What can we do to support teachers in all schools and how will you influence the narrative?
On 25th April 2019, I was invited to attend LGfL’s – Let’s Get Digitial – Annual Conference. Alongside some other fascinating presenters, workshop leaders and teachers in the room, I was given the honour of sharing my provocations from the stage. I have outlined the big questions below…
Widen your perspective …
Over the years since I have been writing and researching about education, I have challenged myself as well as others to become more immersed in research – to widen my own perceptions. Along this journey, I have learned so much about teaching, our education system and how the world of politics influences what teachers can and cannot do. This stance is now informing my doctoral research…
I may not have all the answers, and in this video, there are one or two bold claims I make. I would encourage you to watch the video in full, then leave a comment below or in the actual video footage for all to see.
Questions, questions, questions …
I pose a number of rhetorical questions to challenge perceptions, share strategies to reduce teacher workload, as well as explain which factors may drive these circumstances. I also squeeze in a range of research informed, teaching ideas. There is also hyperlink shared, offering a one-stop landing page to various videos, resources and articles cited.
My big questions are below:
- How many teachers are working in the education system?
- Why are teachers leaving the profession? And for what reason?
- What is driving teacher workload?
- What mental health issues do our teachers endure?
- What can we learn from DfE and Ofsted Freedom of Information requests?
- What does research tell us about what is or isn’t effective in the classroom?
- What impact do Ofsted grades have on a school’s workforce?
- Why is there no research to suggest performance related pay improves teachers?
- Why do schools publish a teaching and learning policy?
- Does verbal feedback make a difference in the classroom?
- What can we learn from schools meeting the same challenges as everyone else across the UK?
- How is social media influencing education policy in England?
- What are the challenges and strengths of headteachers and teachers across the UK?
All of these questions are answer on this webiste. Thank you to LGfL for inviting me and congratulations on your continued support, connecting schools across the London region and further afield for many decades. You can watch other interesting presentations here.
