How do you inspire students?
Well, first we needed some inspiration and it came in the bucket load this week at our first ‘Risk Takers’ session.
The lunch? Good. The cake? Some may say it was inspiring. The meeting? Brilliant. It was a real opportunity to share ideas in an informal, friendly setting.
As ASTs we may have been a little over excited with the prospect of cake and a whole lunch break talking about our favourite subject – teaching and learning. We were not disappointed. V9 was buzzing with enthusiasm!
After a brief introduction, everyone was up and out of their seats (and cushions) to write their ideas on the tables and windows – literally. Here are just a few of the ideas we all shared.
Another suggestion to group students was to have ‘home’ (friendship) and ‘away’ (teacher differentiated) groups; write a number, a colour and a shape on the front of each exercise book to represent different groupings or even order them randomly based on height, date of birth, etc.
The Tactile Table – using objects to promote discussions and abstract thinking. This supports kinaesthetic learners and creates a tactile environment. For example:
What theme is symbolised best by the potato masher?
How would you go about splitting the whisk into quarters?
Use the stickle bricks to represent the differences between elements and compounds.
We each left with a handful of new ideas to engage, motivate and inspire our students.
Taking risks in the classroom isn’t about walking on a tightrope, juggling, whilst fireworks go off (we exaggerate but you know what we mean). Taking risks is trying something new. Trying something different. Trying something that may go wrong BUT could equally (and more likely) be the lesson that day where your students are surprised to hear the bell so soon and don’t want your lesson to end.
How do you inspire students? We start by inspiring each other.
The next ‘Risk Takers’ session will be held in S8 on Tuesday 12th March – lunch (and cake) will be provided. We look forward to seeing you all there!
In the meantime, why not get yourselves on Twitter? There is a world of great ideas out there… you could even use the Mountbatten hashtag. #MBrisktakers
@siancarter1 @wheeler_sally @NEdge9
Please continue to share your ideas here along with your own teacher Twitter information if you want!
Loved the first meeting, some great ideas and flattered that you posted one of mine on here. Bring on the strategies!
Loved that so many people came along and shared ideas. Why not post some more here?
Love all of the ideas and the number of staff who are involved. Great work. I will definitely trial Post its on heads, writing on tables and PPPB. @joannascott9
A great read. You can feel the energy that must have been created! Keep up the good work!
Gutted I missed the meeting. Refuse to miss the next one, even if I have to come in on my day off. Stealing one idea for my observation on Monday! Hope Sianny will be impressed!
There’s a wonderful buzz that anyone reading this blog will feel! What an astonishing range of imaginative learning experiences being trialled – lucky students!
Great first session. Loved the coloured writing on windows…and exit cards on pillars. Learning conversations with ASTs very helpful.
Gordie