It’s been a little while between posts lately – I’ve been busy job hunting for 2016! I’ve had a particular blog post on my mind for a few months now and my topic of interest this time is teacher stereotypes and cynicism, particularly cynicism of teachers and the way this can spread, infect and disadvantage […]
While taking a tour around Ross Parker’s blog recently, I came across his lovely graphic of “The Learning Zone” – another term to describe what Vygotsky essentially outlines with his “Zone of Proximal Development” concept. I won’t lie: I haven’t thought about Vygotsky since my uni days – so this mini refresher was really useful! […]
I first came across Phil Beadle years ago on YouTube. Phil is an English teacher, education consultant, author, teacher trainer and speaker. Nowadays, I regularly check in on his blog, particularly to see his journalism for The Guardian. As an English teacher, Phil is really innovative and has a history of achieving ‘transformational’ results with students […]
If I asked you to recall your favourite teacher, what is it exactly that you remember? For me, remembering my favourite teacher is a little like this quote from Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” […]
I was given a copy of this great book by my dad last year. After finishing up an incredible career as a teacher and principal, he actually gifted this book to all of his staff. I loved the simple title of the book; “The Inspiring Teacher – Making a Positive Difference in Students’ Lives”. I know […]
A recent YouTube search for behaviour management strategies lead me to the Australian behaviour management expert and education consultant, Dr. Bill Rogers. Wow. Seriously. This man is so down to earth and approachable, his videos are extraordinary in their simplicity and logic. I felt like I had finally found an expert who echoed my personal beliefs […]
When it comes to behaviour management, I like to think I am going to be forever polishing my skills and collecting new strategies to try out. Sometimes behaviour management strategies work, and sometimes they fall flat. But beyond that, I believe the key is to maintain positivity, a belief in the students and the ability to come into the classroom every day […]
Melanie Ralph 