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So many have been offering me advice on what I should and shouldn't be doing in my classroom so I thought I'd post my 5 Teaching Tips just in case any of you decide to give the profession a go.
1. The best lessons are not planned.
Many a time I have gone into the classroom without any real idea what I was going to talk about in that lesson. In most cases, these were my best lessons as you constantly amaze yourself with what you can do when backed into a corner.
One famous lesson comes to mind. Monday morning, week 6, Year 12 English Studies. I was devoid of what to do as I hadn't prepared due to a big weekend. We had a TV in the room, so we deconstructed an episode of 'Days of our Lives.' Beau Brady, thanks a lot, mate.
2. If in doubt always answer a question with a question.
Teachers don't have all the answers. Some of us have few answers. But don't let the students know.
Example - Yr 12 Modern History - Unit - "The Renaissance" A student asked me this:- "Sir, was Martin Luther ordained as a Catholic priest in 1507 or 1517?"
As I hadn't revisited that chapter of the text yet, although I told the students to read it for homework, I answered, "Well when do you think it was, John? Please don't waste my time." End of problem!
3. Always look busy and you won't be asked to do additional tasks.
Whenever I leave my staff room, I carry a load of books with me. If people think you look busy, they won't ask for your assistance in other tasks. Works a charm!
4. There is no right or wrong answer in a history exam or essay.
If the student agrees with you/ is a nice person / tries hard / then you bump their marks up, particularly in non-descript assessment. Similarly, if you have a little **************** in your class, they get marked down - makes for cohesion in the group.
5. Never tell parents the truth about their child until the final report.
It's easier that way, you don't waste time in parent interviews or catch up classes. Every interim report should say that they are meeting the expectations of the subject so as you avoid the 'angry parent' syndrome (e.g. Why can't you get my son to pass this subject.) When the final report comes out, you are on holidays, uncontactable and the student will be another teacher's problem next year!
1. The best lessons are not planned.
Many a time I have gone into the classroom without any real idea what I was going to talk about in that lesson. In most cases, these were my best lessons as you constantly amaze yourself with what you can do when backed into a corner.
One famous lesson comes to mind. Monday morning, week 6, Year 12 English Studies. I was devoid of what to do as I hadn't prepared due to a big weekend. We had a TV in the room, so we deconstructed an episode of 'Days of our Lives.' Beau Brady, thanks a lot, mate.
2. If in doubt always answer a question with a question.
Teachers don't have all the answers. Some of us have few answers. But don't let the students know.
Example - Yr 12 Modern History - Unit - "The Renaissance" A student asked me this:- "Sir, was Martin Luther ordained as a Catholic priest in 1507 or 1517?"
As I hadn't revisited that chapter of the text yet, although I told the students to read it for homework, I answered, "Well when do you think it was, John? Please don't waste my time." End of problem!
3. Always look busy and you won't be asked to do additional tasks.
Whenever I leave my staff room, I carry a load of books with me. If people think you look busy, they won't ask for your assistance in other tasks. Works a charm!
4. There is no right or wrong answer in a history exam or essay.
If the student agrees with you/ is a nice person / tries hard / then you bump their marks up, particularly in non-descript assessment. Similarly, if you have a little **************** in your class, they get marked down - makes for cohesion in the group.
5. Never tell parents the truth about their child until the final report.
It's easier that way, you don't waste time in parent interviews or catch up classes. Every interim report should say that they are meeting the expectations of the subject so as you avoid the 'angry parent' syndrome (e.g. Why can't you get my son to pass this subject.) When the final report comes out, you are on holidays, uncontactable and the student will be another teacher's problem next year!
