Top tips - October 2007

This month's top tips are from Rosemary Delaney, Assessment is for Learning Development Officer at LTS

Time management – manage your time both in and out of the workplace by making sure you have a work/life balance. Set realistic timescales for yourself and your pupils.

Organisation is the key – make sure you organise your space/time/resources.

Plan ahead – always have something ‘up your sleeve’ for emergencies and make sure you pitch your lessons at the appropriate level.

 

Take breaks – remember you must have a healthy mind and body in order to encourage your pupils to be all they can be.

Interaction is very important. Listen to your colleagues and pupils and act on advice.

Patience is a virtue which you must always possess. Keep calm and try not to raise your voice too often.

Secure learning environment – create a classroom ethos in which pupils feel that it is OK to make mistakes and to find things difficult as this means that they are learning.

 

Feed back to your pupils about their work in a constructive and positive manner, allowing them to close the gaps in their learning.

Optimise learning opportunities.

Relationships with colleagues and management should be worked at. Sound advice for relationships with pupils is ‘firm but fair’: they are your pupils not your pals!

 

Teacher collaboration is essential – we can all learn so much from each other when we take the time to discuss learning, share practice and observe each other’s lessons.

Enjoyment should be part of the learning experience for you and your pupils.

Appreciate the perspective of parents and encourage them to have an input in their child’s learning.

Curriculum for Excellence will challenge and support teaching and learning.

Honesty and integrity with yourself and others are extremely important.

Everyone is a learner – keep this as your motto.

Reflect on and evaluate teaching and learning often and adjust your planning accordingly.

Sense of humour – the most essential ingredient of being a successful teacher.