Improving classroom performance

A departmental approach

Session plan

• Developing a common teaching philosophy

• Collective approaches to schemes of work

• Peer observation• Running effective meetings

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Example phrases• ‘Exciting Science that matters’

(Science)• ‘Communicating with confidence’

(English)• ‘Unleashing creativity for all’ (D&T)• ‘Healthy living for life’ (PE)• ‘Preparing for the global

community’ (MFL)• ‘Fearless with numbers’ (Maths)

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Elements to include

• Define the content and key concept • Identify the skills to be developed • Identify key words in each topic• Include an ‘active learning’ lesson

(with student interaction)• Include a lesson that uses ICT• End with a final assessment

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Focus on skills

Four topics:1 Comprehension skills (introduce)2 Research skills (introduce)3 Spreadsheet skills (introduce)

Research skills (reinforce)4 Verbal skills (introduce)

Comprehension skills (reinforce)

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Observation forms: pros

• Aids memory• Focuses discussion• Structures thinking• Prompts a more disciplined

approach to observation

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Observation forms: cons

• May tempt observer into making value judgements

• Could make some staff nervous• May create impression of

accountability

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After observation• Observer provides a written critique• Observed offers a written

self-assessment• Written agreement on what the

observer and observed could take from the observation

• Verbal versions only• No individual feedback –

departmental discussion instead

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Running effective meetings• Agenda circulated at least

24 hours in advance• The meeting is chaired effectively• One item from the development

plan is on the agenda• One teaching and learning issue is

on the agenda• All staff express a view in the

meeting

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Running effective meetings

• No staff dominate the meeting• All items are given a fair share

of the time• The meeting is kept to time• Effective decisions are made

on every item• All staff feel the meeting

has been productive

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