Tag: Practical Teaching Tips

5 Mistakes Teachers Are Making With Slide Presentations

Posted on by richardjamesrogers

An article by Richard James Rogers (Award-Winning Author of The Quick Guide to Classroom Management and The Power of Praise: Empowering Students Through Positive Feedback). This blog post has been beautifully illustrated by Pop Sutthiya Lertyongphati.

Accompanying podcast episode:

Slides are a staple of effective teaching, corporate presentations and workshops. They’re so ubiquitous, in fact, that many of us don’t realize just how much of a legendary, legacy technology they are. I was surprised to learn during my research for this blog post, for example, that MS PowerPoint was released way back in 1987! PowerPoint and other slide-based information delivery systems have stood the test of time because they are, essentially, extremely effective content presentation tools.

Slides are here to stay – that’s undeniable, so let’s discover the common mistakes teachers are making when utilizing them (note to reader – I have made ALL of the mistakes I’m about to mention at some point or another in my career, so I’m a real expert on this topic!).

#1: Putting too much text on each slide

The content needs to be readable, and not overwhelming. When we fill our slides with text, we tend to not only make our sentences too small for learners at the back of the class to read, but we also present too much information at once.

Whilst we often have a lot of stuff to get through in a lesson (especially if you are teaching exam-level students), consider spreading the information out over more slides. 3 sentences per slide on 3 slides, for example, is better than 9 sentences all crammed together on one slide.

#2: Making students copy from slides

Here are the problems this causes:

  • Children have different writing speeds, and you’ll always find that the majority of the class are sat around waiting for the slow students to finish copying.
  • It dramatically slows down the pace of your lessons, making it difficult to keep to a curriculum map schedule (if done repeatedly).
  • Copying notes from slides is one of the most ineffective ways to learn new content. According to Make It Stick (a book I highly recommend) when no effort is required in the learning process, learning doesn’t last very long. The book’s authors cited one study where students were allowed to copy notes word-for-word on some material but were made to rephrase other material in their own words. When tested afterwards, students did a much better job of recalling the material they had to put into their own words.

So, how do we solve this problem, especially when we have so much content to get through?:

  • Consider providing printouts of slides with blank spaces for the children to fill in along the way. I remember one of my Biochemistry lecturers doing this at Bangor University when I was an undergrad there and I loved it – not least because I was getting accurate notes to take home, but also because I had to focus on the lesson in order to fill in the blanks correctly. Whilst this is perhaps not the most effective way to learn content out of all the methods available, it does solve the problem of pace (i.e., you won’t go too slow using this method).
  • Consider differentiating texts by using the methods outlined in this blog post, in order to make large paragraphs more digestible for your learners.

#3: Not making slides interactive

Include some exam-style questions along the way during your slide presentation to break up the lesson a bit. Consider word-matching activities, fill-in-the-blanks, or even just questions with allotted time for the students to answer. Perhaps you could embed a link to a live-quiz app (such as Blooket, Quizlet Live or Kahoot!) into your slides to get your students competing in a healthy way.

#4: Not sharing the slides with the students

It’s so important to make the slides available to your students once the lesson is over, and for some classes it may even be appropriate to share them before the lesson begins.

VLE and LMS platforms, such as Google Classroom, Moodle, Firefly and others are perfect for this.

With pre-university students, such as IBDP or ‘A’ – Level learners, I often find that it’s helpful to share the slides ahead of time, as the students can then read ahead before the lesson begins.

Whichever method you choose, just make sure the materials are available to your students. That way you cannot be criticized for not providing the resources that your students need to revise for their tests and assessments.

#5: Reading the slides to the class

This is an absolute no-no for teachers and is an obvious behavior to avoid to those who are more experienced in the profession. For new and trainee teachers, however, it can be a challenge to present slides without reading from them.

Teachers tend to read from slides for two main reasons:

  • Lack of subject knowledge/lack of reading ahead
  • Nervousness

Consider the following solutions:

  • Freeze your slide and move to the next slide on your computer. Quickly glance at, and read, the slide on your computer screen before presenting it to your class. This will help you to re-phrase the content into your own words.
  • Print out a copy of the slides for yourself and have it in your hand during the presentation. Again, this will allow you to read-ahead in ‘real-time’.
  • This sounds obvious but READ AHEAD. Never present a slideshow without reading over it first (avoid sourcing a slideshow from a third party on the internet immediately before a lesson begins).
  • Practice pronouncing key vocabulary and technical language before the lesson begins.
My Award-Winning book for high-school teachers.

Other mistakes teachers are making with slide presentations

  • Getting the visuals wrong – include nice pictures, charts and graphics where possible, and make them big enough for the class to read. If you’re stuck for time, then SlidesGPT can use AI to make a visually appealing slide presentation for you with just a few prompts (FYI – always CHECK the slides once generated). In addition to this, MS PowerPoint now comes with visual suggestions and can make slides visually appealing by using its AI Copilot feature.
  • Not annotating slides – if you have the technology (e.g., a smartboard), then annotate your slides as you present them. Circle key words, underline key phrases, add extra information and even re-phrase things. This will serve to make the content clearer for your students.
  • Conflicting colors – Are your slides readable? Always check the color balance before you present (red text on a black background, for example, is notoriously difficult to read!)
  • Unclear fonts – avoid Brushscript! Calibri, Comic Sans and Arial tend to work really well for presentations.

Shameless plug – check out my Powerful Public Speaker Certificate Course

If you are interested in some excellent Professional Development for you or your team, which focuses on making your slide presentations as perfect as possible, then check out my Powerful Public Speaker Certificate Course. This can be delivered online or on-site. Feel free to e-mail me at info@richardjamesrogers.com if you’d like to book me for this training.

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Empowering Hope: How Teachers Can Make a Difference for Children Living in Poverty

Posted on by richardjamesrogers

An article by Richard James Rogers (Award-Winning Author of The Quick Guide to Classroom Management and The Power of Praise: Empowering Students Through Positive Feedback)

Illustrated by Pop Sutthiya Lertyongphati 

Accompanying podcast episode:

Every child deserves a fair shot at a bright future, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Yet, the harsh reality is that billions of children around the world are living in poverty, facing numerous challenges that can hinder their educational journey:

  • There were 4.2 million children living in poverty in the UK in 2021-22. That’s 29 per cent of children, or nine in a classroom of 30 [Source: Child Poverty Action Group]
  • In the United States, the poverty rate among children saw a sizeable increase, more than doubling from 5.2% in 2021 to 12.4% last year [Source: United States Census Bureau]
  • Globally, the numbers are even more sobering: 1.2 billion children worldwide are living in poverty [Source: Save The Children]

Teachers, as the unsung heroes we are, play a pivotal role in helping these children overcome adversity and reach their full potential. This is supported by the fact that the number one way to get children out of poverty is via good education. Nearly 60 million people could escape poverty if all adults had just two more years of schooling, and 420 million people could be lifted out of poverty if all adults completed secondary education, according to UNESCO.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how teachers can make a significant difference in the lives of children living in poverty, along with some practical strategies that can be implemented in the classroom.

#1: Build Relationships

Take the time to get to know your students individually. Learn about their interests, backgrounds, and challenges. Building strong teacher-student relationships can make a significant difference in the lives of students living in poverty. They need to feel like someone cares about their well-being and success.

#2: Flexible and Differentiated Instruction

Recognize that students in poverty may come to class with varying levels of preparedness due to circumstances beyond their control. Embrace differentiated instruction to cater to diverse learning needs. Offer additional support, extra time, or alternative assignments as needed. Flexibility in your teaching approach can help students catch up and stay engaged.

#3: Provide Access to Resources

Some students may not have access to textbooks, school supplies, or a quiet place to study at home. To bridge this gap, provide necessary resources in the classroom. Create a lending library, offer extra copies of textbooks, and keep a stash of school supplies for students who may need them.

#4: Encourage a Growth Mindset

Instill a growth mindset in your students, emphasizing that their abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort and determination. Teach them to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth rather than seeing setbacks as failures. This mindset can empower them to overcome obstacles they face. One my favourite techniques for implementing a growth mindset is Subtle Reinforcement.

#5: Breakfast and Snack Programs

Advocate for and participate in school breakfast and snack programs if they are available. A nutritious meal can make a significant difference in a student’s ability to concentrate and learn. These programs can help ensure that all students start their day with a full stomach. When implementing such programs, it’s important that poorer students are not singled out via a voucher system, or some kind of list for free meals that they must sign. Go for a campus card system instead and make it available to every student. Load credit onto the cards of poorer students and secure funding through scholarships, charities and community schemes.

#6: Connect with Community Resources

Reach out to local community organizations and social services that can support students in need. These organizations may offer tutoring, mentoring, or even access to free or low-cost extracurricular activities. Collaborate with these resources to provide additional support to your students.

#7: Teach Financial Literacy

Include financial literacy in your curriculum to equip students with essential life skills. Understanding how to budget, save, and make informed financial decisions can empower them to break the cycle of poverty in the long run.

Conclusion

Teachers play a crucial role in the lives of students living in poverty. By creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment and implementing practical strategies, we can help these students overcome obstacles and succeed academically and beyond. Remember that every small effort can make a big difference in a student’s life, and together, we can create a brighter future for all our students.

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Unleash Your Students’ Brilliance: Exploring Genius Hour in High School Teaching

Posted on by richardjamesrogers

An article by Richard James Rogers (Award-Winning Author of The Quick Guide to Classroom Management and The Power of Praise: Empowering Students Through Positive Feedback).

Illustrated by Pop Sutthiya Lertyongphati.

Accompanying podcast episode:

Hey there, fellow educators and curious minds! Have you ever wished there was a way to ignite your students’ passion for learning, encourage creativity, and foster independent thinking, all while adhering to the curriculum? Well, look no further than “Genius Hour”! In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into what Genius Hour is and explore how it can be applied to high school teaching to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

What Exactly is Genius Hour?

Genius Hour, also known as 20% Time or Passion Projects, is an educational concept that grants students a dedicated block of time (typically one hour a week) to explore a topic of their choice. During this time, students are encouraged to pursue their passions, conduct independent research, and create projects that reflect their interests and talents. It’s a simple yet powerful idea: when students are given the autonomy to learn about what excites them, they become more motivated, engaged, and invested in their education.

The Benefits of Genius Hour

Now that we know what Genius Hour is, let’s explore the myriad of benefits it offers to both students and educators:

1. Fosters Intrinsic Motivation

Genius Hour taps into students’ natural curiosity and passions, helping them find personal meaning in their learning. This intrinsic motivation can lead to increased focus, enthusiasm, and a genuine love for acquiring knowledge.

2. Encourages Critical Thinking

When students embark on a self-directed learning journey, they must think critically, set goals, and manage their time effectively. These skills are not only valuable in school but also in real-life situations.

3. Promotes Ownership of Learning

Genius Hour empowers students to take control of their education. They become active participants in shaping their learning experiences, which can boost their confidence and self-esteem.

4. Supports Diverse Learning Needs

Every student is unique, and Genius Hour allows for personalized learning experiences. Whether a student excels in writing, coding, painting, or researching, they can harness their strengths to explore their chosen topic.

5. Sparks Creativity

By encouraging students to explore their passions, Genius Hour nurtures creativity. It’s a platform for them to dream big, experiment, and develop innovative ideas.

6. Develops Research and Presentation Skills

Students must research and compile information about their chosen topics. Furthermore, they often have the opportunity to present their findings to their peers, honing their research and presentation skills in the process.

How to Implement Genius Hour in High School Teaching

Now that we’ve established why Genius Hour is such a fantastic approach to education, let’s discuss how you can integrate it into your high school classroom:

1. Introduction and Goal Setting

Start by introducing the concept of Genius Hour to your students. Explain the purpose and potential benefits. Encourage them to brainstorm their interests and passions and set clear goals for what they want to achieve during this dedicated time.

Check out my award-winning book on Amazon!

2. Time Management

Help students manage their time effectively. They should have a schedule that allocates time for research, creation, and reflection. Regular check-ins can help them stay on track.

3. Resources and Guidance

Provide access to resources such as books, online databases, and experts who can assist students in their research. Offer guidance when needed but try not to steer them too much. Remember, it’s their project, and they should have ownership of it.

4. Sharing and Celebration

Create opportunities for students to share their Genius Hour projects with their peers. This could be through presentations, exhibitions, or even a virtual showcase. Celebrate their achievements and encourage constructive feedback.

5. Reflection and Assessment

Encourage students to reflect on their Genius Hour experiences. What did they learn about themselves? What challenges did they overcome? How can they apply their newfound skills and knowledge in other areas of their lives? Assessment can be based on their process, effort, and presentation, rather than just the final product.

Wrapping Up

Genius Hour is a game-changer in high school teaching, offering a fresh and exciting approach to learning. By embracing this concept, you’ll not only see your students flourish academically but also witness their personal growth and self-discovery.

So, go ahead and unleash the genius within your students. Who knows what incredible discoveries and innovations might arise when they have the freedom to explore their passions and interests? It’s time to make learning more engaging, meaningful, and, above all, fun!

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Creating Safe Schools: Local, National, and International Considerations

Posted on by richardjamesrogers

An article by Richard James Rogers (Award-Winning Author of The Quick Guide to Classroom Management and The Power of Praise: Empowering Students Through Positive Feedback).

Illustrated by Pop Sutthiya Lertyongphati.

A quick Google search of the top ten hot topics in education right now yield’s mixed results. From government funding to project-based learning and ‘Genius Hour’: the lists are as varied and as interesting as the great people who author them.

None of the pedagogical practices we all love to implement in the classroom can happen, however, if the schools we work in aren’t safe places. Safety has to be every school’s number one priority, and everyday teachers have a pivotal role to play in creating secure learning environments for children:

Teachers are crucial for creating psychologically and physically safe school and classroom environments, and their relationship with the learners entrusted to them is key in preventing and responding to all kinds of school violence.

UNESCO Bangkok

Despite this pivotal role that teachers play in safeguarding children, however, a multifaceted approach is required to create safe schools: one that covers considerations at the local, national, and international levels. This blog post aims to delve into these key paradigms.

Local Level: Building a Foundation of Safety

At the local level, school safety starts with a strong foundation of communication, prevention, and collaboration:

  1. Security Measures: Implement physical security measures such as controlled access points, surveillance cameras, and well-defined emergency evacuation plans. Conduct regular drills to ensure that students and staff are familiar with these protocols.
  2. Bullying Prevention: Foster a culture of inclusivity and respect by implementing comprehensive anti-bullying programs. Encourage open dialogue and establish a reporting system to address incidents promptly.
  3. Mental Health Support: Provide students with access to trained counselors and mental health professionals. Create a stigma-free environment that encourages students to seek help when needed.
  4. Community Engagement: Involve parents, local law enforcement, and community organizations in the school safety conversation. Collaboration enhances the overall safety network.
  5. Technology: Leverage technology for instant communication during emergencies. Implement notification systems that can reach parents, staff, and students rapidly.

National Level: Policy and Standards

Ensuring school safety at the national level involves the formulation and enforcement of comprehensive policies and standards:

  1. Legislation: Develop and enact laws that mandate safety measures in schools. This could include regulations on school infrastructure, background checks for staff, and protocols for responding to emergencies.
  2. Training and Professional Development: Require regular training for teachers, administrators, and staff on topics like emergency response, conflict resolution, and identifying signs of mental distress.
  3. Data Collection: Establish a national database to track incidents related to school safety, including bullying, violence, and mental health issues. This data can inform policy decisions and preventive measures.
  4. Funding: Allocate funds to support the implementation of safety measures in schools, especially in underserved areas. This can include hiring additional security personnel, upgrading facilities, and providing mental health resources.
  5. Collaboration with International Bodies: Exchange best practices with other countries and international organizations. Collaborative efforts can lead to the development of innovative safety strategies.

International Level: Global Exchange of Ideas

Safety in schools is a universal concern, and international collaboration can provide a broader perspective and valuable insights:

  1. Sharing Best Practices: Participate in international conferences and forums focused on school safety. Learn from successful initiatives in other countries and adapt them to local contexts.
  2. Global Standards: Work with international organizations to establish global standards for school safety. This can include guidelines for safe school design, teacher training, and crisis management.
  3. Crisis Response Coordination: In an interconnected world, crises can have far-reaching implications. Collaborate with neighboring countries to establish protocols for handling emergencies that may impact multiple schools.
  4. Cultural Sensitivity: Recognize and respect cultural differences that might influence perceptions of safety and security. Solutions must be adaptable to various cultural contexts.
  5. Digital Safety: Address the growing concern of online threats to students. International cooperation can lead to the development of strategies to protect students from cyberbullying, online predators, and misinformation.

In conclusion, creating safe schools requires a comprehensive approach that considers factors at the local, national, and international levels. It’s a collective effort that involves the entire community, from students and parents to policymakers and international organizations. By working together, we can build environments where students can learn, grow, and thrive without compromising their safety and well-being.

Recommended further reading

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Embracing the New Academic Year: Key Considerations for Teachers in 2023 and Beyond

Posted on by richardjamesrogers

An article by Richard James Rogers (Award-Winning Author of The Quick Guide to Classroom Management and The Power of Praise: Empowering Students Through Positive Feedback).

Illustrated by Pop Sutthiya Lertyongphati.

Hello, dedicated educators and champions of knowledge! As we gear up for another exciting academic year, it’s time to reflect on the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the fresh opportunities that lie ahead. The landscape of education is ever-evolving, and in 2023, teachers find themselves at the forefront of this transformation. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, here are some key considerations to ponder as you embark on this new journey.

#1: Fostering Inclusivity and Diversity

The world is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds, and your classroom is a microcosm of this beautiful diversity. As we step into the new academic year, make it a priority to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all your students. Embrace multiculturalism through diverse teaching materials, celebrate different holidays and traditions, and encourage open discussions that allow everyone’s voice to be heard. By doing so, you’ll be shaping not only informed minds but also compassionate and empathetic individuals.

#2: Blending Technology and Tradition

The fusion of technology and traditional teaching methods is no longer a distant concept—it’s now a necessity. Embrace edtech tools that enhance learning experiences, from interactive apps to virtual field trips. However, remember that while technology can enrich education, the personal touch of face-to-face interactions and handwritten notes is equally valuable. Striking the right balance between digital innovation and human connection will be a hallmark of successful classrooms in the years to come. As I’ve mentioned in an earlier blog post, post-pandemic teaching is very different to what we did before COVID, mainly due to students becoming disenfranchised and disinterested with independent learning tasks that are heavily tech-dependent.

#3: Nurturing Critical Thinking and Adaptability

In an era marked by rapid change, the ability to think critically and adapt is a superpower. Encourage your students to question, analyze, and approach problems from multiple angles. Assign projects that require creative problem-solving and collaboration. By cultivating these skills, you’ll be equipping your students with tools that will serve them well in an ever-shifting world. Check out this blog post of mine about deep learning strategies for ideas to include more critical thinking in your lessons.

#4: Promoting Mental Health and Well-being

The past couple of years have underscored the importance of mental health and well-being. As a teacher, you’re not just an educator but also a source of support for your students. Keep an eye out for signs of stress or anxiety and create a safe space where students feel comfortable discussing their feelings. Incorporate mindfulness exercises or short breaks to help students recharge. Remember, nurturing their emotional well-being is just as crucial as nurturing their intellect.

5. Flexibility in Assessment and Evaluation

Gone are the days when rigid exams were the sole measure of a student’s progress. Embrace a more flexible approach to assessment, including project-based evaluations, portfolios, and real-world application of knowledge. This allows students to showcase their skills in ways that align with their strengths and interests, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Conclusion

As you step into the new academic year and beyond, keep in mind that you are not just imparting knowledge but shaping the future. By fostering inclusivity, embracing technology, nurturing critical thinking, promoting well-being, and adapting your assessment methods, you’re not only equipping your students with tools for success but also inspiring them to become lifelong learners and responsible global citizens. Here’s to a year filled with growth, discovery, and countless “a-ha” moments! Happy teaching! 🌟

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Mastering the Art of Public Speaking: Tips for Rocking the Stage with Confidence

Posted on by richardjamesrogers

An article by Richard James Rogers (Award-Winning Author of The Quick Guide to Classroom Management and The Power of Praise: Empowering Students Through Positive Feedback).

Illustrated by Pop Sutthiya Lertyongphati.

Hello, fellow speaker! Are you ready to conquer the stage and captivate your audience with your words? Public speaking can be a nerve-wracking experience, but fear not! In this blog post, we’ll explore some invaluable tips to help you become a confident and engaging ‘sage on a stage’. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s dive in!

#1: Know Your Audience

Understanding your audience is the first step towards delivering a memorable speech. Research their demographics, interests, and knowledge level to tailor your content accordingly. Speak their language, incorporate relatable anecdotes, and address their pain points. Remember, your ultimate goal is to connect with your audience on a personal level.

#2: Structure Your Speech

A well-structured speech can make all the difference in keeping your audience engaged. Begin with a compelling opening that grabs attention, followed by a clear introduction of your topic. Organize your main points logically, supporting them with relevant examples or stories. Finally, end with a strong conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.

#3: Practice, Practice, Practice

Rehearsing your speech is crucial. Familiarize yourself with the content and practice it aloud multiple times. Pay attention to your tone, pace, and body language. Consider recording yourself or rehearsing in front of a mirror to assess your delivery. The more you practice, the more confident and natural you’ll become on stage.

#4: Embrace Non-Verbal Communication

Effective communication extends beyond words. Pay attention to your body language, facial expressions, and gestures. Stand tall, maintain eye contact, and use appropriate hand movements to enhance your message. Be mindful of your posture and avoid fidgeting. Confident body language will help you establish a strong presence and connect with your audience.

#5: Utilize Visual Aids

Visual aids can reinforce your message and make it more memorable. Use slides, props, or multimedia presentations to complement your speech. However, be cautious not to overload your audience with too many visuals. Keep them simple, clear, and visually appealing, while serving as a visual support to your spoken words.

#6: Engage Your Audience

Interaction is key to keeping your audience engaged throughout your speech. Encourage participation by asking rhetorical questions, inviting volunteers, or using audience polls. Incorporate moments for small group discussions or brief activities to break the monotony. Consider using live quizzes that the audience can participate in using their devices (e.g. Kahoot!, Blooket and Quizlet Live). Remember, an engaged audience is more likely to retain your message. They’ll also be happier and will enjoy themselves during your presentation, and you’ll be more likely to get referrals afterwards.

#7: Connect Through Storytelling

Humans are wired for stories. Incorporate personal anecdotes, real-life examples, or relevant narratives to connect with your audience emotionally. Stories evoke emotions, enhance relatability, and help your audience connect the dots. Make your speech memorable by sharing stories that resonate with your audience.

#8: Be Authentic

Authenticity is the secret ingredient to captivating your audience. Embrace your unique voice, personality, and style. Avoid imitating others or trying to be someone you’re not. Embrace your imperfections and let your genuine passion for the topic shine through. Audiences appreciate speakers who are genuine and relatable.

#9: Handle Nervousness

Even the most seasoned speakers experience nervousness. Embrace it as a natural response and use it to your advantage. Channel that energy into enthusiasm and excitement. Practice deep breathing, visualization, or other relaxation techniques before stepping on stage. Remember, nervousness is a sign that you care, and your audience wants you to succeed.

#10: Seek Feedback and Learn

After each speaking engagement, seek feedback from trusted sources. Analyze what worked well and areas that need improvement. Join public speaking clubs or workshops to refine your skills further. Remember, mastery takes time, so be patient and committed to continuous growth. If you would like to earn a Certificate in Public Speaking, then check out my Powerful Public Speaker programme, which can be delivered online wherever you are in the world (or on-site, if you happen to live in Thailand).

Conclusion

Congratulations! Armed with these public speaking tips, you’re well on your way to becoming an exceptional speaker. Embrace the opportunity to share your ideas, inspire change, and leave a lasting impact on your audience. Remember, every great speaker started somewhere, so don’t let fear hold you back. Embrace the stage, believe in yourself, and let your voice be heard!

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Post-COVID Teaching: Almost Everything is Different!

Posted on by richardjamesrogers

An article by Richard James Rogers (Award-Winning Author of The Quick Guide to Classroom Management and The Power of Praise: Empowering Students Through Positive Feedback).

Illustrated by Pop Sutthiya Lertyongphati.

Firstly, I’ll begin with a big hello and a salute to every teacher reading this right now. Many of us taught through the grueling COVID years and made it (unscathed, albeit exhausted) to the other side.

That is an achievement in and of itself.

Those of us who stayed in teaching have shown tremendous resilience. COVID destabilized so many schools and demoralized so many teachers – so much so, that more teachers are leaving the profession than those that are applying for open vacancies.

For those of us who did decide to stick to our guns, post-pandemic teaching has brought with it some new challenges that were somewhat unexpected:

  • Children are fed up of doing online tasks, and now expect more human-interactivity in lessons. Teachers need to be more active within their lessons than ever before – we simply cannot get way with setting our kids some work to do whilst we check e-mails and do admin. This kind of dovetailing simply cannot happen anymore.
  • AI has been thrust upon us – possibly the biggest challenge to education since COVID
  • Many of our students are way behind, since they picked up misconceptions and did not learn deeply enough during the COVID years. Many of us are now trying to teach advanced concepts to children who have little foundational knowledge.
  • The ways in which we taught students before COVID are not necessarily the ways we should teach students in the post-COVID years

As a result of these challenges, we need to be more organized than ever before if we are to stay in the game. So, are you ready to level up and become even more efficient? Well, you’re in luck! In this blog post, we’re going to explore five practical ways you can boost your efficiency in 2023 and beyond. Get ready to embrace new strategies, tools, and ideas that will make your teaching journey a breeze. So, let’s dive right in!

#1: Embrace the power of technology (but don’t let it take over)

In this digital age, technology is your trusty sidekick. From interactive whiteboards to educational apps, find tech tools that align with your teaching style and make your life easier. Harness the power of online platforms for grading, communication, and lesson planning. Let technology be your secret weapon in conquering classroom chaos!

  • Utilise live quiz apps like Blooket, Quizlet Live, Quizziz, Kahoot! and iSpring Quizmaker to get your students interacting with lesson content. It’s important that the teacher is active during these tasks too – comment on scores along the way, use humor and walk around the classroom to help students.
  • Use G Suite tools to aid with collaborative project work. Google Sheets, Docs, Sites and Slides all allow students to create high-quality outputs in real-time, in groups. Think of ways to utilize these tools to your advantage. Some ideas are given here.
  • Utilise Virtual Learning Environments to share resources and communicate with your students. Google Classroom, Firefly, Moodle and Class Dojo are all great platforms that I highly recommend. Share slides and summaries ahead of time if you can – this will allow your students the opportunity to read ahead.

Technology warning – do not replace human teaching with technology-driven teaching. Whilst there’s so much great software out there that will literally teach children all they need to know about a subject or topic, the children attending school today do not want this. They’ve had enough of educational software as they were heavily exposed to it during the COVID years when they were learning remotely. It’s back to basics, I’m afraid – paper-based tasks, spatial learning and active engagement are in-vogue and will be for some time to come.

#2: Streamline Lesson Planning

Create a system that saves time and energy during lesson planning. Organize resources, templates, and activities in a central location for easy access. Collaborate with fellow teachers and share ideas to lighten the load. Remember, a well-planned lesson is a successful lesson! Read my top 7 strategies for efficient lesson planning here. Here’s a quick summary:

  • Plan in a way that works for you personally: The methods of lesson planning that I use personally have changed and evolved over the course of my career, just as I have changed and evolved too. The methods I use work for me, and that allows me to express myself in the best and most natural way possible.
  • Always get a quick starter activity ready: You’ll often find that there are many great workbooks full of activities and worksheets published and ready for you to use. A small investment of money in resources like this can save you loads of time that you may have spent making resources from scratch. 
  • Always include a quick plenary: This can be as simple as getting the students to stand at the front of the class and do some quick-fire questioning, playing a learning game or even getting groups of students to verbalize their own summary. 
  • Keep your plans and reuse them year after year: There’s no point in reinventing the wheel. Keep your planners safe and organised and use them again and again when you teach the same or similar content. Modify as you go along. 
  • Look online for Schemes of Work, Programmes of Study and lesson plans that other people have created: You’ll be surprised at the wealth of information available. I’ve personally done this many times in the past. A quick search on a search engine can pull up many documents that you can use, modify and change to suit your own lesson planning.
  • Use published Schemes of Work to assist you: All examination boards produce Course Guides or syllabuses, and some will even provide Schemes of Work. Use the content from these to inform your lesson planning, particularly if you’re filling in an ‘Objectives’ or ‘Learning Outcomes’ section.
  • Take a long-term view: If you teach students who will take exams in May, for example, then you should know which exact topics you’ll need to cover each month in order to give you enough time to do revision and get the students ready for their exams on time.

#3: Automate Routine Tasks

Don’t let paperwork and administrative tasks steal your precious time. Seek out apps and software that automate grading, attendance, and reporting. Free yourself from the never-ending stack of papers and focus on what you do best—teaching!

Check out these blog posts and sites for some great ideas on how to automate some of your routine work:

#4: Prioritize Self-Care

I’ve mentioned this point many times before in blog posts and podcast episodes, but I really must emphasize again that we must PRIORITIZE self-care.

When we look after ourselves, we are better able to teach. It’s that simple.

Burnt out, stressed teachers occupy too many classrooms (often through no fault of their own). We must do what we can to counteract the stressors that affect us.

Being an efficient teacher starts with taking care of yourself. Remember to recharge your batteries, both mentally and physically. Get enough sleep, exercise, and enjoy hobbies outside of the classroom. A happy teacher is a highly efficient teacher!

Read more tips on how to be a happy teacher in this great blog post by Jessica Robinson.

#5: Embrace Flexibility

The ability to adapt and be flexible is a superpower in the ever-changing world of education. Embrace innovative teaching techniques, experiment with new approaches, and adjust your lesson plans to meet your students’ evolving needs. Stay open-minded, and your efficiency will skyrocket!

Read this great blog post by Gill Murray (Founder of Alba English Class Online and Homestay) on the topic of being a flexible and adaptable teacher for some great tips you just can’t miss!

Conclusion

We stayed in the profession despite the massive challenges we faced during COVID, yet new challenges have presented themselves since schools reopened. Being a teacher in the post-COVID years is, and is going to be, more challenging than it has ever been before. For those of us who are tired and fed up, we MUST find ways to raise our energy levels so that we can engage our students. Our paperwork, once a task we could partly do within lessons, must be completed in our free periods and our free time – and that requires good organizational systems to be in-place.

On top of all of these new challenges we face professionally, we also find ourselves on a common personal battlefield – that of our wellbeing. Here’s a big newsflash just in case you missed the memo – your school, your district and your government are NOT responsible for your personal mental and physical health and will probably do little to help you anyway. We must prioritize our own happiness and wellbeing. For some of us (me included), this means that everything must change – from how we wake up in the morning, to how we embrace fitness opportunities and get deep, restful sleep.

Forth eorlingas!

Recommended further reading

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