Observing Experienced Teachers by @MrTRoach

Name: Tim Roach
Twitter name: @MrTRoach
Sector: Primary
Subject taught (if applicable):
Position: Year 6 teacher and English lead
What is your advice about? Observing experienced teachers

1: Give a week’s notice before asking to observe a teacher. Some will welcome you at short notice, but it’s an etiquette thing.

2: Talk to the teacher about the lesson objective and any significant areas of note. Consider one area to focus on: behaviour management, teacher modelling, AfL, questioning etc.

3: Take a pen and notepad or tablet to make notes. You will not be able to remember everything useful you observe.

4: Get involved. When the pupils are practising, go and sit with them and talk to them about their learning.

5: After the lesson, talk to the teacher about how they thought it went, ask questions and look at the children’s work. And remember to thank them!

Classroom Management by @MrTRoach

Name: Tim Roach
Twitter name: @MrTRoach
Sector: Primary
Subject taught (if applicable):
Position: Year 6 & English lead
What is your advice about? Classroom management

1: Always carry several pens. Mark books while still in the lesson for more effective feedback and time-saving.

2: Use your lunch break to mark books or prepare resources; better than dragging them home. What else are you going to do for 45 minutes?

3: Back up planning and paperwork on a USB stick or hard drive. Name them accurately and file them logically.

4: Smile: don’t wait until Christmas. Set rules and stick to them, but above all, foster postive relationships with pupils.

5: Don’t suffer in silence. If in doubt, ask a more experienced colleague, trainee/NQT friend or Twitter.