Using purpose not power to create a positive learning culture

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com Fernando, a brilliant mentor in our partnership, is often heard to say that his mentees, need to teach with ‘purpose not power’.  Beginning teachers often find classroom management hard, struggling with the idea they have the right to ask for and expect pupils to follow their instructions.  Usually this … Continue reading Using purpose not power to create a positive learning culture

Setting granular targets for beginning teachers

Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels.com Saima’s teaching practice placement is well underway, and she is getting used to the pattern of her teaching week and her regular mentor meetings.  Things have been going pretty well, but she is gathering rather a formidable list of targets, including: "Improve classroom management around transition points." "Develop subject … Continue reading Setting granular targets for beginning teachers

Sensing a change in the weather: The importance of reading the room to pre-empt behaviour

Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com During the past two years I’ve been on a rapid learning curve in my role as a basketball mum.  I am still learning the rules of the game so this week, as I found myself watching a professional league basketball match, I was still having to seek clarification about … Continue reading Sensing a change in the weather: The importance of reading the room to pre-empt behaviour

It’s as easy as 1-2-3: The importance of contextualised behaviour routines and mentoring support for beginning teachers

Photo by Magda Ehlers on Pexels.com Jessie is starting to assume more responsibility for her classes.  So far, she’s taught around 15 whole lessons, but hasn’t had to do any teaching completely independently.  Her mentor, Jasdeep, has always been on hand to step in if behaviour started to creep out of control or Jessie was … Continue reading It’s as easy as 1-2-3: The importance of contextualised behaviour routines and mentoring support for beginning teachers