Thanks to everyone who has checked out the responses to the #threequestionsEDU series so far. I’m really enjoying reading the writing and thoughts of other teachers and I hope you find the responses interesting. Please respond in the comments and share what you think. If you’d like to respond to the questions, please read this post first. Kicking off this #threequestionsEDU response is Lisa Janes Ashes. Thanks Lisa!!
Name:
Lisa Jane Ashes
Twitter handle:
A bit about yourself:
English teacher, Independent Thinking Associate, Author of Manglish and currently writing a new book: Teacher in the Cupboard
What do you think are the biggest issues facing education right now?
Schools are in danger of losing sight of their individual purpose. They rush through endless new hoops, adding to the baggage and fearing failure. No teacher wants their children to do badly but without time to stop and assess what is really needed, many will fail. Each community is different. School leaders and teachers need quality time to STOP, evaluate their situation, assess the needs and priorities of their communities and establish systems that work because they are right for them and properly explored…and I’m not talking about using school holidays to do this!
What’s your favourite teaching and learning idea/technique/strategy/tool?
I love developing effective communication in the classroom. Any technique that helps young people to gain a voice is a favourite of mine. One of the oldest ideas that I still use daily came from a teachmeet friend @beetlebug. TheClarify, prepare share method. The lesson starts with a discussion question outside of the classroom. Pupils clarify outside the room and get prepared to share as they organise themselves for the lesson. This is a protocol for learning that, over time, can be harnessed to help pupils find their voice in any subject.
If you were appointed Minister of Education in your country, what would be the first thing you’d change and why?
I think education has had enough upheaval. My priority would be to give schools the freedom and time to slow down and work out their best next moves for themselves. I’d link up local (as well as national) schools to support each other in getting this right together. I’ve got faith that, given time and support rather than more change, school leaders and teachers will show the UK the way forward.
My thanks to Lisa for taking the time to respond to the questions. I hope you find it of interest and look forward to reading your comments!
