July 2013

The know zone

  • Secret service
    Free speech and whistleblowing are rights that must be balanced against the rights and reputation of others, including children and the school itself, says Richard Bird. More
  • Goving nowhere
    The fast-changing funding landscape is driving uncertainty and the latest revisions to funding formulae will not help one bit, says Sam Ellis. More
  • Lead vocals
    Quotes from Lao Tzu, Frank Herbert, Jiddu Krishnamurti, Abraham Lincoln and Jim Henson More
  • Appliance of science
    Andrew Squires is deputy head of Denbigh School in Milton Keynes and director of the Denbigh Teaching School Alliance. More
  • Prince's Trust xl clubs
    The Prince’s Trust in-school xl clubs are aimed at re-engaging young people aged 13-19 who are struggling to achieve five A*-C GCSEs and who may be dealing with a wide range of issues including behavioural problems, low attendance and low self-confidence. More
  • Adding value
    Effective feedback is one of the most important factors that affects student progress. IRIS Connect believes that teachers also need effective feedback. More
  • The realms of possibility?
    Moves to set up a Royal College of Teaching are gathering pace. Should teaching have a self-regulating professional body? Will it make a difference? Here leaders share their views. More
  • Leaders' surgery
    Changes to A levels and Tips on engaging with your MP More
  • Explosive situation?
    Punitive, demoralising, threatening… Is this really a culture that nurtures long-term improvement? No, says Brian Lightman. And rushing to bring in performancerelated pay for teachers will only foster more resentment. More
  • Decisions of the head or heart?
    Parents worried about head lice, colleagues confused about job opportunities, meaningless memos. And your school is shortly to close. Oh, the joys of leadership. Thank goodness for students. More
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Adding value

Effective feedback

Effective feedback is one of the most important factors that affects student progress. IRIS Connect believes that teachers also need effective feedback.

Peer observation is a key element to effective continuing professional development; however, it can get stuck in a summative rut.

Five tips to make observation feedback formative:

  • Think of the observer as being there to serve and support rather than to fix a problem.
  • Ask, “What are we trying to achieve here?” Make sure that both the observed teacher and the coach are clear of the observation objectives.
  • Use video to capture the lesson. This reduces the impact of an in-class observer and allows discussion and feedback to be objective and contextualised.
  • Look for and discuss ‘specific observable behaviours’. This helps to keep discussion focused.
  • Personalise – how would the teacher like to move forward? Would they like to observe you, be in-ear coached or to try a different coach?

IRIS Connect puts observation in the teacher’s control and ensures that feedback is relevant, contextualised and personal.

ASCL members benefit from five free licences worth £485. To arrange a free on-site demonstration contact IRIS Connect, ASCL’s preferred provider of video-based CPD, on 08453 038 578 or email info@irisconnect.co.uk

One of the benefits of ASCL membership is discounts and special rates on a range of personal and educational products and services. There are healthcare products, online staff well-being systems, financial advice and self-evaluation surveys. Check out the full list at www.ascl.org.uk

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