Category Archives: Instruction

What are the challenges of working in flexible spaces?

New flexible learning environments are being built in schools as rate never seen before [and given the country’s debt probably never again] in this country. The ‘Building the Education Revolution’ Commonwealth Government initiative was part of Australia’s economic recession proofing … Continue reading

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Marzano makes a point about the use of his protocol in observing instruction in classrooms

Just a short clip on the use of protocols when observing instruction. here Marzano talks about the use of his protocol and not to be confused with other techniques. It’s a timely reminder as we here in Victoria embarked on … Continue reading

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the power of common langauge

In this clip Marzano talks about the power of a common language to describe teaching. While he was talking about using his framework as a base to innovate from – I think no matter what framework the message is the … Continue reading

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When more is not good – lesson intentions can make a difference

At year level leadership meetings we often read and discuss shared articles or writing from noted educators. Last week we discussed chapter two of Shirley Clarke’s book on feedback titled  “Learning Intentions”. One of her opening lines is “It is … Continue reading

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An advocate for reciprocal teaching – or hearing student voice in your classroom.

When I first listened to this address by 12 yo Adora I was rather skeptical and amazed. Her use of language is amazing but her message is simply. We need to hear student voice in curriculum development – so if … Continue reading

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We are all working on the same thing! Instructional Improvement presentation for the ACT Principals.

I’ve just returned from Wollongong where I was invited by the Australian Capital Territory [ACT] principals to share my journey of school improvement. For those like me who are unfamiliar with the ACT public education system it has approximately 81 … Continue reading

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Reading comprehension scaffolded for older students.

At our regular team leaders meeting where we gain an overview of curriculum planning across the school we discussed what readers workshops look like for older primary aged students. Our problem of practice started out about identifying what students are … Continue reading

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What are the big ideas in maths that students need to know – in the Early Years?

At the start of the school year most of the local primary schools got together to hear Di Siemon from RMIT speak about the big ideas in mathematics education. Di really challenged some of our teacher ideas and spoke about the big ideas … Continue reading

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Student empowerment vs engagement

I’ve been following a conversation started by Chris Lehmann and joined by Dave Sherman questioning whether student engagement is a worthwhile improvement goal for schools to set. The conversation is worth some thought as Victorian schools like Elsternwick Primary are … Continue reading

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Here’s one creative teacher using technology in classrooms

Sometimes I stumble upon really creative ways to use technology in classrooms with kids. Chris Betcher prepared this for an online conference and it goes for about 20 minutes. There’s so much in this presentation that it’s useful to come … Continue reading

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Reflections on a year just finished – what changed and what’s ahead.

Photo courtesy of Bayside leader At the end of a school year I generally get a little reflective – after a day or two on holidays that is and after I’ve spent some time catching up on the uncompleted tasks … Continue reading

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How far have we come as teachers in using technology to engage learners?

Have a quick flick through this presentation as we in Australia shut down for the summer school holiday period. I’m reminded of a now famous quote “Yes we can” when I see this. I remember as far back as the … Continue reading

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Does a school transition program make any difference to parent concerns about student class placements?

Certainly one of the by products of an effective school transition program we hoped was the easing of parent concerns about the student class placement for the following year. An earlier post on school transition described the program that we have … Continue reading

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Using sticky notes on a wall to promote dialogue about a school’s purpose

  I’m not sure this works for adults – hence my go at this for my staff but I can see this as a hit for students as they review their inquiry topic. I will post the wallwisher link for … Continue reading

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Teachers do not teach comprehension they test it.

Last week I attended a presentation by Di Snowballwho has recently returned from working in schools in the States for over 16 years. Di has been contracted to work in some regions in Victoria to hlep “struggling” schools, I gather, however … Continue reading

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