Acting skills for teachers...

(notes on previous post)

At university we have never been taught that acting, work with body and using props is so important for teachers. There were some modules on voice - we had rhetoric course, there were modules on social interaction with some theory on body language and we had drama. But it was all orientated on how to implement these knowledge into the lesson and make them more interesting and motivating. At least this was my perception of it...

So to come across a book advocating acting skill for teacher as a tool for classroom management is a great discovery for me. This book does not give you a ready to use recipe and of course this would not be possible. It rather compares the skills an actor needs with the skills a teacher needs to be effective. The first and most important are subject knowledge and enthusiasm.

But there it comes to voice, body language, classroom space, props, humor... I stresses the fact, that as a beginner, you probably cannot be 'yourself' in the classroom as you don't have 'the teacher' yourself yet. So you have to act and create the role.

This book is not the complete guide through the ways how to hone your skills, but is a great eyeopener and definitely makes me want to know more...

Can you direct me to some more publications or DVDs or materials on that topic?

Just Read Fantastic Book...

"Book Title: Acting Lessons for Teachers: Using Performance Skills in the Classroom. Contributors: Robert T. Tauber - author, Cathy Sargent Mester - author. Publisher: Praeger. Place of Publication: Westport, CT. Publication Year: 1994."

BBC NEWS | Education | UK teachers taught Latin lessons

BBC NEWS Education UK teachers taught Latin lessons

Ofsted schools report: Remove ideology and education will recover - Telegraph

One pupil in five left primary school without a proper grasp of English and
mathematics. More than half of 16-year-olds left school without decent GCSEs
(that is, five A to Cs, including English and maths).
"To compare favourably
with the best in the world," said Christine Gilbert, Ofsted's chief inspector,
"education in England must do better".
And when compared with the rest of
the world, the situation is even gloomier. In the international rankings of
leading economies, since 2000 we have dropped from fourth to 14th place in
science, seventh to 17th in literacy, from eighth to 24th in maths.

Ofsted schools report: Remove ideology and education will recover - Telegraph

It could be worse... but this just reminds me how I felt when I came here first time... my ideas of good education was completely different and almost everybody seemed to lack general knowledge of geography for example (I didn't do geography GCSE, I don't know where Slovakia is was very common excuse) I got used to it but i still thin that students here do not need to work really hard to get good grades. They don't need to learn or read anything at home, they can afford to waste time with excuses like no equipment, they can get away with almost empty excercise books, with very few questions answered in maths or as little writing as possible in English. And becouse they get bored, they switch activities and don't last long... it is not their mistake, It is ours. We let them to choose the easier path and get reward...

Extra lessons for Sir: Teachers are developing their classroom skills in after-hours sessions - Getting a Job, Career Planning - The Independent

It is great that we still have teachers full of enthusiasm. We run something similar in our school as a part of induction program for all new staff. And everybody is welcome. But for many it just means longer working hours and probably more stress - despite the workforce reform. This is a bit worrying, what do you think?


Extra lessons for Sir: Teachers are developing their classroom skills in after-hours sessions - Getting a Job, Career Planning - The Independent

ESRC: Major teaching and learning research programme draws conclusions - politics.co.uk

ESRC: Major teaching and learning research programme draws conclusions - politics.co.uk: "ESRC logo for press releases Tuesday, 25, Nov 2008 12:00
The Teaching and Learning Research Programme (TLRP), the largest research initiative into education related topics ever undertaken in the United Kingdom, presents its major conclusions on 24th and 25th November after nine years of investigations across all sectors of education, from the importance of preschool education to lifelong learning. The programme was funded and managed by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)."

Single-sex schools 'are the future' - Education News, Education - The Independent

This is very interesting idea although I don't think it will survive in our politically correct society. And more than single sex I think it is needed for special education needs students. Don't get me wrong. I am not against inclusion, however I see that in many cases we don't do any good to some of those students.

Single-sex schools 'are the future' - Education News, Education - The Independent: "Vicky Tuck, president of the Girls' School Association, which represents the country's top independent girls' schools, told her association's annual conference in Winchester: 'Far from living in the dying days of single-sex education, I am confident that as understanding of the brain continues to evolve, what is obvious to us will become obvious to everyone: girls learn in a different way to boys and it is crucial to cater for their separate needs."

CPD | World wise | guardian.co.uk

CPD World wise guardian.co.uk:

Good practice

"One classroom initiative that brought her to the judges' attention was her
use of the school's green card system for good behaviour to encourage pupils'
cultural awareness. Each table has a paper boat in which they collected green
cards. At the end of the day the table with the most cards 'sails' it to a
different country. They then research that part of the world and present their
findings to the class."

SETDA Releases the Class of 2020: Action Plan for Education - MarketWatch

"The Class of 2020: Action Plan for Education Initiative includes the development of five comprehensive publications with models, research, and specific recommendations for policies addressing the following topics:

-- High-Speed Broadband Access for All Kids: Breaking Through the Barriers

-- Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

-- Technology-Based Assessments Improve Teaching and Learning

-- Learning Virtually -- Expanding Opportunities

-- Empowering Teachers: A Professional and Collaborative Approach"

SETDA Releases the Class of 2020: Action Plan for Education - MarketWatch:

Brave new world: Traditional classrooms, lessons - and even homework - have been expelled - Schools, Education - The Independent

This country in an experience and never stops me surprising. I know, that UK government has gone wild with too many initiatives and pilot schemes and many different changes so teachers have very little time to settle down and digest what is actually going on. but in the same time, in this environment there are many interesting experiments happening, which would not be possible otherwise.

Three hours long lessons are interesting concept. I just wonder, whether they do give little breaks after different activities, or just keep going... or it is that student decides that he cannot be asked to work just now and takes a break at any time.

Homework? All stress coping strategies, or most of them, would suggest, that you have to leave your work at work and stop bringing it home. Or that you should create some 'time envelopes' dedicated to certain activities and make sure that the work isn't just one big parcel across your all day. So why do we force student to take work home? (I will be contradicting myself now, but for revision I see a strong argument, to do it at home as well). With all information available in School Resource Centres and on the Internet, we should transfer homework to 'school research and independent work time envelope'. What do you think?

Brave new world: Traditional classrooms, lessons - and even homework - have been expelled - Schools, Education - The Independent

Social, emotional and behaviour difficulties...

The
home factors which were most significantly related to SEBD were family structure
and socio-economic status (SES). The families most at risk were those in the
lower SES levels, particularly those living at or below the poverty line.
Although children from single parents are more likely to show SEBD, this is
explained by SES, as these families are more likely to live in poverty, with at
least half of them living below the poverty line. On the other hand, good
communication skills and attainment, non streamed classrooms, well qualified
teachers, attractive school environments and high SES, emerged as key protective
factors in children and young persons.

timesofmalta.com - Social, emotional and behaviour difficulties in Maltese schools

Education Quandary: 'Will violent and vulgar TV programmes harm our teenagers?' - Schools, Education - The Independent

In today's world full of contradictive philosophies and lack of strong values mixed with political corectness is very difficult to find the right path in raising children. What I really miss is the responsibility of parents and the shift from goverment, country and school to parent... The only responsibility the school and country should have is the right support aimed to the right target audience - parents.

Education Quandary: 'Will violent and vulgar TV programmes harm our teenagers?' - Schools, Education - The Independent

More than half the population believe UK children behave like animals, a survey has suggested.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7730219.stm

BBC NEWS | World | Europe | Students angered by Italian reforms

BBC NEWS World Europe Students angered by Italian reforms

November the 17th...

The anniversary of the Velvet Revolution. One massive change in then Czechoslovakia, which allowed me to study and to move abroad. Without this revolution I would not be allowed to study anything near education because of being from catholic background and having strong beliefs myself. And of course the move abroad would be out of question as well. I am glad it happened in my time... and still. there are things which were good and should have stayed in the society... I have the opportunity to compare with the system here in the UK and there are many things I am not impressed at all. Health system and NHS is just one example. The education would be another, if I was writing this just a year ago. Today, knowing the school reform in Slovakia, the direction it goes and knowing the British system from inside, I do see many positive things here... And I keep exploring them.

BBC NEWS | UK | UK society 'condemning' children

The real crime is that this sort of talk and attitude does nothing to help those young people who are difficult, unruly or badly behaved to change their ways

BBC NEWS UK UK society 'condemning' children:

My IELTS test

Well yes. I do not like collecting too many papers in form of certificates and diplomas, but this one was fairly important. I want to get to the Uni, and this is an entry requirement. So I collected all my courage and money and went to do this test. I thought 'you are OK. Working at school, talking everyday and writing and so on. You will do just fine'. Rubbish!

At least this in my opinion on my performance. I do not know how to write properly and I have to reverse to description becouse I don't know the vocabulary, I do not know how to use 'THE' and 'A/AN' articles. And I have problem to speak without mistakes - I talk faster than I think... God I hve never had so many butterflies in my stomach before.

So I came home thinking of my failure and humiliating scores of 5-6 points. And I had two weeks to get used to this idea. Than the results came... trembling with hope and anticipation and knowing, how bad it actually is, I opened the envelope... 8 points. 8 POINTS!?!?!?

I cannot believe that. They must have made mistake. I don't think my English is so good. But, well if they say so... the next step to the uni is made... application next.

One Minute Writer: Today's Writing Prompt: Three Goals

One Minute Writer: Today's Writing Prompt: Three Goals:
"Write about three realistic goals you'd like to achieve in your lifetime."

This is good question as it makes me think about what I really want to achieve in my life and evaluate my strenghts...

This is my 4th year in the UK and I have been trying to get a teaching job. I would love to teach History and RS - my specialist subjects in some secondary school here in the UK. So far without any success. I am actually failing to get to interview, which means, I am doing something wrong, or there is something missing in my experience...

So my first goal is a professional one - Teaching Job. In short term it means to get a placement at the Uni and improve my English and maybe start doing some extracurricular activity at my school (Yes, I work at school, but not as a Teacher)

Second goal is related to my material/financial situation. I have always wanted to have a property back in my homeland, in Slovakia. A little flat or house with small garden near some national park or reserve, so I can spent my holidays walking, trekking or cycling there... I need to earn a bit more money to afford this. And (out of my reach) pound need to stop falling!!! When I came to the UK ratio Pound:SKK was 1:50, now it is 1:38/36.

Third goal: personal life... hm. This is really interesting, because this should really be on the first place, but it isn't... so I understand now a little better, why it is in such a mess. Obviously my professional life is more important now and I can just hope, that I am not making a mistake... this makes me think. Thanks for this writing prompt, this got me really thinking now

I Has Been a Long Time

(pic.: Castle in Kezmarok, Slovakia)

...since I wrote something here. I have been lazy and busy with other activities. I have spent all summer back in Slovakia. Mountain trips, great food, friends etc. Than I have moved house... Well and now I am trying to get back on track with my other activities. Gym membership, learning english, trying to get to the Uni and writing.

I have found a post about writing prompts, which may help with that. So I did little research and here is the list of most interesting sites:

http://www.canteach.ca/elementary/prompts.html
http://www.webenglishteacher.com/creative.html
http://nikpeachey.blogspot.com/2008/10/animated-efl-esl-writing-prompts.html
http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/
http://www.4esoenglishaltair.blogspot.com/
http://plasticpsyche.wordpress.com/

and of course blogs which started it all:

http://oneminutewriter.blogspot.com/
http://myplaceforenglish.blogspot.com/

Thank you

Zero tolerance pays off for head who suspends two pupils a day - Education News, Education - The Independent

More than 220 of the school's 1,880 pupils were sent home during the last school
year, many of them being sent home several times. But GCSE pass rates at the
school have improved by 65 per cent since the principal, Caroline Hayes,
introduced the tough disciplinary regime. "We put the interests of the majority
of the class, who are behaving well, first. I make no apologies for that," she
said. "We believe that pupils have to realise you are serious when asking them
to behave. They need clear boundaries." She said that the improved results
showed that her pupils liked the discipline used at the college.

Zero tolerance pays off for head who suspends two pupils a day - Education News, Education - The Independent

FT.com / Reports - Education: Steep learning curve to find right balance

FT.com / Reports - Education: Steep learning curve to find right balance:

Global Agenda 2008

Education: Steep learning curve to find right balance
By David Turner, Education Correspondent
Published: November 7 2008 09:02 Last updated: November 7 2008 09:02

The policymakers of rich countries, and those that aspire to be rich, have almost reached the point of obsession with education. They see it as key to economic survival.
But before they turn their education systems upside down, policymakers should ask themselves three related questions.
Firstly, what kind of education system do they really want? Secondly, in changing education, will they have to change national identity – and, finally, do they want to do that?"

BBC iPlayer - Armistice

BBC iPlayer - Armistice

11th of 11th at 11 o'clock...

'The way students are taught must change,' say experts in e-Learning

...
'Globalization means that the jobs of tomorrow are in the Knowledge Economy. To produce students with the right skills we need to change from prescriptive learning of facts to a method of teaching that encourages the understanding of processes and critical thinking skills.'
...
www.zawya.com

Are we really meant to teach for jobs only? What about citizens of tomorrow and parents of tomorrow and people with general knowledge, speakers, consumers of culture of tomorrow? Where are they?

Jane's E-Learning Pick of the Day

Top 100 tools for learning 2008
Jane's E-Learning Pick of the Day

The list is available online at www.c4lpt.co.uk/recommended/top100.html or as an embeddable slideshow (see below) or as a PDF to download.

Top 100 Tools for Learning 2008

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: tools learning)

Unpacking the student persistence problem : Macleans OnCampus

Unpacking the student persistence problem : Macleans OnCampus:
in comments:

"One of the real weaknesses in education is poor information management. How do I get back into that story? How do I keep the information straight in my head? How do I understand the implications of the information? In high school, it just does not happen. You are on the information treadmill, and that’s it."


note to myself:-)
I need to fint something more about this

Quality education for all: more than just a financial challenge - OECD blog: spotlight on a fact or figure

Quality education for all: more than just a financial challenge - OECD blog: spotlight on a fact or figure

Top 10 Characteristics of a Quality School - How to Know If You Have a Quality School

Top 10 Characteristics of a Quality School - How to Know If You Have a Quality School

Top 10 Characteristics of a Quality School - How to Know If You Have a Quality School

Top 10 Characteristics of a Quality School - How to Know If You Have a Quality School

Gobekli Tepe: The World’s First Temple? | History & Archaeology | Smithsonian Magazine

Gobekli Tepe: The World’s First Temple? History & Archaeology Smithsonian Magazine

Academic buzzword no. 1 : skills! | Just Higher-ed! | jobs.ac.uk

Academic buzzword no. 1 : skills! Just Higher-ed! jobs.ac.uk