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
teaching
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
The Limits of My World (Part II)
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)
The Limits of My World
"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world." - Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889 - 1951) To successfully enable pupils to access as much of the world as possible, teachers have a responsibility to broaden the cultural capital of their students. Most necessary for this is the development of language skills; language is the medium by which … Continue reading The Limits of My World
Bunsen Blue 