Session 6 29th July
Session Title
Reflecting on your year what worked/ didn’t work? What will you improve next year?
Summary of discussion
Once again a fast paced talk this time with the focus on Reflecting on the school year what worked/ didn’t work? What will you improve on next year?
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Although a lot of the talk revolved around the use of ICT and sites that had worked and not worked, some non-tech issues came through.
A big one was marking and how it was hard to keep on top of; it was felt that despite good intentions people would be behind by Christmas at the latest. A discussion revolved around ways to solve this.
Ideas included:
- Better use of AfL – peer marking in particular was discussed
- Better use of VLE so that homework/ tasks could be given in different ways
- Mix of written tasks vs. spoken tasks
Others felt that they would like to make better use of their outdoor areas and some discussion revolved around Forest Schools (see below for link on information).
Through discussion of ICT the overall and underlying principles that came out was that these tools are often used to help children take more control of their learning. This matches with the AfL ideas and even better use of VLE.
Although prompted by me I do think that some of us may be thinking a little more about our work life balance – however I could be wrong on this.
I think ultimately the thing that everyone decided on was the use of Twitter and how next year they would continue to set aside time to attend the Ukedchats. This is seen as a positive time to talk to others and expand the PLN that we are all developing.
I am hoping that everyone enjoyed the night as I did – it has made me think about things I intend to do better next year and hopefully helped those that took part as well. Remember although reflection is important at the end of the year it is also important day in day out to improve our teaching and ultimately the learning that occurs in the classroom.
Eye catching tweets
Each child in my class has their own display space, they decide what goes on it, photos, work etc. Changed regularly. Good Afl @GillDeCosemo
This year in my school Teachers had Reflection Journals – this was much more useful than annotating planning. Honesty needed! – @theotheralig
Use co-operative techniques and get kids to take more control J – @Janeh271
I love visiting schools where displays are used to tell a story of the work done rather than seeing 15 images of same thing – @Joga5
However good your plan/activities/access to ICT, relationship remains the fundamental key to success – @tonycassidy
Tweet of the week
Final thoughts? Use Twitter. Go to TeacMeets! Share best practice! Don’t let things swamp you! @bevevans22
Relevant links given during discussion
http://carol-carolrb.blogspot.com/2010/06/talking-to-children-about-using-ipod.html
http://2simple.com/2publishplus/
http://www.youtube.com/breakthruchris
http://www.byrdseed.com/differentiator/#
http://www.winsupersite.com/office/o2010_suite.asp
http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/bloomtax.htm
http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/glowscotland/index.asp
Host Moderator
I am a primary school teacher in England currently Year 3, I have just started KS2 teaching after 5 years in KS1. I have various interests in the classroom most involve around learning through play/ discovery and using ICT to enhance learning. Always looking for new ideas to improve my teaching.
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