Efficiency

Every person in the education system has such a hugely important role to play, not just to impart knowledge to our children but they really are investing in everyone’s future – future leaders, future parents, future business owners and the list goes on. It is imperative though that to be able to do this well, they take care of themselves first. “Work-life balance” is currently a real buzz term and whilst you have heard it many times, you may then ask the question “but how?” One strategy is to think about the type of activity you’re going to be doing and give it a colour. RED for working ON your role at the school to develop it YELLOW for working…

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…

One of the scarcest commodities in schools these days is time. Each of us only has 24 hours per day and 7 days per week. It’s been like that forever! These tips for time management aren’t new. Their effectiveness is governed by how disciplined we are in applying them. They are listed here as reminders. Keep Your Desk Clean – The surface of your desk needs to be uncluttered and should only house the current items you need. Treat desk space like valuable real estate. Use a TO-DO list – it’s a major time saver if you use it well to prioritise. Take time at the end of each day to write out your list for the following day in…

Try the GROW model for a simple model that is easy to use and helps give clarity around what you want to achieve. The model also helps you consider your options. The model also helps convert goals into actions. As well as using it for goal setting, it is also an excellent tool for coaching and problem solving. This is a practical tool that you can use for yourself and in the classroom. Students understand this model easily and as a teacher you can empower students to apply the GROW model to their own situation and take ownership for their actions. GROW stands for Goal, Reality, Options, Will / Wrap-up. See below for a break down of each step. GOAL…

Keeping it under control We need to consider how and why we are using e-mail. Whilst it can be an effective communication method if used well, used poorly, it wastes a lot of unnecessary time. Think before you write, not when you write – Remember that a face-to-face conversation is the best form of communication. If that’s not possible, use email to set up a telephone call and use email as a record of agreed outcomes. What can be discussed in minutes often takes hours in the creation and transmission of a series of emails between two parties. Don’t confuse Important and Urgent – When sending an email that requires action by a specific time, consider including this in the…