...Semicolons

This very brief post (requested by students) aims to exemplify conventions for the use of semicolons in standard written English, in just three simple stages.

...Literacy Websites

This is a collection of English and literacy online resources.  It is compiled for teachers with a mild focus on the primary age phases and on early reading and language development.

Click HERE to access the collections, and use Ctrl+F or the 'Search...' box in the sidebar to locate relevant resources.

(To report outdated links and incorrect categories, or to suggest new content, please 'Contact me...')

...Your Education Research Project

This brief post is based on support provided for trainee teachers at UEL, to help them complete a research project assignment.  It lists a range of self-support approaches to help students write and edit education research reports.  Some of the following tips would apply whatever the discipline being studied.

...Interview Day

I have recently received a flurry of emails asking me for advice about impending job interviews. Of course, since these emails have been from teachers in training they are having to consider not only the traditional face-to-face discussion of knowledge, understanding and skills, but also the prospect of teaching an observed 'demo' lesson. So here are some brief thoughts for teachers approaching the inevitable interview day.

...Managing Pressure

Every year, since I began teaching, I've found the approaching winter break brings as much pressure as it does festivity. In fact, I've not once experienced a 'winding down' toward the end of a term. Instead, I tend to feel particularly wound up. Well, this post is concerned with professional pressure, whenever it occurs - and how to manage it.

...Interview Strategy

We held UEL's Recruitment Fair yesterday. The day was organised to provide trainee teachers with all the information they needed to secure an ECT post by the end of their PGCE/School Direct programme. Having interviewed many candidates for training places and teaching posts, I was asked to contribute to a session entitled 'Answering Interview Questions'. This post shares a summary of the guidance I gave, a copy of the presentation I displayed (using Prezi), and a video I used to emphasize the need for decent preparation.

Rather than just dwelling on the questions that potential employers were likely to ask, I decided to discuss the interview process in broader terms and to provide trainees with a strategy for success. Apologies if some of the advice seems fairly obvious, but I've seen first hand the effect that a lack of forward planning can have on interview day... Get to work!

...Collaboration

I recall being taught how to 'collaborate' an interactive whiteboard. The trainer was actually demonstrating calibration, and was clearly unaware of her error. But although little collaboration occurred that day I learned a great deal.

I facilitate collaboration as part of my job, often setting activities which I believe depend on team-work for success. However, I found myself questioning its value during some digital media sessions I ran last week, for trainee teachers on the PGCE.

...Podcasting

After one or two trials & the odd erroneous attempt, have recorded first podcast...

Yes, have taken first tentative steps toward broadcasting self around globe.  Should add, made the decision to podcast some years ago. Until this point however have been more comfortable 'lurking' enthusiastically behind the web pages, blogs & podcasts of others.