“What feedback did you receive today to help you in your learning?” is a power question I recently heard John Hattie ask – one that he asked his own children after school. So I asked my Miss 16. “Nothing” was the continual reply. I was curious… Couple this with a post I saw on social media (right) […]

According to Ron Ritchhart, seeing ourselves through our students’ eyes is the key to being a great model for thinking. He describes two types of modelling in the classroom. The first is explicit modelling. This is when you are demonstrating and showing a process or procedure that you want the student to adopt. The second […]

This time of year is stressful for students as exams are looming and often the reality sets in that they really don’t know how to study. Yesterday I was asked to help a Year 11 student with an important test coming up in 2 days. Her parents reported that she has been distracted with a TV […]

Your brain loves anything that is funny, different or has a novelty value. Memories that stay with us for a lifetime are those that link with many other memories, and have a ‘slightly weird twist.’ Anything ‘peculiar’ will stand out in your mind. Any ‘one offs’ will also be memorable if they have novelty value […]

I fully support the Teachers in NZ wanting better conditions for students and their pay claims as I totally believe Teachers make every other profession possible. Your job is critical to the success of future generations. I’ve been torn about whether to say this or publish the following thoughts. After speaking to a few Teachers & […]

“Repetition is the mother of learning.” This Latin proverb holds some great truth when it comes to studying and passing exams. From a brain perspective, repetition transfers skills and knowledge from your conscious to subconscious brain. One practical example is learning to drive. When you start, you have to think about every little step: the […]

Learning to master time, rather than being its victim is one of the 8 cultural forces discussed by Project Zero, senior researcher Ron Ritchhart. He writes about 6 areas of time which can be harnessed and mastered to create a thinking culture in your classroom. 1 Recognise time as a statement of your values What […]

Whether you are studying for exams, wanting to get your drivers license or just keen to expand your skills and knowledge in an area of interest, the L3 Map of SuccessTM shows the crucial steps along the journey to success. You are in the drivers seat and following these 6R’s can ensure the journey is […]

The words we use have a subtle and powerful ability to shape thinking, a sense of self and group affinity according to Ron Ritchhart in his book Creating Cultures of Thinking. He outlines 7 ways in which language shapes the culture of a classroom and school, and directs attention and action. 1. The Language of Thinking What […]

An essential part of learners being independent and self directed is their ability to set and reflect on goals for their success. At each age and stage of schooling there are several suggested key ideas and strategies that will scaffold the learning for learners to be able to be highly efficient and proficient goal setters […]