Featured Teacher ways . Recently , some of my children sent me time-lapse videos and photos they had made at home . This demonstrated their thought processes and mastery of long division using Lego , desert sand and even Shopkins figures !
Children should always be learning at the edge of their capabilities , pushing themselves and others to achieve things they never thought possible . There are times of quiet reflection and individual work , of course , but we spend most of our time learning together , challenging and supporting each other to be the best we can be in all we do . Another good example is the fractions and decimals challenge we recently undertook . The children referred to the ‘ Maths Antics ’ channel on YouTube , via QR codes , as they worked together to consider the most effective ways to convert fractions and decimals . They worked in groups , writing on the floor , bouncing ideas around , making and correcting mistakes , checking with calculators , trying different tricks , criticising and suggesting , and generally learning far more effectively than if I had tried to teach the ‘ one best way ’ directly . They all figured out what worked best for them , not for me !
Describe two ways in which you and your colleagues promote independent learning through critical thinking and enquiry at the Primary Stage .
Requiring children to identify and solve real world problems guarantees they will have to think critically and employ higher order thinking skills . By definition , if a real problem hasn ’ t already been solved , then it is going to require an innovative solution that will involve key elements of research , evaluation , collaboration , creation , design thinking , community engagement and publishing . Solving real life problems requires the development and application of real life skills .
Using the children ’ s own questions to fuel their learning is really important . Intrinsic motivation is key to great learning , so I take great care to ensure that not one question is lost in space . I encourage children to record their learning , questions and thought processes in a variety of formats , from written notes on the windows to QR coded links , Padlet walls , Post-it notes , in each other ’ s books and so on . We like to think that our classroom is a
‘ Visible Thinking ’ space and that any visitor would be able to walk in and say , ‘ Ah , I see where they ’ re going with that !’
Share two ways that you use assessment data to plan the next steps of learning for your students .
Everything the children do , say , write and create , every observation , every piece of work and every interaction all provide a massive amount of data every minute of every day . Feedback has to be timely . I find that the first and most important method of ensuring that my students take appropriate next steps is to empower them to take ownership of their learning . My role then becomes more of a mentor , ensuring they are making the right decisions , and moving in the right direction at the right time . This happens in real time , both faceto-face and online in a continuous , blended process . We have come a long way from the days of asking a few questions , hands up in class and marking books to be handed back the next day or even next week . All rather pointless ! Of course , we regularly track progress and attainment . We record these electronically , as well as employing a range of diagnostic assessments . However , the really effective use of data is as close to real time as possible and personal to the student . Making a conscious and sustained effort to know our children well and to mentor them every day is far more effective than any published , multiple choice , computerized test !
What ’ s your must have teaching resource ? Why ?
The most important resource I have is any innovative space that we decide to create . In our class , we write and record anywhere and everywhere – on iPads , on huge sheets of paper , on Postit notes , on tables , on the windows and even on the floor ( using dry-wipe pens )! In this way , the children are active as they think , and they never miss an opportunity to record their thought processes . The freedom this creates ensures that learning is continuous . The children are both empowered and accountable for their own actions , learning processes , progress and achievement .
What is the best advice that you have received ?
The best advice I ’ ve ever received , not surprisingly , came from a student , who said , “ I just wish we did real life stuff at school , rather than just school stuff .” This has stuck with me ever since and is always at the forefront of my mind when planning for my children . This is why we co-construct every Unit of Inquiry and work together every day to ensure the content ; aims , tools and learning processes are relevant and effective . Solving real world problems requires real world skills !
Miss Liz ’ Year 6 students show off their innovative classroom . ( Photo credit : Liz Redhead )
Class Time
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