Feedback and guidance: The key to progress
November 28, 2023
Committed Schools attend penultimate LLAC workshop in Eastern Cape
January 30, 2024
In Term Three, the Teach Like a Champion programme places a strong emphasis on two techniques: 'checking for understanding' and building a positive 'culture of error.' The purpose of these techniques is to ensure that every child is actively engaged in the learning process, to empower teachers to confidently answer the question, 'Are they learning?' and to create a safe learning environment where students are encouraged to make mistakes, take risks, and, most importantly, to keep trying!
Cold Calling throughout Diepsloot
In our recent visit to Diepsloot primary, the three classrooms that were visited, Cold Calling and No-Opt Out were front and center. Learners were continually kept on their toes in Mr Mapotse’s grade 7 class, as he taught about 2D shapes and their properties. When one learner answered, this answer was reinforced throughout the classroom through asking others to repeat the answer, never knowing if the teacher will ask them. If a learner needed help, help was right there with the teacher and learners assisting in getting to the right answers. It meant learners were keen to answer and shyness was left at the door - 100% attention and participation followed.
Circulate the classroom
Another technique that is used to check if learners are retaining the content and understanding what is expected of them is for teachers to circulate. Edufundi encourages teachers to move away from only being present in the front of the classroom but rather move through learners and address learners individually. Grade 3 teacher Mr Mohlatlole used this as an opportunity to correct students in their task and encourage them to answer the rest of the questions on their own. It builds confidence and offers learners - even in a class of 40-50 learners - some individual attention from the teacher.
Making use of space
Diepsloot Primary was once a school with 600 learners. Now, there are almost 2000 learners, which has led to overcrowded classrooms. Despite large classes, teachers at Diepsloot have used their resources and classrooms efficiently to ensure they can maneuver around learners and get to those that need the help even in the far corner. This is important, and ensures that no child is left behind just because of where they sit.
