Practical Teaching Tips with Richard James Rogers

Even as far back as 2020, during the height of the pandemic, research was being conducted on the effectiveness of video conferencing in education, and some such research concluded that online meetings would remain popular long-after the pandemic was over. My personal experiences have certainly mirrored these predictions – tutoring has moved mostly online, online meetings are still being used by many schools for parent-teacher conferences and schools still find that an online meeting is the most convenient way to bring everyone together efficiently, even if everyone is in the same building! Some schools are still using online meetings for assemblies too – an efficient approach as all of the students can remain in their classrooms and simply ‘enjoy the show’ on the classroom smart board or projector.

Anyone who is new to the teaching profession is bound to make mistakes. There’s so much to learn and so much is at stake: the future careers of young people are literally in your hands. The pressure can be overwhelming at times, and this can cause trainees to panic. Relax! This podcast episode was made for you!

Students who are quiet in class are often the ones who are most overlooked by educators. They tend to be compliant; they rarely (if ever) ask questions; they turn in their homework on time and generally just get on with things. One could be forgiven for thinking of such learners as the ‘perfect’ students. This is, however, quite a narrowly focused viewpoint and stance to take. Such students may be well behaved, but how can we be sure that they have understood the content we have delivered in a lesson (aside from formally assessing them)? Additionally, how are we, as educators, helping our quiet and withdrawn students to develop their self-confidence and key skills, such as public speaking, teamwork and problem-solving?

Bullying continues to be an issue for so many schools. A simple Google search reveals daily news stories of student violence and incidents of extreme intimidation happening in countries all over the world. In today's podcast episode, I describe some simple and effective ways that schools can proactively tackle bullying, as well as prevent it from happening in the first place.

As a newly designated Certified ScrumMaster®, I thought it would be appropriate for me to share my newly acquired knowledge with my listeners - with a particular emphasis on how Scrum can be utilised in the high school classroom, and when managing teams of high school teachers. Scrum is a hugely popular Agile Project Management technique that is most commonly associated with boardrooms, not classrooms! Today I aim to explain why Scrum is an excellent framework for use with any school projects, and how the logistics of the system work.

Teacher stress levels are at an all-time high globally, and things seem set to get worse as teacher shortages show no sign of receding. Whether it's a behaviour management issue we must deal with, an inflammatory email to digest, or a conflict with a colleague to resolve; we MUST always respond professionally - and that rule applies to any situation that causes us frustration. In today's podcast episode, I'll provide you with a very useful framework ('The Four S's') which have helped me to resolve issues in a calm and collected manner over the years. Enjoy!

Teachers have been earning extra cash on the side from private tutoring for centuries. What's new in this space, however, is how widely accepted online tutoring has become post-COVID. In today's episode, I'll explain why online tutoring can be more favorable than face-to-face tutoring for teachers, as well as some top tips on how to get it right every time!

Public speaking and presentation skills are already in high demand in the workplace, and this demand seems set to increase as we enter 2024 and beyond as soft skills (irreplaceable by AI) become harder to acquire in the workforce. When our students present their research findings or knowledge to the class, they develop and enrich their understanding and they acquire key skills along the way.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, traditional teaching methods are being reshaped by innovative approaches that prioritize creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. One such methodology gaining traction is Design Thinking. Originally conceived in the realm of product design, Design Thinking has found its way into education, offering a dynamic framework for educators to foster critical thinking and innovation among students. In this podcast episode, we will explore what Design Thinking is and how it can be effectively applied in classroom teaching.

As we embark on our noble journey of shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning, it's crucial to navigate the realm of assessments with a clear understanding of the three fundamental pillars: Assessment for Learning (AFL), Assessment of Learning (AOL), and Assessment as Learning (AAL). These three components not only guide our teaching practices but also play a pivotal role in student growth and achievement.

Slides are here to stay – that’s undeniable, so let’s discover the common mistakes teachers are making when utilizing them (note to listener – I have made ALL of the mistakes I’m about to mention at some point or another in my career, so I’m a real expert on this topic!).

Boo! Halloween is right around the corner, and it’s time to bring some spooktacular fun into your high school classroom. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or a fresh-faced teacher, these ten Halloween activity ideas will help you create memorable, engaging, and educational experiences for your students. So, put on your witch’s hat, grab a handful of candy corn, and let’s get started!

Tests and assessments provide students with great opportunities to acquire useful practice and training for the final exams. In today's episode, I will describe some ways in which teachers can provide high-quality feedback on exam-style questions.

Inquiry-based learning offers a dynamic and engaging educational approach that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of subject matter. By encouraging students to actively explore topics, formulate questions, and seek answers through investigation, this methodology promotes a sense of curiosity and ownership over the learning process. Through inquiry, students develop the ability to analyze information, draw connections, and think independently, preparing them for the complexities of the real world. Furthermore, this method nurtures a collaborative learning environment, as students often work together to solve problems and share their findings. Inquiry-based learning not only enhances retention and comprehension but also cultivates a lifelong love of learning, empowering individuals to approach challenges with curiosity and adaptability. In today's rapidly evolving world, where information is abundant and ever-changing, the skills acquired through inquiry-based learning are invaluable for preparing students to navigate and contribute meaningfully to a knowledge-driven society.

In today's episode I break down a great article from veteran educator, Suzanne Capek Tingley, which covers the essentials of effective classroom practice.

As teachers, we play a pivotal and crucial role in the shaping of young minds. This means that we are, in fact, role models for young people. Whilst that concept may seem old-fashioned, it is actually more crucial now, in these times of great flux, than ever before in history.

The statistics on child poverty are alarming, and it's highly likely that you are teaching several children (at least) who are financially disadvantaged. In Australia, 1 in 6 children live in poverty, whilst in the US and UK that ratio climbs to 1 in 5 and 1 in 4, respectively. Globally, 1.2 billion children live in poverty, and access to education is often a key factor in helping children escape a life of financial woe. In today's episode, I explore some ways in which we, as teachers, can enact practical strategies in the classroom to help children who are financially disadvantaged. I also discuss some whole-school and community approaches to alleviating the burden of poverty on families and children.

Have you ever wished there was a way to ignite your students’ passion for learning, encourage creativity, and foster independent thinking, all while adhering to the curriculum? Well, look no further than “Genius Hour”! In this episode, we’ll dive deep into what Genius Hour is and explore how it can be applied to high school (and lower school) teaching to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

As we bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of the academic year, we find ourselves at the threshold of a much-needed break: the glorious summer vacation. While some might envision teachers lounging on sandy beaches, sipping fruity drinks, and enjoying endless relaxation, the reality is that our time off is much more precious than that. As a current teacher myself, I understand the importance of making the most out of our time away from the classroom. So, let’s explore some fantastic ways we can recharge, grow, and make this summer unforgettable!

Be careful about how you behave at staff gatherings and parties. It can be really tempting to let your hair down, especially at the start or end of an academic year, but you must remember that your colleagues and managers are secretly watching you (and judging you) when you’re chucking down those pints, shots and bottles of whichever beverage it is that you like. Know your limitations and err on the side of caution.

In today's episode I discuss two very popular topics that are getting a lot of press at the moment: Instagram Threads and children who identify as 'furries' (animals). It's important for teachers to know how Threads could potentially be used to support teaching and learning, as it could (potentially) become a more child-friendly, tamer and 'safer' social media application than Twitter currently is. At the end of the episode, I tackle the second topic, 'furries', by providing some tips for teachers who have to teach children who identify in this way.

In today's episode I describe the best techniques I have used to engage students who do not have English as their first language. Gleaned from over 15 years of teaching ELD students subjects as diverse as Maths, Science, English and German, these tips are actionable and impactful. | Practical Teaching Tips by award-winning author, Richard James Rogers.

Mr Huggins, a History teacher with over 30 years of experience, was asked by the Head of Science at Retford Oaks Academy in the UK to cover a lesson on puberty. What happened next was a nightmarish ordeal that would involve him being investigated by the local authority safeguarding body and the DBS. Listen carefully to this episode if you want to learn some important lessons from Mr Huggins' story.

As a teacher, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the principles that underpin effective instruction. One set of principles that has gained widespread recognition is the set proposed by Barak Rosenshine, a former professor of educational psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In this podcast episode I describe ten ways we can apply Rosenshine’s principles to our lessons to help our students achieve their full potential.

Our lessons need to be clear in order for students to understand the subject content they are expected to learn. This is particularly important for older students who are preparing for exams, and who are therefore expected to memorize, understand and apply vast amounts of information. In today's episode I describe eight ways in which we, as teachers, can increase the clarity of the content we deliver in our lessons.

Teacher workload is a significant issue in the education industry. The workload of teachers can be overwhelming, leading to burnout, job dissatisfaction, and ultimately, lower student outcomes. With a growing emphasis on outcome-driven education, teachers are under more pressure than ever to perform at their best. Oftentimes, however, we are creating work for ourselves through inefficiency - e.g. in the ways in which we assess work and set assignments. In today's episode I will describe three time-saving, worklaod-reducing tips for teachers (with a bonus tip at the end).

Being an online teacher can be both rewarding and challenging. While it offers the flexibility of working from home and a broader reach to students worldwide, it also comes with its own set of stress factors. In 2023, as the world continues to digitize, the number of online teachers will likely increase, and so will the pressure to excel. In this podcast episode, we will look at some stress management techniques to help online teachers stay sane and healthy.

Private tutoring is on the rise globally, with a particular surge in Hong Kong. According to a report by Statista, the private tutoring market in Hong Kong was estimated to be worth HK$ 25 billion (US$ 3.2 billion) in 2021. The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum is particularly popular in Hong Kong, and many teachers are switching to private tutoring. In this podcast episode, we will explore why IB teachers in Hong Kong are making the switch and the impact of this trend.

The short answer to this question is that there are only two reasons why a teacher should ever touch a student: if there's an educational purpose behind it, or if there's a health and safety issue that can only be solved through touching or moving the student. However, despite this, we are seeing an increasing number of videos on social media of, almost exclusively, female teachers hugging and cuddling the children in their classes. Is this appropriate? Listen to today's episode to find out more. 

Flipped Learning was first conceived as a pedagogical technique in 2007 by Jonathan Bergman and Aaron Sams who set out to answer a big question: What is the best way to use face-to-face class time? The answer they came up with, in essence, was that students should be involved in some well-designed discovery tasks at home/outside the lesson prior to deeper exploration (in which the content they’ve learned is reinforced, related and extended) in the classroom. In today's episode, I describe some awesome ways in which high school teachers can use the Flipped Learning method with their students. 

ChatGPT has hit educators globally with thunderclap surprise and is causing a lot of panic – and for good reason. In terms of updating Academic Integrity policies, schools will now have to go right back to the drawing board and devise intelligent solutions to a wide array of complex challenges that #ChatGPT will pose. Another key consideration for all educational institutions will be how to figure out their position on AI, and which teaching practices to use, as these systems and tools evolve.

I have personally wasted so much of my free time both at school and at home marking student work. Many late nights; many lost weekends. All for nothing.You see, I now know that feedback only works if it is relevant, specific and somewhat emotional. How do we achieve this? – we must mark student work with the students. They have to be involved too.

Taking a group of students on a journey from their first words and play right the way through to high school graduation is not a simple process. Following Schemes of Work, specifications, syllabuses and textbooks is simply not enough: long-term planning must take place. This planning must take into account the knowledge, skills and milestone exams the students will have to deal with along the way. 

Being overwhelmed with marking, particularly that caused by homework, is a common problem for new and experienced teachers alike. In this episode I examine the best ways to design, organise and return homework, as well as ways to avoid being bogged down and ‘up to your eyeballs’ in paperwork.

Metacognition is often described simply as 'thinking about thinking'. However, it's actually more than just that, and involves the delivery of a wide array of effective strategies that have been proven time and again to boost attainment and progress. In today's episode I talk with Corinna Graham, Head of Science at Garden International School, Rayong, to find out how how she uses metacognitive strategies when teaching her students. What you will hear is a very interesting and through deep-dive into practical techniques that will help you to be a 'metacognitive master'! 

In today's episode, I describe the things that actually make a difference when it comes to effective and excellent teaching. No wishy-washy academic intangibles here - just the raw, blunt truth about the day-to-day stuff that WILL actually improve your students' attainment and progress.

Tiredness on-the-job is inevitable as a teacher; no matter how well-prepared you are. In today's episode I describe some effective, practical things you can do in real-time when you feel tired at school, along with some strategies to prevent tiredness from happening in the first place. 

From the duties she fulfilled during her National Service way back in the 1940s, to her most recent engagement on September 6th 2022 (in which she appointed the new British Prime Minister, Liz Truss, to her role), Queen Elizabeth’s life has been filled to the brim with duties, public service projects and a clear devotion to bettering the welfare of others. As a humble tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, and particularly her education-related work, this podcast episode  aims to provide a series of links to great resources, along with some general ideas, that will help you teach a lesson or two about her intriguing life.

As our students' high school careers near their end, achieving good grades becomes ever-more important. There’s a lot at stake, in particular, the range of colleges from which they can choose after graduation. And with the cost of a college education being so high, excellent grades could be worth money in the form of bursaries and sponsorships. Even kids that don’t want to study further need to work hard. If a high school diploma is to be their highest educational achievement, it will be with them for the rest of their working careers. In today's episode I describe how we can help students to formulate goals that hey can can work towards, and how services like Going Ivy College Consulting can help in that process.

Reintegrating our students into physical classrooms after so much pandemic-driven upheaval is going to be a challenge for us all. We must focus on building our students physical awareness and manual dexterity, confidence, interpersonal skills and problem-solving capabilities. I believe I've developed an easy-to-remember system that we can all use within every lesson going forward to keep the important post-pandemic things in mind. As a bonus, it has a cool name too - it's called the ACE system. 

Pausing is a very powerful instructional technique when it is used properly. In today's episode, I describe how pausing can be used for behaviour management, increasing lesson clarity, eliciting responses and even reinforcing key words.