University of Buckingham
January is all about Joy and teaching is all about Joy. I have been very fortunate to have enjoyed my teaching in schools from my very first lesson. I still remember this vividly. I have learned and continue to learn along the way, and here are a few things I wish to share. When you... Continue Reading →
ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence site which provides good quality, free-of-charge answers to the sorts of questions teachers and university lecturers might ask. ChatGPT was created by OpenAI, an independent artificial intelligence research foundation co-founded by Elon Musk in 2015. Released last November, OpenAI’s chatbot is able to create stunningly human-like responses to a wide range... Continue Reading →
From a biology perspective, differentiation is a process that cells undergo prior to maturing and becoming distinct, in structure and function. In terms of education, the children we teach are certainly distinct and display great variation in maturity levels. Our role, as teachers, is to enable all our children, access the curriculum, enjoy learning, and... Continue Reading →
November is all about Nurturing good teaching. Specifically, how mentors can nurture good teaching. Our recent October residential got me thinking about the many ways that we nurture good teaching. Is it only subject knowledge, or does it extend beyond this? Is it about our dedication and commitment in putting the needs of the learner... Continue Reading →
“It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan’’ Eleanor Roosevelt I am not sure if I am organised or have OCD, but either way, I love a tidy desk, numerous planners, and colour coding. We are well into the academic year; time is flying literally (or maybe it feels this way,... Continue Reading →
“I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught.” — Winston Churchill How can teachers create a supportive environment conducive to learning? Support is an intricate part of teaching, and this became more apparent during the pandemic with multiple articles discussing several ways that teachers can support their students: “8... Continue Reading →
As I excitedly started my new role at the University of Buckingham in leading the Physical Education PGCE course last week, I have been drawn to the numerous tweets on twitter by trainee teachers seeking advice for their upcoming PGCE year. So, what better position as a new Head of cohort to offer some guidance... Continue Reading →
1) The A-level results were a triumph for pupils and teachers, who have managed courses which were badly disrupted by COVID-19. Praise too for Ofqual and the exam boards who ensured exams happened at all. Back in the autumn of 2021 there were calls to scrap exams this year and the message went out from... Continue Reading →
"Education is dependent on the quality of the personal relationships between teachers and children" (van Manen, 1991) Several classical educational writers, e.g., St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) and JF Pestallozzi (1746-1827), highlight that personality and moral qualities of teachers are of utmost importance. With the end of this academic year and the opportunity to pause and... Continue Reading →