March 2016 – Happy Schools

Overcoming FoMO and the Hurry Bug

March 31, 2016

FoMO and the Hurry Bug are by-products of technology, connectivity and a fast-paced life. FoMO or the Fear Of Missing Out is the pervasive apprehension that others might be having rewarding experiences from which one is absent. It is driven by our most basic desire to feel connected and have a sense of belonging. FoMO is often evident in a desire to stay continually connected through social media with what others are doing. We are flooded with digital stimuli. The prevalence of social media allows us to instantly connect with others and ‘share’ in their experience. However the tendency to selectively post the best aspects of our lives can contribute to a competitive environment and ‘one upmanship’. This contributes to…

Assuming Positive Intent

March 23, 2016

Stevef

Resilience

Covey in, “The Speed of Trust” says that we judge ourselves according to our intentions but we judge other people according to their behaviour and make assumptions about their intentions. The assumptions that we make impact on whether we trust them. Assuming positive intent means consciously choosing to assume that our colleagues are operating to the best of their ability and are acting with the best interest of the school and their colleagues in mind. The principle of positive intention is that at some level all behaviour is (or at one time was) “positively intended”. Another way to view it is that all behaviour serves (or at one time served) a “positive purpose”. We should therefore look for the positive…

Successful Parent – Teacher Conferences

March 23, 2016

Stevef

Communication

Successful parent – teacher conferences are important in establishing good relationships with parents. Well planned and conducted parent – teacher conferences establish a solid foundation for a partnership that is in the student’s best interests and prevent further problems developing. Preparation is vital for effective meetings with parents. Parent – Teacher Conferences are ‘Moments of Truth’ for parents. They are important times where parents come into direct contact with us and form an impression of our school. Be prepared – ensure that you have notes about the key areas you want to discuss and the key messages that you want the parent to understand. As well as discussing progress and achievement in academic areas it is important to consider pertinent…

Reducing classroom stress with explicit teaching

March 23, 2016

Stevef

Effectiveness

There is no doubt that many classroom behavioural issues result from baggage which some students bring to school but certain issues arise as a result of uninspiring lessons which bear little or no relevance to students’ lives. The saying that, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail,” is well known. Another saying is, “Ownership leads to motivation”. If we were to use the framework of Bloom’s taxonomy of the cognitive domain, we notice that when we are asking students to remember, explain and apply information we have previously taught them, they have little ownership of that information since the teacher ‘owned it’ in the first place. However, as soon as the teacher asks students to discuss, examine, debate…

Back to Basics Behaviour Management, By Brendan Zischke

March 23, 2016

Stevef

Effectiveness

We have all had that one class we dread going to. In my experience with difficult classes I have found that the way a class behaves seems to “snowball”. It either becomes better or worse, depending on how you behave. Obviously the earlier you correct behaviour the better however, the tips below are aimed to improve classroom behaviour despite its current level. 1: Always use a students’ first name. This will improve your rapport with them as individuals. The two most pleasing sounds to the human ear will not surprise you. They are the musical key of C (found in poker machines) and your name! 2: Use Thank you verses Please. An instruction such as, “Take out your books please,”…

Making 2016 Your Best Year Yet… As a Teacher

March 23, 2016

Stevef

Efficiency

Wherever possible we try to provide useful information for all staff who work in schools, not just the teaching staff. We acknowledge that staff in other roles within the school make a huge difference and are important to the success of schools. However some areas are particularly relevant to teaching staff. This week’s Happy School article is specifically written for teachers. Starting a new school year is an important time to reflect on what is working and what aspects of your teaching ‘could be even better’. What are your key priorities for refining your teaching practices in 2016? The following suggestions are intended to prompt reflection. Keep it simple – a max. of 3! Deeper technology – add one area…