Signs of a good classroom
“Am I a good teacher? “ Is a question you may ask yourself. Or “Is my child’s teacher any good?”
Well here is an assessment tool to help you decide. If your classroom or your child’s classroom has these things, well you’re doing well!!
VOICE – there should be noise in every classroom. Voices of discussion, cooperation, collaboration, debate and problem solving.
CHOICE – Can your children make decisions for themselves? Where to sit, who to work with and what to learn?
REFLECTION – Is there designated time for reflection in the classroom? How did I do today? What can I do better tomorrow?
CRITICAL THINKING – Can the children solve real life problems? Make it real.
INNOVATION – Do your children have the opportunity to use their own ideas? “Model what you would do and and ask them to decide how they will paint their picture!”
SELF ASSESSMENT – Does your timetable allow children to regulate their own learning journey? “I tried my best today in English but tomorrow I will work harder on mathematics!”
CONNECTED LEARNING – Do your lessons span the curriculum? If you’re learning about polygons, how did the Romans use them in their buildings?
FUN – is it fun?
8 Responses
Brilliant read. Thanks Gavin ✌
What about caring and communication? I think this two things also need to include in this section .
There’s a simple question all teachers should ask themselves at the end of each teaching day……….. In a reflective moment they should ask: “Would I have ENJOYED being a child in my classroom today?” If Gavin, the answer is a “positive YES” then that teacher in my estimation would undoubtedly be A GOOD TEACHER! Cheers Mate!
I recall my daughter asking me if she could rather attend her brothers school as her school allowed her to play all day long and she is tired of doing the same puzzles …. she was five years old at the time …. we made the switch and it was her best year ever !
It’s sad that often “Voice” is regarded as “noise”
Great post Gavin! I love it! Totally agree with you.
Gavin,
Your assessment tool covers many 21st century learning skills! Nice synopsis of what can make a good teacher. The only aspect I would suggest adding is mindfulness: is everyone mindful (and respectful) of themselves and their actions, each other and the earth?
Safe space…and encouragement do wonders ❣️