Effectiveness

Working in schools is almost always crazy busy. There is always a lot to be done and it never seems like there is enough time to do it. It is essential that we use the time we have available effectively and efficiently. Increasing our focus and reducing our distractions is one of the keys to getting more done. Often we are distracted without even realising it, for example, glancing at your phone, quickly checking your email or being aware of a conversation that is going on around you. Often we give in to these distractions out of habit. Distractions inhibit your ability to totally immerse yourself in the task and reach the highly productive state known as ‘flow’. The Pomodoro…

According to Stephen MR Covey we see another person’s behaviour and make assumptions about their intentions. If we think their intentions are good, we are more likely to trust them. If we are suspicious of their intentions or believe that their intentions are selfish and not in our interests, we are less likely to trust them. However, the same behaviour can be interpreted different ways.  It all depends on how the person ‘reads’ the other person. Emotional intelligence is important. Research shows that ‘accurate person perception’ or being able to ‘read’ people is very beneficial. However, the vast majority of us are not as good at reading people as we think we are. Far from it! University of Chicago professor,…

Motivating and engaging students is challenging. Edward Deci, one of the premier researchers and authorities on intrinsic motivation, wrote: “The proper question is not, how can people motivate others, but rather, how can people create the conditions within which others will motivate themselves?” When we are trying to motivate students—often unsuccessfully—the energy is coming from us. When we help students discover their own motivation and challenge them to act on it, more of the energy is coming from them. In fact, this perspective is in keeping with the original roots of the word motivation. It comes from “motive” which, in the 15th century, meant “that which inwardly moves a person to behave a certain way.” I advocate considering the difference…

Our mindset impacts on our effectiveness and ultimately our success according to acclaimed researcher Dr Carol Dweck. Through her research Dweck discovered that people have different mindsets about their talents and abilities and that these mindsets make a big difference. Some people believe that their talents and abilities are fixed traits – they have a certain amount and that’s that. Dweck calls this a fixed mindset. But other people have a growth mindset. They believe that their talents and abilities can be developed through hard work and perseverance. In her excellent book, ‘Mindset’, Dr Dweck explains that how people view themselves has a significant impact on their response to challenges. People with a fixed mindset often shy away from challenges.…