In Part I of this post, I discussed the importance of teachers (of all subjects) making language teaching explicit in their lessons. I argued that an improvement in language enables pupils to better access the curriculum and broaden their cultural capital. I shared three practical, easy-to-implement strategies to help teachers incorporate the teaching of language into their lesson: sharing … Continue reading The Limits of My World (Part II)
teaching and learning
5 Steps for Effective Revision + Activity Ideas
Revision, revision and more revision.... with exams around the corner, teachers are busy planning and innovating revision activities. Meanwhile, pupils are busy revising (at least, in theory; some are definitely actually-understanding-for-the-first-time) before the daunting and the anticipating become the done and dusted. My understanding of learning and the examination process obtained through experience and research of … Continue reading 5 Steps for Effective Revision + Activity Ideas
Developing autonomy: taking a step back
"I aspire for my pupils to develop their independence." I've said this to myself constantly since I began teaching, but when I ruminate on the details, I realise that my understanding of independence has changed, and so have the behaviours and words I expect to observe in 'independent pupils'. To begin with, my vision of my pupils being independent … Continue reading Developing autonomy: taking a step back
Speaking Frames: How to elicit formal talk
"So basically, yeah, we said that you can use this so get rid of that, but its better innit to use this for the sand." Hmm. Not quite what I wanted my Year 7 to say when explaining how to separate a mixture of sand, salt and water. How many times have you asked pupils from your class … Continue reading Speaking Frames: How to elicit formal 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 