People with fixed mindsets believe that fundamental qualities like intelligence are essentially stable; people with growth mindsets believe that such qualities can be developed and nurtured. Research shows that learners with growth mindsets are more: open to challenges and constructively critical feedback; resilient in the face of obstacles and failure; convinced that effort makes a difference; able to learn well with and from others; likely to succeed. If we can foster growth mindsets in our pupils the results will be transformative. The Growth Mindset Pocketbook is full of classroom strategies for doing just that. Barry Hymer and Mike Gershon look at high-challenge tasks and the value of errors, mistakes and failure; exactly what we mean by effort and how to make that attractive to students; great feedback; the power of language; and 'going seriously meta' – equipping students to think about their own thinking and learn about their own learning. Get the book; get growing!
Barry Hymer and Mike Gershon explain how learners with growth mindsets are: more open to challenges and constructively critical feedback; resilient in the face of obstacles and initial failure; convinced that effort makes a difference; able to learn well with and from others; and are likely to rise to the top - and stay there. This title presents practical strategies for developing this kind of learner.
'The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled' (Plutarch). The trouble is that, as much as we believe those words, we're sometimes under such pressure to 'deliver' that we're tricked into the spoon-feeding shortcut. We then become trapped, with our pupils, in an unhealthy cycle where we do more and more of the work and they rely on us more and more heavily. The Independent Learning Pocketbook is about breaking that cycle and creating ambitious learners who are self-regulated, self-motivated, resourceful and resilient - learners with clear goals and direction and who use their initiative to achieve success. Peter Anstee draws on a variety of research, as well as first-hand classroom experience and observation, in this clear-sighted look at how to inspire and nurture the people you teach to become lifelong learners.
The OED defines character as 'the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual'. For sure, some of these qualities we're born with but we know from neuroscience that character is also something we can grow. There's evidence to show that by teaching children how to collaborate, adapt, be curious and creative; to show initiative, persistence, flexibility and good judgement, etc, we are equipping them to learn and be successful in life. We're also increasing their chances of social, emotional and physical wellbeing. This Pocketbook focuses on intellectual character. It starts with attitudes, approaches, events and activities that create a 'character culture' in classrooms and schools. It suggests ways of incorporating character education into lessons: planning, framing and setting tasks that target specific dispositions. Grit – the desire and ability to persevere; rising to a challenge and showing stamina and persistence – has a chapter of its own. So does resilience: the magic ingredient that helps us cope with adversity, disappointment, shock and failure. The author concludes with how to reflect on, evaluate and celebrate personal and intellectual development. C J Simister (National Association of Gifted Children's 'Inspiring Person of the Year', 2011) has almost 20 years' teaching experience. She regularly speaks at international conferences and works with schools around the world, advising on helping young people to develop the intellectual qualities and skills needed to thrive and succeed in school and beyond. The OED defines character as 'the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual'. For sure, some of these qualities we're born with but we know from neuroscience that character is also something we can grow. There's evidence to show that by teaching children how to collaborate, adapt, be curious and creative; to show initiative, persistence, flexibility and good judgement, etc, we are equipping them to learn and be successful in life. We're also increasing their chances of social, emotional and physical wellbeing. This Pocketbook focuses on intellectual character. It starts with attitudes, approaches, events and activities that create a 'character culture' in classrooms and schools. It suggests ways of incorporating character education into lessons: planning, framing and setting tasks that target specific dispositions. Grit – the desire and ability to persevere; rising to a challenge and showing stamina and persistence – has a chapter of its own. So does resilience: the magic ingredient that helps us cope with adversity, disappointment, shock and failure. The author concludes with how to reflect on, evaluate and celebrate personal and intellectual development. C J Simister (National Association of Gifted Children's 'Inspiring Person of the Year', 2011) has almost 20 years' teaching experience. She regularly speaks at international conferences and works with schools around the world, advising on helping young people to develop the intellectual qualities and skills needed to thrive and succeed in school and beyond.
Some books on the topic of confidence offer a 'quick-fix' approach which could be summarised as 'believe in yourself'. This Pocketbook is different; it suggests that you need to arrive at a position of justified self-belief. In other words get good at something then believe in yourself. It contains tips and techniques to help you grow in confidence, grasp life's challenges and fulfil your ambitions. Confidence matters because a lack of it can stop you going after what you really want in life. The focus of this book is on acquiring real confidence, that is substantial and justifiable. Discover how to take on more challenging tasks through graded exposure, managing your mindset and tapping into your sub-personalities. The author Peter English set up his own training company almost two decades ago and over the years has found that a lack of confidence is an issue for many course participants. The advice and tips in this Pocketbook are based partly on working with those people, hearing their stories and finding ways to help them, as well as on research he has undertaken and his own experience of having once been a shy person. The Confidence Pocketbook sets out a range of confidence-building strategies and then pulls these together into an action plan. There is advise too on how to boost your confidence at short notice when faced with specific challenges (e.g. tackling a difficult conversation or making an important presentation.)
Fully engaged and motivated people perform better, enjoy greater job satisfaction, are more loyal and bring the manager and team leader the outcomes they have targeted. Doug Miller, author of the Engagement Pocketbook, has distilled decades of theory on the topic of engagement to produce the SPARC model designed to help managers on a day-to-day basis get the best out of their people. HR professionals, coaches, mentors and trainers will also find the model insightful. SPARC comprises five elements: Self-determination (degree of individual autonomy)Purpose (role clarity)Authenticity (scope for self-expression)Reward (spiritual, emotional & financial gain)Challenge (need for learning & development) For each element five management interventions are described, bringing the model to life and underscoring the pocketbook’s practical approach.
The drive in schools to ensure that all students reach their potential is fuelled by a wealth of data for tracking progress and revealing which groups and individuals are underachieving. The challenge for teachers is to find strategies that 'close the gap', allowing every pupil the best possible chance of success. With characteristic energy, Caroline Bentley-Davies shows how to strengthen learning and engagement, so boosting progress and attainment. After dispelling some commonly held beliefs about raising achievement, Caroline describes a 'climate for achievement'. Drawing on education research on feedback, metacognition and motivation, she brings theory to life with examples and case studies. Her section on exams and revision cleverly applies the theory of marginal gains and elsewhere she highlights the role of parents and peers and stresses the importance of great CPD. A thought-provoking read that could raise your game and improve student outcomes.
A glance at the history books or the pages of a Dickens novel reminds us how far education has come since the days when pupils sat silently in rows memorising knowledge imparted by the teacher. Learning was passive, and only gender and social class affected provision. In today's schools learning is at the centre of what we do and differentiation - the process of modifying a lesson or part of a lesson for one or some of the learners - is a fundamental part of teaching. Turning theory into practice and including 20 key types of differentiation, this Pocketbook is about planning and teaching creative, student-focused lessons where every learner is appropriately challenged and where engaged, stimulated and motivated students work in a state of 'flow'. In this kind of environment true differentiation serves not to label but to enable. "Peter Anstee's book is simple but not simplistic. It is not an idiot's guide' but rather it reminds the initiate and the seasoned pedagogue of the fundamental importance of differentiation to effective teaching and learning. Its informed and (mercifully) succinct overview of the theory and manifold practical strategies provide an ideal companion for the busy professional." Pete Fishleigh, Faculty Leader - English, Brentwood County High School "This gem of a book doesn't disguise the challenge differentiation presents, but it is packed full of practical techniques which are easily incorporated into any lesson. It inspires, informs and gives the reader the confidence to improve their practice. A must-have for teaching today." Alice Edge, 2nd in MFL, Responsible for Community Languages - Valentines High School "This Pocketbook provides all the tips necessary to an outstanding teacher since all the key strategies which help students to learn more effectively are included. The theories are easy to understand because they are clearly linked to classroom practice, and experimentation seems possible." Debbie Kirk, English Consultant, School Improvement and Early Years - Essex LA
Author Andy Vass's definition of coaching emphasises the process of learning. It's about helping people to uncover their own solutions rather than giving them advice, telling them what to do or solving problems for them. Whether you're coaching or being coached, the Coaching in Schools Pocketbook can help you to become 'even better' in your role. Find out how solution-focused tools like 'exceptions' and 'scaling' enable high quality, thoughtful dialogues and how becoming skilful at asking questions, listening and providing feedback can develop both coach and coachee. Andy's RIGAAR model for framing a coaching conversation shows, step by step, how to establish and achieve goals that lead to exciting and positive change. Whether you're an NQT, a Headteacher, or Middle Leader, you'll be inspired by examples from teachers and students describing, in their own words, how coaching has worked for them and for their schools, improving performance and raising attainment at every level. Coaching in Schools updates and replaces the Coaching & Reflecting Pocketbook.
