Tour of the TLCs - TLC 5

TLC 5 forms the second TLC in the second cycle of the 2015-16 programme. Staff were introduced to their new focus area in the also TLC. They were given the opportunity to reflect on their practice and try out new ideas in preparation for this TLC.

Developing Understanding 

As I arrived in the developing understand TLC staff were in the middle of playing a Kahoot! To consolidate the learning from last session and to engage the staff. The atmosphere within the TLC was instantly noticeable as the staff were really engaged in the competition. 

Staff were also discussing the idea of 'Find&Fix' as a starter/connect activity where students or staff provide an example with a deliberate mistake and the class have to spot them and correct it.

Staff then finished by using the five minute lesson plan to show how they would develop for the next session.

Independent Student Learning - 'Flipping' Learning

In this sessions staff were in the middle of a speed dating activity:

The speed dating was designed to allow quickly share the progress so far. The pace of the activity was instantly evident as was the engagement of the staff.

Staff were openly sharing the elements that were successful and those that could be developed. The atmosphere created within the TLC allowed staff to feel comfortable with both aspects and not concerned with sharing.

Rossett student digital leaders were on hand to advise staff and help them produce 'flipped' videos. This was invaluable for staff who had not produced their own videos before.

High Expectations

As I arrived at this session staff were looking at some examples from other schools of how higher expectations are implemented. The staff were asked to see how they could encorporate these ideas into your sessions.

Staff went on to look at a specific ways of wording a behaviour matrix to lift expectations of behaviour from an example at Lawnswood. They were looking to apply this to their own classrooms.

Growth Mindset

As I arrived Staff were working their way through the ten elements of growth mindset.

Staff went on to discuss how they deliver the knowledge requirements from the course. Good points were raised about the significance of modelling, repetition and ensuring students understand the key words before starting an activity. The idea of competition was also highlighted as a quick way of ensuring the basics are in place.

Staff the looked at ways at developing surface learning:

Staff enjoyed the engaging nature of the activities and the simple way that they could be applied. Staff also enjoyed taking part and the activities really got the cogs turning.

Collaboration

Staff were creating success criteria for effective group work. Staff highlighted the importance of distinct roles and measurable outcomes as ways of ensuring the success of the activity.

The importance of good and clear communication from both the teacher and students was also highlighted to ensure the quality of the outcome.

The importance of ensuring that everybody contributes to the task was agreed by everyone.

Reflections

Lots of really good real world examples were being shared by staff throughout the all of the TLCs. 

Staff were getting lots of ideas and activities that could be dropped straight into tomorrow's lesson.

Staff were leaving each session with a clear plan of what to do before the next TLC.