in day out! Immediately, we can see the impact … Continue reading Welcome to Bunsen Blue!
Bunsen Blue 