Outstanding Lessons Pocketbook

In England 'outstanding' is the term Ofsted uses to describe the very best lessons. Teaching outstanding lessons is an aspiration all teachers share, not least because of the buzz they get from knowing that they have made a significant impact on their students. In highly successful lessons students are better motivated, engaged and interested. They make excellent progress and their attainment levels improve. This cartoon-illustrated Pocketbook, written in clear, concise language for maximum impact, is about how to teach 'stunning lessons that will make an impression on your pupils and knock the socks off your observers'. It begins by scotching some of the myths about what inspectors expect to see in a top-notch lesson, focusing instead on the reality. Areas covered encompass: developing good relationships with pupils and seeking student feedback; planning great lessons, including objectives, starters, activities and review; six steps to pupil independence; the use of praise and aspects of AfL to harness 'the X factor'; effective use of resources; expanding your repertoire of teaching techniques; communication skills; how to motivate students; using plenaries, group work, thinking skills and behaviour management techniques. The final chapter includes a helpful self-audit and offers advice on where to seek inspiration and on what reviewers are looking for in lesson observations. Author Caroline Bentley-Davies has been a middle leader in three schools, a Local Authority Education Adviser and an educational consultant in the UK and overseas. She has run demonstration lessons in over 80 schools and conducts training sessions for teachers across a range of subject areas. "A wonderfully refreshing read! Makes delivering outstanding learning for students of all ages accessible and possible for every teacher." Vanessa Lea, Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning), The Elizabeth Woodville School "Caroline presents a wealth of relevant and motivating tips to raise the quality of teaching . This book will be a source of inspiration and reassurance for teachers at any st

We are all familiar with the summative, Ofsted model of lesson observation where performance is judged according to external criteria. However, used formatively and creatively, lesson observation is a process that can support and professionally develop the observer as much as the observed. Observing colleagues teach and allowing them to observe us teach are among the most valuable and effective ways of improving our own practice. This is a practical book for all teachers. It covers being observed; learning to be a good observer - whether that's to coach the colleague you are observing, to learn from what you see or to assess performance; participant observation; pair and trio observation; feedback; pupil observation and personalising observation for your own school/department/subject.

A glance at the history books or the pages of a Dickens novel reminds us how far education has come since the days when pupils sat silently in rows memorising knowledge imparted by the teacher. Learning was passive, and only gender and social class affected provision. In today's schools learning is at the centre of what we do and differentiation - the process of modifying a lesson or part of a lesson for one or some of the learners - is a fundamental part of teaching. Turning theory into practice and including 20 key types of differentiation, this Pocketbook is about planning and teaching creative, student-focused lessons where every learner is appropriately challenged and where engaged, stimulated and motivated students work in a state of 'flow'. In this kind of environment true differentiation serves not to label but to enable. "Peter Anstee's book is simple but not simplistic. It is not an idiot's guide' but rather it reminds the initiate and the seasoned pedagogue of the fundamental importance of differentiation to effective teaching and learning. Its informed and (mercifully) succinct overview of the theory and manifold practical strategies provide an ideal companion for the busy professional." Pete Fishleigh, Faculty Leader - English, Brentwood County High School "This gem of a book doesn't disguise the challenge differentiation presents, but it is packed full of practical techniques which are easily incorporated into any lesson. It inspires, informs and gives the reader the confidence to improve their practice. A must-have for teaching today." Alice Edge, 2nd in MFL, Responsible for Community Languages - Valentines High School "This Pocketbook provides all the tips necessary to an outstanding teacher since all the key strategies which help students to learn more effectively are included. The theories are easy to understand because they are clearly linked to classroom practice, and experimentation seems possible." Debbie Kirk, English Consultant, School Improvement and Early Years - Essex LA

Never before have we had access to such a flood of information - internet, tv, radio, mobile phones, etc. But what strategies are children developing to screen it all? They can access information and absorb it as entertainment, but they often lack the skills to approach it critically. For our students to flourish in the information age, it's crucial that we teach them to think. Using the PRICE taxonomy - Processing information, Reasoning, Inquiry, Creative thinking and Evaluation, Anne de A'Echevarria and Ian Patience identify a range of 'thinking problems'. Their five related sections of practical 'thinking tools' will inspire teachers and students alike: there's a wealth of dynamic material for individual lessons and for infusing thinking across the curriculum. The final chapter moves from the 'what' to the 'how' - the craft of teaching thinking. Travel with your students out of the comfort zone into the exciting landscape of the learning zone.

Just like teachers, TAs need proper induction, training and career development opportunities. The Teaching Assistant's Pocketbook supports this need by offering an accessible guide to this varied role. If you're new to the job, what exactly can you expect when you start out in a new school? If you're an old hand, what are your career development opportunities? Sections on assisting the teacher, assisting pupils and assisting the school are full of practical information, tips and strategies for new and experienced TAs. Dot Constable covers the nuts and bolts of day-to-day practice (eg: policies and procedures; SEN and support strategies; joint planning; assessment, recording and reporting; making and organising resources etc) but also addresses nitty gritty realities: how do you keep pupils on task and what do you do if relations between you and the teacher are strained? Breathe a sigh of relief, it's all here. ""A concise and easily accessible resource. A must for new and experienced teaching assistants" " -Anna Gibbs, Headteacher, Lancot Lower School " "Clear and comprehensive ideas and advice which cover all aspects of being a TA. A super, little, usable book." " -Gill Edgar, Head of KS4, Abberley Street PRU, Dudle

The drive in schools to ensure that all students reach their potential is fuelled by a wealth of data for tracking progress and revealing which groups and individuals are underachieving. The challenge for teachers is to find strategies that 'close the gap', allowing every pupil the best possible chance of success. With characteristic energy, Caroline Bentley-Davies shows how to strengthen learning and engagement, so boosting progress and attainment. After dispelling some commonly held beliefs about raising achievement, Caroline describes a 'climate for achievement'. Drawing on education research on feedback, metacognition and motivation, she brings theory to life with examples and case studies. Her section on exams and revision cleverly applies the theory of marginal gains and elsewhere she highlights the role of parents and peers and stresses the importance of great CPD. A thought-provoking read that could raise your game and improve student outcomes.

It was in response to requests from teachers that Learning to Learn came to be written. Hard-pressed to cover what to learn, finding time to research or devise materials on how to learn was, we were told, a problem. Tom Barwood's highly- regarded workshops for teachers and students in schools address just this issue - and now so does his pocketbook. Working on the premise that successful learning depends partly on knowing why you want to learn, the first part of the book looks at motivation. How to learn - registering, retaining, recalling, revising - is the focus of the remainder. From slicing, mind-mapping and learning styles, through mnemonics, mind pegs and the seven keys of memory, to reviewing, snowballing and recording, the art of learning is explored and demonstrated. Full of practical, fun techniques for successful learning, this is a book for teachers and their students.

The latest teaching standards demand that all teachers 'take responsibility for promoting high standards of literacy and correct use of standard English, whatever the teacher's specialism'. That's no bad thing, but it leaves some of us feeling under-trained and over-exposed. Enter the Literacy Across the Curriculum Pocketbook. The book is based on four principles: literacy is important for all learning; we owe it to our pupils to help them develop their literacy; developing strategies for LAC enhances teaching and learning across the school; teachers do not have to be literacy experts to promote LAC. In a series of punchy chapters, (Speaking for Success, Write Better! Vamp up your Vocabulary, Splendid Spelling, Raring to Read) Caroline Bentley-Davies presents practical ideas and simple strategies for incorporating literacy skills into your own lessons. All this plus some really helpful advice on note-making and a self-audit LAC checklist."Literacy Across the Curriculum Pocketbook is a necessity for all teachers wanting to find manageable, effective and exciting ways of promoting literacy in their lessons. A great resource!" Justin Wakefield, Literacy & Numeracy Co-ordinator, Humberston Academy, Grimsby "Innovating tips, strategies and ideas to revitalise literacy in your lessons instantly. Every page offers simple and realistic approaches to promoting literacy across all subjects. Vamp up your vocab; make tricky spelling stick; weave literacy seamlessly into your lessons. I love it!" Lesley Ann McDermott, History Teacher, St Patrick's Catholic College, Thornaby-on-Tees "Contains everything you should know about Literacy and more. Written in a clear and concise manner, even as an experienced English teacher it still taught me a trick or two!" Sarah Martin, CPD Leader, Academies Enterprise Trust