Teaching Focus: Reflecting on 2023 and Looking Ahead

As we embark on a new academic year at Ealing Independent College, it’s essential to reflect on our achievements from 2023 while setting ambitious goals for 2024. Last year, we made significant strides in refining our teaching practices, particularly through a focused emphasis on questioning techniques. This initiative not only heightened student engagement but also laid a solid foundation for our continued growth. 

In 2023, we adopted a targeted approach to teacher-led questioning from October to February. During this period, teachers collaborated to develop subject-specific questioning charts aligned with exam specifications, resulting in a richer, enquiry-based learning experience. The introduction of these questioning charts marked a key highlight of our academic efforts, as they enhanced clarity in questioning through the use of command words. 

Example: English Questioning Chart

Both students and teachers leveraged these charts to formulate enquiries that ranged from factual questions to higher-level synthesis and evaluation. In January, we fostered a culture of shared learning through peer observations and presentations among educators. This collaborative approach not only encouraged constructive feedback but also set the stage for our next phase, which focused on student-led questioning from February to May. Dedicated sessions aimed at enhancing students’ questioning skills were complemented by the introduction of the “Question of the Week” awards, celebrating inquisitive minds. 

Our April Learning Review demonstrated the effectiveness of our strategies, revealing that questioning techniques were integrated into 50% of lessons. This led to notable increases in student confidence and independence, as feedback indicated significant improvements in classroom dynamics. For instance, students’ confidence in asking questions rose from 3.9 to 4.1, and they reported clearer times dedicated to questioning, fostering a supportive learning environment. Perhaps most impressively, the number of questions posed by students surged from 33 in 2023 to 55 in 2024, showcasing a remarkable growth in participation. 

Building on this solid foundation, our Teaching Focus for 2024 will centre on enhancing the Visibility of Learning.

We aim to ensure that students have a clear understanding of their learning objectives and success criteria in each lesson. This clarity will empower them to monitor their progress and take ownership of their educational journeys. To achieve this, we will prominently display learning objectives at the start of each lesson, providing visual anchors for students. Additionally, we will clarify the differences between learning objectives and success criteria, ensuring students know not just what they are learning but also how to succeed. We will enhance our feedback mechanisms by emphasising reflective learning. Post-assessment feedback will guide students in identifying areas for improvement, while regular check-ins will allow them to continuously monitor and adjust their learning strategies. 

Another key initiative is the increased use of whiteboards in our classrooms. This will foster a more interactive and engaging environment, allowing students to actively contribute to discussions and visualise concepts. Whiteboards will also be utilised to display key concepts and track progress, thereby enhancing the overall visibility of learning. 

Our personalised learning approach will continue to thrive in our small class sizes, allowing for individualised support. We will develop tailored learning plans that address each student’s unique goals, empowering them to take charge of their educational paths. In addition, we will build on our commitment to digital literacy by integrating various digital tools and platforms, such as Google Classroom. Providing Google Chrome laptops will streamline learning and enhance students’ digital skills, which are essential in today’s world. 

Lastly, we remain dedicated to the continuous professional development of our educators. We will facilitate ongoing training through both external opportunities and internal sessions that focus on the latest teaching methodologies. Our teachers will be encouraged to share best practices and collaborate on innovative strategies, ensuring our staff remains at the forefront of educational excellence.

As we transition into 2024, we are excited about the initiatives that will elevate the learning experience at Ealing Independent College. Our focus on visibility in learning, personalised support and innovative teaching methods aims to empower students to take ownership of their educational journeys. Together, we will cultivate an environment of curiosity and engagement, preparing our students for success in their academic and professional futures.

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