Classroom Management Techniques

5 Effective Ways to Measure Student Progress Tracking student progress goes beyond grades. It’s about understanding how students learn and grow. Here are five key assessment strategies every educator can use: 1. Pre-Assessments Use short quizzes, surveys, or informal discussions before starting a unit to gauge students’ prior knowledge and readiness. 2. Observational Assessments Monitor student behavior and engagement through notes and behavior trackers. These offer real-time insights into their learning journey. 3. Performance Tasks Let students show what they know through projects, presentations, or hands-on activities. These tasks promote creativity and critical thinking. 4. Student Self-Assessments Encourage learners to reflect on their progress using rubrics, checklists, and self-evaluation tools. It builds metacognition and responsibility. 5. Formative Assessments Regular quizzes, exit tickets, writing prompts, and problem-solving tasks help teachers adjust instruction and provide timely support. Why it matters: Using a variety of assessment methods ensures a holistic view of student learning and helps tailor instruction to meet their needs. How do you measure progress in your classroom? #Education #Learning #StudentAssessment #TeachingStrategies #FormativeAssessment #GrowthMindset

Why Developmental Psychology is My Compass in the Classroom As a teacher in early childhood and primary education, one of the most powerful tools I’ve grown to rely on isn’t just a curriculum guide or lesson plan—it’s developmental psychology. Understanding how children grow, think, and relate to the world around them has fundamentally shaped how I teach, manage behavior, and build meaningful relationships with my students. Take Piaget, for example. His theory of cognitive development taught me that young learners are concrete thinkers. They need experiences—touching, doing, exploring—not lectures. That’s why you’ll find manipulatives on my math tables and stories in my science lessons. I’m not just delivering content; I’m meeting them where their minds are. Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development reminds me to be intentional with support. It’s not about doing things for students but doing things with them—giving just enough help so they can eventually do it on their own. It’s also why I believe so strongly in the power of peer learning. Children often grow best together. And then there’s Erikson. His psychosocial stages are my lens into behavior. When a five-year-old insists on tying their own shoes or a seven-year-old wrestles with taking initiative, I don’t see defiance or distraction. I see development. I see needs. And I shift from reaction to reflection. Developmental psychology reminds me every day that children aren’t just small adults—they’re growing, unfolding individuals on their own timelines. My job isn’t to rush them forward but to support them forward. It’s what helps me respond with empathy instead of frustration. It’s what helps me build not just a classroom, but a learning community. It’s what makes me a better teacher.

Time management is hard. Here are four strategies that work for me. Over the last two decades, the demands on my time have increased - in terms of both quantity and quality, keeping pace with my increased seniority at work and my growing family. Problems I am trying to address - Mind and body need systematic investment and longer time to recover - Success at work is no longer about doing my job well; I have to think for the future of the company, motivate smart colleagues - Older kids at home need more mind-share - and meaningful conversations; ditto with my spouse, managing finances, responsibilities and ageing parents To manage these challenges, I've developed routines: - Weekdays: I keep them simple and predictable so that there is no cognitive load on running a weekday. For instance, I don't spend time deciding what to eat for breakfast, where to order lunch, or what to cook for dinner. Similarly, I don't ponder over what time I'll leave or which mode of transport I'll use each day. I've set a repeatable pattern for Monday to Friday. - Weekends: I reserve fun for Saturday nights, keeping the rest of the week focused and free from mid-week parties that could disrupt my routine. It might sound boring, but it's effective in maintaining a balanced life. - Family Time: Creating routines with my family is essential. Evening walks with my spouse, watching a Netflix episode together daily, or cooking together on Sundays have become cherished bonding activities. - Driving Time: Sometimes I listen to podcasts, and other times I enjoy the silence, using this time to prepare for the day ahead or to unwind from it. However, it hasn't all been smooth sailing. Despite these strategies,challenges such as delegating tasks and managing external demands on my time continue. Constantly striving to find the right balance is an ongoing effort. In summary, while there's no perfect formula, these practices have helped me find a balance between my professional and personal life, adapting as I go. What are your strategies for managing your time? Would love to learn from you! #timemanagement #worklifebalance

The antidote to academic dishonesty isn’t stricter monitoring—it’s deeper engagement. After more than 30 years in education, I’ve learned that students cheat when they see no purpose in their learning. But when we bridge the gap between curriculum and real-world application, something remarkable happens: students become invested in their own growth. Key strategies that work: • Connect every lesson to tangible outcomes • Share stories of how past students used these skills • Invite industry professionals to show practical applications • Create projects that solve real community problems In this way, you will have students who are too engaged in authentic learning to consider shortcuts or cheating with AI. How are you making learning meaningful in your field? I’d love to hear your approaches. #EducationalLeadership #StudentEngagement #TeachingStrategy #ProfessionalDevelopment #EducationInnovation

As a first in family student, stepping into university life (many, many years ago) felt daunting. I didn’t know the ‘rules’ or the language, and I carried around a quiet fear that I didn’t quite belong. Over time, I found that sense of belonging, largely through my experience living on campus in student accommodation. It was there that I built friendships, found mentors, and slowly came to understand that belonging isn’t something you either have or don’t have, it’s something that can be nurtured. That's why this recent research on student belonging resonated with me. It moves beyond the usual talking points and gets to the heart of what really helps students feel they belong, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. A few actions that stood out as both meaningful and at times overlooked: 1️⃣ Connecting students to purpose and identity Academic success isn’t just about essays and exams. When we value lived experience and non-traditional learning, students feel seen. We can do this by asking students to reflect on real-world challenges in assessments or connecting learning to their own contexts.   2️⃣ Prioritising relationship-building in the curriculum and throughout Not just during orientation, but throughout the semester via peer mentoring, collaborative problem solving in class, and structured opportunities for students to connect meaningfully with one another. 3️⃣ Making uncertainty visible Students often think they’re the only ones struggling - tutors and academics can and should talk openly about academic challenges, and leaders can acknowledge that confidence and learning those unwritten 'rules' builds over time. Staff who share their own learning journeys can have a huge impact and kindness, respect and genuine interest can go a long way.   4️⃣ Designing for diverse student needs and barriers Not all students want, or are able, to join clubs or attend social events due to work, caring responsibilities, or other factors. Offering flexible, low-barrier opportunities to connect (like online forums or drop-in chats), designing learning experiences with multiple ways to engage, and considering time-poor or commuter students in planning should be non-negotiables. As this article highlights, belonging doesn’t come from a single program, initiative or activity – and it isn’t one size-fits-all. It comes from hundreds of small cues that tell a student: You matter. You’re capable. You are welcome here. Because of this, all staff, can play a key role in facilitating micro-moments of connection. 🔗 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/ghTeHkxg

The Peer Paradox That's Transforming Leadership Here's the uncomfortable truth about most leadership teams: they're competing with each other instead of collaborating. Leaders looking sideways at their peers, trying to one-up instead of lift up. The result? Teams that mirror this dysfunction, creating silos and missed opportunities. Think about Sinner and Alcaraz in tennis. Since the beginning of 2024, Sinner has lost just eight matches, and five of those defeats have come against Alcaraz. Yet here's what struck me: Alcaraz admits "we are not close friends" but emphasizes "the respect that we have... puts us in a position that we have a really good relationship." Sinner says their rivalry "pushes me to do better." They're not best friends grabbing coffee every weekend. But they respect each other's game and make each other better. That's probably the sweet spot for peer relationships in leadership. There were times in my career, I thought success meant being the smartest person in the room. Wrong. Success means making the room smarter. I made the mistake of viewing peers as threats. The shift came hard way when I lost an opportunity to lead a larger org when a peer refused to report into me. The journey from "I won't report to them" to genuine partnership was a particularly long one. It starts with understanding goals, impact areas, and how we can make the overall organization stronger. Your peers aren't your competition. They're your co-conspirators in building something bigger than any of you could achieve alone. Are you building bridges or barriers with your peers? #Leadership #Collaboration #GrowthMindset #PeopleLeadership

90% of people think they're critical thinkers. (Only 10% actually are.) What makes the difference? The people around you. Your team plays a huge role in shaping your thinking. The right team challenges you, pushes you to ask deeper questions, and helps you see beyond your own perspective. How can your team sharpen your critical thinking? • They question your ideas – Not to criticize, but to strengthen them. • They bring diverse perspectives – Different backgrounds = deeper insights. • They encourage curiosity – They ask “why?” and push you to dig deeper. • They hold you accountable – They help you recognize blind spots. • They build open discussion – Healthy debates lead to better decisions. How to build a team that makes you a better thinker: 1. Create a culture of learning 2. Seek out different viewpoints 3. A strong team values facts, not just assumptions 4. Surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking 5. Encourage knowledge sharing and continuous improvement The next time your team challenges your idea, don’t resist.  👉 Engage. Discuss. Think.

Building Strong Alliances with Peers: The Often Overlooked Key to Leadership Success In the realm of executive leadership, one truth stands out: the power of strong alliances with peers. Navigating complex organizational landscapes becomes exponentially easier when you have a robust network of allies by your side. Today, I want to share insights from a seasoned executive client who mastered this art and transformed his Chief of Sales leadership journey. His success in building peer alliances was not accidental; it was the result of deliberate actions and a strategic approach. Here are the three key things my client did and continues to practice today: 1. Embraced Authentic Communication: Genuine relationships are built on trust and transparency. Make it a priority to engage in open and honest conversations with peers. By sharing your challenges, successes, and seeking input, you foster a culture of mutual respect and collaboration. 2. Aligned Goals and Shared Vision: Aligning your goals with those of your peers. Invest time in understanding their priorities and finding common ground. By aligning your objectives with the broader vision of the team, everyone will be working towards a shared purpose. This not only strengthens alliances but also propels organizations towards achieving strategic goals. 3. Showed Consistent Appreciation: Acknowledging the contributions of others is a simple yet powerful way to build strong relationships. Be intentional and sincere about recognizing the efforts and successes of your peers. Whether it’s a public shout-out in meetings or a personal note of appreciation, consistent recognition fosters a positive and collaborative environment. As an executive coach, I’ve seen firsthand how building strong alliances can elevate leadership effectiveness. It’s about being authentic, aligning goals, and showing appreciation. These principles not only enhance your professional relationships but also drive organizational success. To all aspiring leaders, remember that your peers are your greatest assets. Nurture these relationships, and you’ll find that navigating the complexities of leadership becomes a shared journey of growth and achievement. #Leadership #ExecutiveCoaching #PeerAlliances #TeamSuccess #LeadershipDevelopment

Identifying and Supporting 'Learners of concern' In every classroom, approximately one in eight children may have additional learning needs, often categorised under terms like Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEN/D), or more recently, referred to under the broader and more inclusive terms of neurodiversity and neurodivergence. Recognising and supporting these learners can sometimes be challenging due to constraints like time, resources, or the subtlety of their needs. Understanding 'learners of concern' 'Learners of concern' are students who may not have a formal diagnosis but show signs that they might benefit from additional support. These signs could be academic, behavioural, or social and are often noticed by teachers, parents, or the learners themselves. Without identification and proper support, these students may face significant barriers to learning and development. How can we help? The Do-IT Schools Profiler is an innovative tool designed to facilitate the identification and support of these learners in a nuanced and effective manner. Here’s how it can help: Early identification: The Profiler provides a systematic way to assess students who may require additional support. By screening for a wide range of learning needs, it helps in identifying learners who might otherwise go unnoticed. Child-centred guidance: Once a learner is identified, the Profiler offers tailored recommendations and strategies to help the SENCO and classroom teacher. This personalised approach ensures that interventions meet the specific needs of the child, enhancing their learning experience and outcomes. Cost and time efficiency: Screening all children in a classroom may not always be feasible. The Do-IT Schools Profiler focuses on those who exhibit potential signs of learning challenges, making the process more manageable and focused. Support for teachers and parents: The Profiler equips teachers and parents with insights and tools to better understand and support their students and children. This collaborative approach fosters a supportive learning environment both at school and at home. Enhancing educational equity: By providing targeted support to those who need it most, the Profiler helps in levelling the playing field, ensuring that all students, regardless of their learning needs, have the opportunity to succeed. The transition towards recognising and supporting neurodiversity in schools is crucial. With tools like the Do-IT Schools Profiler, educators can ensure that every child receives the attention and support they need to thrive in their educational journey.