Be realistic
Within expectations and aspirations, it’s also important to be realistic. Some students will perform better than others, that goes without saying, but they can also have different things to aspire to. If you think about the TV show Bake Off, some of us can watch it and aspire to be able to make perfect and complex cakes, others just want to be able to bake something without it tasting like a piece of cardboard. For each person, reaching that goal is an achievement and may create a new aspiration (opening a cake shop for example).
Explain how students can get top marks
This goes back to the driving test scenario. If students know what is expected of them and what they need to do to achieve it, it makes it so much easier than feeling around in the dark. There’s nothing wrong with knowing how to achieve something. Think of it as a ‘recipe for success’. This can be done in so many ways, but one of the easiest is to have a visual prompt that explains how to achieve each skill/grade/level.
Support Independent Learning
Any seasoned teacher will tell you that a student left undirected to do independent learning, probably won’t learn very much. That’s because they probably don’t know what to look for, where to find it, or what to do if they do find it. Just imagine all those wasted hours in IT suites and libraries.
But, if they have a guide on where to find things and what to look for, it’s astounding what they can gain from it. One idea is a shared resource folder, full of interesting and useful information, web sites, activities, and articles. This provides a gradual introduction to guiding their own learning and means fewer wasted hours.
By enabling students to feel that they’ve discovered and learnt on their own, independent learning also allows them to stretch their aspirations and expectations of themselves further.
Finally, where possible, pull in parents and carers. Let them know what your expectations are and how they can support their child in achieving them. As one teacher told us, “Never underestimate the power of a good phone call home”.
As a leading teacher recruitment agency, 3R’s are always on the hunt for more amazing and inspirational teachers. So, if you have any friends who are looking for supply work please put them in touch with us, 0345 1303338 |