Category: Journal

Inconsistency in the quality of teaching

I have came across the above statement or similar statements across schools both here and in the middle east.   At first reading I would suggest that everyone, myself included, will take this to be a negative comment.   On reflection I am not so sure it necessarily is negative or in fact that it tells us anything.

Consider the “average” school and lets consider that the measure of quality of teaching is student outcomes.    Now I know this is a very limited model however it will hopefully serve its purpose in terms of proving a point which could equally be proven by using a different measure for the quality of teaching.

Within this “average” school there will be some above average teachers where outcomes come out as very positive.   There will also be those that come out as below average.    Would this be considered as consistent as clearly having different qualities of teaching would suggest inconsistency?

Lets assume what is meant be inconsistency is an inconsistency when compared with the national profile for the quality of teaching within any given school.    In this case our average school now becomes consistent in terms of quality of teaching.    Consistency is therefore referring to the distribution of individuals within the school with regards the quality of teaching, and how this compares to other schools.

Modifying the scenario a little lets say that some of the so called “weaker” teachers performance only gets worse while the stronger teachers only get better.    Our average still remains the same however is the school any more or less consistent given the wider variance between teachers and given the difference between this profile and the profile of the “average” school?

If some of the teachers formerly within the “average” band improve this would shift the average and change the distribution.   Is this inconsistency and if so could it not be viewed as a positive inconsistency?

Now I was considering using some further examples however have decided not to.  Instead I will point out my belief in the fact that teaching is a social activity involving a class full of students and a teacher all interacting.   Given it is a social activity involving 30 or more human beings and therefore influenced and affected by a multitude of different dynamic variables, consistency is highly unlikely.    Teaching is very much like chaos theory in that it is highly sensitive to its conditions, which are frequently changing.    As such how could any school be expected to demonstrate consistency?   Like chaos theory, we can only possibly perceive a pattern by looking at the much wider picture, as under close inspection we see nothing except the variability and the differences.    How might an inspection team or an internal mock-sted see this big picture?   I doubt they would do so how can a judgment indicating an inconsistency be arrived at?

And maybe something different, unique or not fitting in with the usual run of play may be a positive thing.   So maybe consistency isn’t all it’s meant to be!

Emotion and Dentistry

The other day I visited the dentist.   It has been a couple of years since I last visited the dentist partially due to being busy and partially due to a dislike for dentists.    To be honest, a dislike is a serious understatement.   An irrational fear of dentists and dentistry may be a much more accurate description.

The dentist, being a professional, took some time to explain what he was going to be doing and through this I could identify with his plans.   I understood all that he said yet this did not allay my fears.    My fears went beyond logic.

My fears were based on my previous experience and also based on an emotional response.   Although the explanations provided by the dentist, which I understood and accepted, went some way to addressing my previous experiences they did little to deal with my now automatic emotional response.    My emotional response thereafter drove my actions.

The visit to the dentist ended with a future appointment for further dentistry work albeit with a sedative being prescribed.   This is far from what I had hoped to achieve in this visit to the dentist.

As I sit somewhat embarrassed by my inability to deal with a simple dentist appointment, I reflect on how emotion was able to overcome logic and how this has implications for teaching and learning and also for teacher professional learning.

Consider the highly engaging and exciting lessons which promotes a positive emotional response in students.    This may result in a positive perception of the lesson and the teacher however the students actual understanding of the learning materials may be less positive or the depth of learning may be purely superficial such that with the passage of a short amount of time the learning will be lost.    Also our emotions are situational and therefore the location and context play a part.    As such the positive emotional response may only occur where the student is working within the exact same context within which learning previously took place.     Approaching the same learning material in a different context therefore may not draw the same emotional response which may limit a students’ ability to access their previous learning.

Consider the case of a teacher who does not like technology due to many years of teaching experience in which either technology was not used or when it was used it was either ineffective or prone to fail as new technologies can be.     For them an emotional response is developed to using technology in lessons.   Even although we may be able to share the justification and benefits of using technology in learning we may be unlikely or have significant difficult in overcoming this emotional response.

Consider the teacher which students perceive as boring or uninteresting.   This teacher invokes a less than positive emotional response in students.   This less than positive response impacts on the success of learning activities within this teachers’ class.   Even if this teacher was to do something “interesting” or “fun” it is likely that this would be of limited impact as it would first need to overcome the initial negative emotional response for the lesson as experienced by students.

My dentistry experience was traumatic for me even although I know it should not have been and even although I am aware that there was no rational reason for my fear.    Emotion and emotional responses can have a significant impact on individuals and as a result on their actions and on learning.   Even where the logic is clear it is possible that emotional response can result in actions where are counter to accepted logic.

I will be giving emotion and emotional responses more consideration in future including my own emotional status.   I may even re-read Golemans Emotional Intelligence and the Dalai Lama and Paul Ekman’s book “Emotional Awareness: Overcoming the obstacles to Psychological Balance and Compassion”.       As to the dentist I had sedatives to help for now until I can overcome my emotional response.

 

 

 

 

 

Reflections on #29daysofwriting

29 posts in 29 days!!    Much to my surprise I have actually managed to complete the challenge of a posting per day throughout February.   At the end of 2015 I set out my intention to write at least 2 posts per month or 24 posts in total across the year, however as a result of #29daysofwriting, I have managed 29 posts in February alone.

What went well…..

Throughout the month there were various points at which I struggled, in particular in identifying what to actually write about.   Every time this has happened I have been met with suggestions and ideas from colleagues from across the educational social media sphere.   Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions!

The whole process of sitting down to write each night has forced me to make some time available to do the writing.   It has also forced me to reflect on my practice, on my ideas and also on the ideas and postings of others.

In writing every day I also made time to read other peoples contributions each day and where possible to comment.    This helped in providing me with new ideas and providing access to new perspectives.

Even Better If…

I think in hindsight it would have been beneficial if I had done some planning at the beginning of the month, outlining some of the topics I intended to write on.    Having not done this planning I found myself struggling for ideas.   I feel it is often the case that when you try to force ideas, you don’t find any, however when you are more relaxed that ideas come more freely.   A little bit of planning would have allowed me to feel a little less pressured and hopefully therefore have realized more ideas.   That said, colleagues quickly filled the voids with ideas where they occurred.

Going forward

It has been an excellent process for me in terms of the writing and thinking I have done over the last month.   In addition the sharing and discussion involved have further added to the experience.    As we move into March I need to continuing posting, albeit at a lesser frequency.    My original new years resolutions included to post twice per month however having posted ever day I think I may look to increase this and go for posting once per week from now on.   Hopefully this is something I can sustain.

I also want to make more time to comment on others postings in particular those postings on StaffRm, which I have found to be a brilliant place to share and collaborate.

And most important…….A new #29daysofwriting mug for drinking my coffee (or in my case Irn-Bru!  Excuse the stereotype!!!!)

Being the geek!

I have always considered myself to be a little bit of a geek, and I mean that in a positive way.   When I was younger I enjoyed building electronics kits, a little bit of computer programming and wargaming.  Does it get any geekier?

I am still a bit of a geek.   Recent examples include purchasing a new fan and fitting it to my NAS drive despite the fact the unit apparently had “no user serviceable parts” according to the manufacturer.    That’s what they think!   I have also recently been making use of my sons Raspberry Pi to transfer files between hard drives and NAS drives at home, using RDP to remotely access the Pi from my laptop or tablet.    I am also looking at using the Pi as a Media server connected to one of our household TVs.

I have always enjoyed the odd little techie project.    The issue is that I generally don’t find the time to engage in these types of activities to the extent I would like.

I look at the Pi and the massive number of projects I could undertake using it however in order to do so I need to find some time and get started.

I think the issue is that I am looking for a particular project which will really engages my interests and until I find such a project it is all too easy for me to put my geeky tendencies to the side in favor of tasks and activities of a “higher priority”.

I do however dabble with programming whenever I get a chance and have only this morning created a little routine to provide some quick analysis of our school registration data to help out those in the office who are required to follow absences up.    This kind of geeky behavior is more common for me as it is work related and has a clear purpose and benefit.

My son who is 10 years old got a video capture card for Christmas to allow him to record his Xbox gaming for sharing with fellow gamers.     This is something that I think I need to engage with my son on.   He has also previously expressed an interest in green screening so this may be another area where I can express my inner geekiness but with a specific purpose and benefit, that of spending more time with my son in joint activities.

Thinking about it, I can see how my geekiness might align with my urge to hack the classroom.   Both involve some creativity, experimentation, repeated fails and hopefully eventual success.

Long live the geek!!

 

 

 

 

 

Hacking the classroom

Today over lunch I discussed hacking the classroom with a number of colleagues following on from the recent Microsoft #hacktheclassroom event.

It was very enjoyable to be able to bat around varied ideas and thoughts in a safe environment where the others involved were open and non-judgmental.   I had a good debate with one colleague in particular when I fielded the prompt question:

“Do we really need big display screens in class if every student has a tablet device on which they can view the same content”

My prompt question came from my own questioning of the need for a centralized classroom screen, and the resulting focus and perceived “front” to the classroom.   My colleagues perception was that the screen was an important focal point at times plus that it overcame the issue of where students turn up without devices.   We openly bounced arguments and counter-arguments back and forth, but in an open way in search of a new solution or eureka moment.

To me this was a very positive experience with colleagues all searching potential changes which could bring about improvement.   No ideas were excluded or considered too silly.   No contribution was disregarded or belittled.    The prospect of change was embraced as a potential for improvement.   The fear of something new or the love for “the way we do things around here” was pushed to the side.    It was all about creativity and sharing in the hope of finding something better.   Ideas were limited to just improving current practices, instead totally new practices unlike anything current done were considered.

We need to have more events like this!

 

New Years Resolutions – 2 months on.

The end of the 2nd month of 2016 is fast approaching (plus I was struggling to think of something to write ) so I thought it was a good opportunity to once again touch base with progress towards meeting my new years resolutions.

1) To blog at least twice per month

I am doing very well with this one.   Twice per month equates to 24 posts across the whole year however as part of #29daysofwriting, this represents my 25th post in Feb alone, thereby achieving my target after only 2 months.   I will however continue to try and achieve a minimum of 2 posts per month.

2) 1.9 tweets per day over the year

Point 5, and buffer in particular is helping here.   At this point I have tweeted 427 times in 2016 so far.   This equates to nearer to 7.6 tweets per day, or enough tweets for over 200 days, however after only 56 days.  Again, like point 1, I need keep up the momentum.

3) To achieve Google certified educator level 2 status

Haven’t done anything on this target lately mainly due to focusing on #29daysofwriting and #teacher5adaysketch.  I would like to think I will address this is March or April rather than leaving it too late in the year.

4) Read at least 1 book per month

Again, like point 3, have put this on hold in Feb.   Will start reading once more as soon as March begins.

5) To use tools like evernote and buffer to work smarter

Buffer has been key lately in maintaining a twitter presence while blogging, sketching and working.    Have sort of let Evernote use slip a little so need to get back into the habit of using it to keep my notes.

6) To get involved in twitter chats

Have been active in #sltchat and #mltchat is particular.   I do need to try and build on this.

7) To get involved in events and conferences

Attended BETT however can see plenty of chances in March for attending different events.

8) To experiment with video and youtube

Again, a point I haven’t progressed this month.

I also added a new target at the end of January:

9) To get fitter by increasing levels of exercise

Jan saw me managing 33 mins of exercise (and I only meaning wlaking) per day but sadly Feb has seen this drop to 30min.    I suppose I still have a few days to push this up a little if I try!

I would also now in Feb like to add a new item:

10) To sketch at least twice per month.

As part of #teacher5aday sketch I did 5 drawings in Feb.   I want to ensure that I continue doing the odd sketch.    Hopefully I can maintain the effort in March.

I would say Feb has seen some massive effort in some areas at the expense of others.  So March needs to see me even this out.

Favourite Books (Part 2)

I previously posted on my 5 favourite books (you can read this here) however someone pointed out the inclusion of a Goleman book in the photo of my bookcase and the fact that I hadn’t listed it as one of my top 5.    As such I realized that top 5 was too limiting and hence this pointing is my next 5 books, building my top 10.    Also being honest, the is an easy post to fill my current writers block for #29daysofwriting

Before I go any further just a recap of my top 5:

  • The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey by Ken Blanchard
  • The Silo Effect by Gillian Tett
  • Lateral Thinking by De Bono
  • The Shallows by Nicholas Carr
  • The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

So for my 6th book I would suggest a recent read in Resillience by Andrew Zolli and Ann Marie Healy.   The books centres on resilience and how we can develop it in an ever changing world.   I particularly enjoying the opening phrase “robust but fragile” as used in the book which seems to align with the similary contradictory terms such as “tough but tender” as used in a college I worked in.

Another recent read is Thinking Fast and Slow from Daniel Kahneman.   I originally heard this as an audio book listening to it while travelling between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.   I enjoyed it that much I went out and purchased it.    The books use of Agent 1 and Agent 2 as the two ways that we think, fast and slow, is very useful in explaining how we can reach effective decisions quickly however the existence of weaknesses in this approach in certain situations.

Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman is an excellent book focusing on the interpersonal aspect of all we do.    Whether we are building cars, teaching, a manager, or a million other job roles, we will almost always need to work with others.   As such Emotional Intelligence is critically important.   I suspect this is a book I will be re-reading shortly.

Edward De Bono’s, I am right, you are wrong is a brilliant book discussing De Bonos perception with regards how the mind works.    The books includes some excellent examples of how order of new ideas impacts learning plus some good discussion on “learning backwards”.

My final book for inclusion is Ken Robinsons, The Element.    Robinson draws on many examples of successful people who evidence where personal areas of strength meet their passions.  A particular favourite point is his suggestion that we ask “How are you intelligent” rather than the usual “How intelligent are you?”.  A subtle but critical difference.

Am looking forward to returning to more reading once I get to the conclusion of #29daysofwriting.

 

 

Memories of the Middle East

Six months ago the above was view able from the back of my house, or more accurately, villa.   Six months ago I left the Middle East after working there for seven years, returning back to the UK for new challenges and opportunities.

I look back and realize that I miss a number of things including the views and the heat.   I miss my 4.6 litre mustang and the low cost of fuel and cigarettes.    I miss ending the day by the pool or spending the weekend sat with fellow ex-pats in the heat solving the worlds problems over a pint.

I also realize that I am glad to see the back of some things, such as the heat, particularly during the summer months when it becomes very difficult especially where, as I was doing at the time, you had to do a fair amount of driving.   I am glad to no longer have to go through complex Visa processes every couple of years.

My new location may now have the same view as the Middle East however the views around Somerset are equally breathtaking, although this is currently limited by the temperature.   The last thing I want to do is stand around and admire the scenery when temperate is only 1 or 2 degrees.   Clearly I am still acclimatizing.   My new role provides me with new challenges which are keeping me engaged and excited.    I am now closer to my family and that of my wifes such that we can regularly see them on a much more frequent basis than when we were in the Middle East.

I reflect on my time in the Middle East and after 7 years there, there are many things I now miss.    There are also many things which I am glad to be away from.

I reflect on my experiences and am glad that I took the opportunity and went to the Middle East.   I would recommend it to anyone considering it although I will admit it isn’t for everyone.  That said, if you don’t try it, how will you ever know.    If you do try it then maybe like me you will come away with a long list of pleasant memories and experiences, plus with a broader view of the world.

So its back to reminiscing on my memories of the Middle East, and hoping the thoughts will be enough to keep me warm in these winter evenings!

 

 

#teacher5adaysketch

During half term I was involved in #teacher5adaysketch for the 2nd time.   As part of the event I endeavored to draw something each day of half term.   Each day a separate challenge identified the subject of the drawing.

Given below are my sketches from the event:

My Hobby

Am more about watching sport than playing it sadly!

My Footwear (and ideal footwear)

Ok boring black shoes didn’t quite seem enough for a sketch

A Piece of Art

Have always wanted a big stone head for use as a classroom talking point.

Favourite film

Can you tell which film?

Drawn using computer or tablet

And finally my favourite drink!

This is an excellent event to get involved in as it highlights that, as teachers, we don’t need to be 100% engaged in teaching 100% of the time.   It is important to have some other hobbies or other focus points away from education.   It is important to try and reach a balance in life.

I have also found the event beneficial from a collaborative and social perspective as fellow educators from across the world contribute their artwork.    They also share encouragement and motivation.   I find this particularly useful in terms of my personal fitness as I am not the fittest individual plus lack motivation when it comes to physical activities.   Through #teacher5aday colleagues I am finding some of encouragement and focus which I need in order to build on my physical fitness albeit, I must admit, slowly.

I enjoyed 5 days of sketching and look forward to the next session.   I also hope to engage in some sketching outside of the #teacher5adaysketch event on a regular basis.

Keep sharing!

 

My Teachers

I have always considered myself to be a positive individual especially where students are concerned.    I have always believed that I need to espouse the potential which is inherent in us all.

#29daysofwriting has made me reflect on this a little.   Lately I have been struggling to identify exactly what to write about so I have taken to using the very helpful list of ideas from @mrlockyer including his suggestion with regards writing about my best teacher as a child.

I have a number of teachers that I consider to have been my best during my formal schooling years, each playing some part in shaping my teaching beliefs and style.    One of these being my teacher of Accounting which I studied as part of an accelerated Higher grade course where I had never previously studied Accounting.

One of the sustaining memories of this teacher was the fact that she told me she didn’t think I would be successful in the course.   She, my teacher, told me I didn’t have the potential.    This is very much contradictory to my beliefs regarding the need for teachers to be positive however until now I have never really reflected on this.

By telling me I couldn’t this teachers spurred me on to prove that she was wrong.   My previous years results had been a little disappointing and had led to me continuing into my 6th year in high school as opposed to going to University at the end of 5th year.    As such I was a little despondent at the time.    Her message was a little bit of a kick up the backside which looking back may have been exactly what I needed at the time.

In terms of her teaching, she worked me hard so her comment was not the first sign of her giving up on me.   At the end of the year I achieved an A grade which I was proud of, proving her to be wrong.

I suspect she made her decision to tell me about my lack of potential based on her initial impressions of me, possibly some discussions in the staff room along with a variety of other data and factors.  I suspect she didn’t do this lightly.   I also suspect she believe this was the message I needed to hear to ensure I achieved my potential as she saw it, a potential she never identified to me.

I still believe positivity is very, very important in teachers of our students however I also believe we need to treat every student as an individual and in doing so maybe a positive, one size fits all approach, may not always be appropriate.    That said I am not sure I would have the confidence to use such a reverse psychology driven approach.