Outstanding Lessons Pocketbook

Book excerpt: In England 'outstanding' is the term Ofsted uses to describe the very best lessons. Teaching outstanding lessons is an aspiration all teachers share, not least because of the buzz they get from knowing that they have made a significant impact on their students. In highly successful lessons students are better motivated, engaged and interested. They make excellent progress and their attainment levels improve. This cartoon-illustrated Pocketbook, written in clear, concise language for maximum impact, is about how to teach 'stunning lessons that will make an impression on your pupils and knock the socks off your observers'. It begins by scotching some of the myths about what inspectors expect to see in a top-notch lesson, focusing instead on the reality. Areas covered encompass: developing good relationships with pupils and seeking student feedback; planning great lessons, including objectives, starters, activities and review; six steps to pupil independence; the use of praise and aspects of AfL to harness 'the X factor'; effective use of resources; expanding your repertoire of teaching techniques; communication skills; how to motivate students; using plenaries, group work, thinking skills and behaviour management techniques. The final chapter includes a helpful self-audit and offers advice on where to seek inspiration and on what reviewers are looking for in lesson observations. Author Caroline Bentley-Davies has been a middle leader in three schools, a Local Authority Education Adviser and an educational consultant in the UK and overseas. She has run demonstration lessons in over 80 schools and conducts training sessions for teachers across a range of subject areas. "A wonderfully refreshing read! Makes delivering outstanding learning for students of all ages accessible and possible for every teacher." Vanessa Lea, Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning), The Elizabeth Woodville School "Caroline presents a wealth of relevant and motivating tips to raise the quality of teaching . This book will be a source of inspiration and reassurance for teachers at any st