By Mr Cedric Ongeri
August 26th & 27th, 2024, Emara Olesereni
The Days Teachers Became Super Teachers!
Picture this: 9 Enthusiastic Millennium Global International teachers armed with curiosity, notebooks, and a fierce determination to transform their classrooms into hubs of engagement and success. Now add the serene yet sophisticated ambiance of Emara Olesereni Hotel, and you’ve got the perfect setting for two days of intense learning, lively discussions, and yes, even a few lightbulb moments that could power a small village.
The event?
Pearson's IPLS (International Primary and Lower Secondary) training focused on Classroom Management, Collaboration and Differentiation, and the Skills Ladder in Geography and History.
And folks, it was nothing short of a game-changer.
Classroom Management: The Jedi Training Teachers Needed
When it comes to classroom management, it can sometimes feel like trying to herd cats. But with Pearson’s expert trainer, Mr. Farah Rabih, at the helm, it quickly became clear that the teachers could all level up their skills to become Jedi Masters of their classrooms.
❖ Lesson One: Establishing Routines – The Force Awakens
From the moment the session started, the importance of establishing daily routines was emphasized. Whether it’s the way students enter the classroom or how they transition between activities, routines set the stage for a structured and positive learning environment. Think of it as the choreography to the classroom’s dance – when everyone knows their steps, the performance is flawless.
❖ Lesson Two: Seating Arrangements – The Game of Thrones
Choosing where students sit isn’t just about putting the troublemakers in the front row (though, yes, that helps). Mr. Rabih shared insights on how seating arrangements can foster or hinder collaboration and positive relationships. And let’s be real, if you’ve ever witnessed the drama over who sits next to whom, you know it’s a game of thrones out there. With a few strategic moves, however, the teachers can ensure every seat is a throne fit for learning.
❖ Lesson Three: Procedures, Procedures, Procedures
The “Three Before Me” rule? Think-Pair-Share? These aren’t just catchy phrases; they’re golden rules that turn chaos into calm. Whether it’s guiding students to try three resources before asking for help or encouraging them to share ideas with a partner, these procedures are like having a classroom manual for success.
❖ Lesson Four: Positive Language – The Magic Words
Involving students in setting classroom standards isn’t just a nice idea – it’s essential. Using positive language (e.g., “respect others” instead of “don’t bother others”) empowers students and creates a more respectful and collaborative environment. It’s like using magic words that make everyone feel like they belong.
❖ Lesson Five: Proactive vs. Reactive – The Zen Approach
Addressing inappropriate behavior is where many teachers slip up. But thanks to Mr. Rabih, the teachers now understand the power of being proactive rather than reactive. By setting expectations and creating a positive environment, they’re more likely to prevent problems before they even start. Namaste, classroom chaos!
Collaboration and Differentiation: Making Group Work Work
If anyone thinks group work is just about sticking kids together and hoping for the best, think again. The session on collaboration and differentiation blew the teachers' minds – and that’s not just because they had extra coffee that morning.
The ICAP Framework: Decoding Collaboration
Self-efficacy and working with others topped the list of skills teachers need to cultivate. The ICAP (Interactive, Constructive, Active, Passive) framework was their roadmap. They dug deep into understanding that collaboration isn’t just about working together but about doing so effectively. Spoiler: Group work and collaborative work aren’t the same thing!
Differentiation 101: The Bloom's Taxonomy TwistContent, process, product, and environment – these are the four magic beans of differentiation. Teachers learned how to sprinkle them throughout their lessons to cater to different learning needs without compromising the objectives. Differentiating content involves adjusting what students learn, differentiating the process refers to how they learn it, differentiating the product involves what students produce to demonstrate their learning, and differentiating the environment adjusts the learning environment itself to suit various needs. The big takeaway? It’s not about changing what students learn, but how they learn it.
Skills Ladder in Geography and History: The Climb to Mastery
The teachers then set their sights on the Skills Ladder, where they discovered that teaching geography and history is more than just maps and dates – it’s about building critical thinking, inquiry, and investigative skills one step at a time.
❖ Lesson Planning: The Blueprint for Success
Using schemes of work, teachers learned how to design lesson plans that aren’t just checklists but blueprints for success. Every lesson should weave in critical thinking, inquiry, formative assessment, and differentiation. Basically, if a lesson plan doesn’t have these, it’s like a pizza without cheese – it’s just not right.
❖ Core Skills: Geography and History’s Secret Sauce
Geography isn’t just about knowing where the Amazon River is; it’s about understanding why it matters. History isn’t just about memorizing dates; it’s about digging into the “why” behind the events. By structuring lessons to develop these core skills, teachers are turning their students into mini-explorers and detectives. And let’s be honest – who doesn’t want to be Indiana Jones?
❖ Inquiry Process: The Skill-Building Superpower
In history, teachers explored how the inquiry process helps students build research and investigative skills. With each inquiry question, learners climb the skills ladder, one level at a time. It’s like leveling up in a video game, but instead of extra lives, students get extra brainpower.
❖ Cross-Subject Planning: The Ultimate Power Move
Finally, teachers learned the secret to becoming an IPLS Master Teacher: cross-subject planning. By aligning skills in geography and history, they can collaborate on lesson planning to create a cohesive learning experience. It’s like assembling the Avengers – when teachers work together, the results are nothing short of heroic.
The Verdict: Enthusiastic and Ready for Action
By the end of the two-day training, teachers were buzzing with ideas, inspiration, and a renewed commitment to their students. They laughed, they learned, and they left feeling more equipped to care for and cater to every learner in their classrooms.
In the words of one teacher, “I came in with questions, and I’m leaving with answers – and about 50 new ideas to try out!” Another added, “I’m ready to create a classroom where every student feels valued, respected, and, most importantly, excited to learn.”
So here’s to the future, where classrooms will be well-managed, lessons differentiated, and students climbing the skills ladder to success. And as for these teachers? They’re just getting started on this journey of becoming master teachers.
Stay tuned – the best is yet to come!
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