Teaching Tip #43: The Biscuit Gamble

Here is an excellent way to create a greater sense of engagement in lesson, particular when revising or quizzing. The principle is simple; after answering the first question correctly (make this an easy one so that they all achieve a sense of success) students have the chance to gamble the amount of biscuits they have …

Teaching Tip #37: Being an effective tutor/mentor

Can I begin by asking you a question; what kind of tutor/mentor are you? Are you the one who deems form groups an 'additional task' or are you someone who sees this important post as vital to the performance and well-being of your students? If it's the former, then you're clearly the inflatable teacher in …

Teaching Tip #36 Behaviour Mentality

You can probably guess the kind of week I've had at school by looking at the title of this tip. As Head of Department, one of the most important things you have to deal with is the behaviour of students (and sometimes teachers and T.A.s) during lessons. You have to be seen to be swift, …

Teaching Tip #33: How to win the confidence of parents

One of the things that always makes me apprehensive is dealing with parents who I feel will be difficult or will  question the way in which I interact with their child. Whilst there will always be parents who will always be challenging (but is this any different to any other line of work?) there are …