The Law Of Requisite Variety
johndabell You will no doubt have heard the following before, spuriosuly linked to Henry Ford: If you always do what you have always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.…
Teaching and Learning
Thorndike’s Law of Effect
One of the first principles associated with learning and behaviour was developed by Edward Lee Thorndike and this has become known as Thorndike’s Law of Effect. Thorndike was a pioneer…
DNA On Entry
In Teach Like A Champion, Doug Lemov refers to something called a ‘Do Now’. I have also seen this called a DNA (Do Now Activity) or DNA on entry –…
Why We Don’t Need Highlighters
Mark Enser recently drew our attention to a 2017 blog produced by @WHSmith and research behind using coloured pens in revision. It’s not clear who the author of the blog…
No Cold-Calling Please!
No one likes cold callers do they? Cold-calling is a teaching technique used by many teachers as a way of drawing learners into conversations, discussions and activities. It refers to…
The Power Of Teaching In Silence
Silence isn’t something you get much of in schools but we need more of it. We need more silence. I’m not suggesting we adopt a Monastic modus operandi but I…
The Uncertainty Of Teaching
The uncertainty of teaching is what I enjoy most about the job. It is inherently ambiguous and that’s a good thing. Some people enjoy a job where they know what…
Meeting The Needs Of All Pupils Is Nonsense
We are often told that meeting pupil learning needs is a fundamental building block for success. Schools will plonk an impressive mission statement on their website that goes something like:…
Teaching In Circles
Teachers shape the learning experience for children. It matters what we say and how we say. But it also matters what shape we arrange for learning to take place. As…
Stop Saying Plumber!
On a recent visit to the Peak District Lead Mining Museum I learnt an enormous amount about the history of the Derbyshire lead mining history. For local studies this place…