#ukedchat Archive
Join teachers and educationalists for #ukedchat each Thursday between 8-9 pm GMT for Edu chat. Education news, resources, and @UKEdSch website with @UKEdMag
Thursday July 14, 2016
Usual rules-use the hashtag in your tweet and A or Q1, 2... to answer each question (when it's been asked) 👌
, did you know you can have access to finance, & get kitchen equipment delivered within 24 hours? https://t.co/Hm3ajVLpX8
A1: without internal & external pressures it wouldn't but unfortunately, in primary, maths & Eng often dominate creative subjects
It doesn't leave much time for students to be creative during lessons due to the amount of content
At ks3 I think there is enough freedom for a creative curriculum. Harder at ks4
Q1 - hinder for writing, there's no celebration of natural flare or creativity, it's all about SPAG!
A1: maths now seems to be more creative but new spag demands suck the creative blood out of many talented, creative writers
For those of you interested in teaching culture, here's a heads up that https://t.co/ypBOThd6zv is closing in July.
A1 I think the opportunity to be creative is there if you want to be - not really changed with intro of the NC
And an obsession with constant drafting and re-drafting doesn't help
At KS4 I try and make the lesson planning creative to make up for it
A1 Some teachers were really creative in 1989 - and some were definitely not
Q1 I think it depends on how much scope you are given to be creative by your SLT whilst working towards the curriculum objectives.
sounds great. Any examples? Activities etc?
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the NC might not but teachers can in the way it is delivered
we designed our yr7 grammar curriculum based on creative writing
Does a lack of creativity in the curriculum naturally mean a lack of creativity in the classroom? I don't think it does/has to.
Q2 coming up in 1 minute...
I have! Kung fun panda punctuation always gets the students engaged
also using our Iliad scheme to introduce spellings of words with Greek prefixes/suffixes
talk for writing strategies also work really well
NC can inhibit special schools from teaching those skills that help our kids learn to learn... But creative teachers can overcome
There's an app, a living app called Charlie. It challenges teachers and champions creativity. https://t.co/ehDNUCHcal
A1 - I don't think so, I think as a teacher you can make it creative, but the NC isn't always relevant to Ss or RW
don't forget the for your comment to be seen
Have you seen the new interim standards for KS1 and KS2?
A1 - Lastly for more in the system, we need to include young ppl in the creation of their curriculum
https://t.co/L12jXKuUn0
A1 this is one of our biggest passions! No it does not. A system that acts like a factory is the opposite of creativity
I agree. No reason too. Isn't it down to the teacher to encourage creativity? Not the NC
more so at ks3 I think it's possible at ks4 but lots of content & appraisal target pressures
Motivation & inspiration breeds creativity, so personal development is needed on the NC across all topics
Teachers are able to add in the creativity! I'm working internationally though so acknowledge we have more flexibility
You can be creative in how you teach the different subjects.
Kung Fu punctuation! Reminds me of on the unteachables!
Absolutely. Best teachers could make the most stale of topics interesting, no matter what it is.
A2: Yes but only if schools commit to it and don't compromise
I found the new ks5 this year to be much more creative than before (English Lang/lit)
Don't forget to use the hashtag in your tweet and A or Q1, 2... to answer each question (when it's been asked) 👌
key element of what makes a good teacher isn't it?? If every subject was naturally engaging we'd be out of work!
There is at the issue of content over creativity at both KS4 and KS5 but still possible to be creative 1/2
Creativity is essentially the ability to understand the children and to adapt, in any given moment, to their needs.
2/2 esp if Ss have appropriate study skills to allow for the creativity as well as covering the content
Therefore, all about knowing your pupils?
A1. Teachers should never submit to a curriculum in which there is no room for creativity. Our voice matters.
My opinion and experience relates to primary only. Yes.
A1 for maths often hinder, too much focus on calculations not enough on problem solving or understanding role of maths in world
In university creativity was dynamic resources; impressive planning but really it is not. Creativity is maximising what you have.
It's on the TES. They do Kung Fu moves to types of punctuation - helps to get the effect of them
Q2: Absolutely - I agree it's about knowing your children and adapting learning experiences to them
so true, as a teacher adaptability is not encouraged enough but it is so important. U r a facilitator essentially
Have you seen the materials - focus on deep learning (Mastery), reasoning and logic?
sorry but what is "creative curriculum design"?
look it up on 4OD. Program where he tries to teach v.challenging kids
In theory, but you'd have to be using things like flipped teaching and innovation HW effectively
Facility with calculation makes problem solving more fun https://t.co/PdYFkeXjZM
A1 for maths often hinder, too much focus on calculations not enough on problem solving or understanding role of maths in world
A2 you must creativity in every classroom, we need to develop problem solvers. Combining with a narrow test culture is the skill
A2. Let's pause and reflect on the meaning of CREATIVITY. Yes, absolutely. All areas have room for it. It looks different though.
never seen this before. I'm secondary but the concepts are still useful
Creativity is one of the most important elements of education. 'Imagination is more important than knowledge'
Real world, concrete context-make everything relevant.
how have a I never heard of this?! Will try that out for sure, thanks!
On problem solving: as long as the students are able to be the ones who create the problems.
A2 are great places to see a purposeful creative curriculum
I was the same, but looking at it can see parts of it could work in Sec. through things like flipped learning
I think this is now changing due to mastery initiatives. https://t.co/nhuUU3cPIa
A1 for maths often hinder, too much focus on calculations not enough on problem solving or understanding role of maths in world
exactly, when forced to adapt that's how you earn the respect of students and bring out their creativity
absolutely. A meaningful learning expedition will develop intrinsic motivation to achieve their goals
On Problem Solving: "We don't give kids problem solving. They are providers of problem" - Carla Rinaldi
Can be used for operations in numeracy too!
I'd love to agree but unfortunately in Science at least the exams don't leave much room for imagination
yep & I completely agree with encouraging risk taking
a1 absolutely hinders by the weight of stuff that has to be taught.
A2: There is space for creativity all curriculum areas. Unfortunately, it’s been tarnished as unplanned and lacking in purpose
A2 creative learning expeditions this term:EYFS a space theatre production,Y1/2 olympics for parents Y3/4 recipe book for athletes
. I don't think they shouldn't learn calculations, just not pages of disconnected sums. How can they learn to love maths?
a2 yes with careful thought. Creativity should be part of curriculum at all ages.
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I think though that many of the creative/risk taking skills that are learnt in primary are lost early in yr7
because exams are just based on memory. But don't you think teaching styles can be adapted to breed creativity?
A2: Even open ended learning needs planning and have a breadth of outcomes in place. Rather than a narrow singular objective
Can anyone explain to me why we have ANOTHER interim assessment framework? Is a year not long enough to finalise?
thanks. Yes, especially at key stage five where student must analysis and synthesis complex ideas
Absolutely! We believe that failure is just a part of the process. You learn more from failure than u do success
Creativity cannot always be assessed this is the problem. https://t.co/7fhFNnJTke
A2: There is space for creativity all curriculum areas. Unfortunately, it’s been tarnished as unplanned and lacking in purpose
Depends how the amount of practice you need to do to be really good at calculation is presented https://t.co/u2WPsE78Ok
. I don't think they shouldn't learn calculations, just not pages of disconnected sums. How can they learn to love maths?
it's about the language teachers use: benefits of risks & growth mindset explained at the start of yr7
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. Suitable for Year 6 or not? Expletives removed obviously.
Without a doubt, and when you teach creatively I find it helps encourage students to be creative
A2: Children need to be taught the skills of creativity. Giving too much space or too wider boundary can have opposite effect
A3 silent demo in a food tech lesson blew me away
A3. The Reggio-Emilia Philosophy because of the strong image of the child, along with Hawkins Philosophy (teacher as learner).
also giving opportunities to fail safely. We are introducing PBH to yr7 this year with no levels attached
I agree. Certain outcomes have an element of subjectivity but is being creative a process rather than outcome?
that's the exact type of message we need to give young ppl! & are everything!
. When asked 'what's the point of this?' shld be time2 answer
Maths does amazing things great if kids see this
Could it be the revolving door of the Education Secretary that has left the DfE bewildered? https://t.co/hzp9EUKx1g
Can anyone explain to me why we have ANOTHER interim assessment framework? Is a year not long enough to finalise?
what was question 3? I missed it
A3 creativity is subjective, using tech is often seen as creative but giving children space and confidence can grow creativity
Definitely the process of creativity should be encouraged but how it is assessed can prove the problem.
A3 our tech teacher had a pick n mix wall he built which had a range of tasks students could choose if finish early
Tech CAN BE creative, encourage it even. But only when used appropriately. It's just a tool, not an answer https://t.co/mGMvklm6ho
A3 creativity is subjective, using tech is often seen as creative but giving children space and confidence can grow creativity
A3 - Key for me is variety. The excitement of not knowing what is going to happen in a classroom on any given day is huge!
How have you seen it assessed?
Project based hmwrk to go alongside trad hmwrk. Ss choose something they are passionate about as the topic
led the way on this in our school with some inspiring results!
everyday should be an adventure. Children clamouring to enter school
it’s a problem and we need to be able to accept a range of outcomes if it’s been encouraged. As a Drama tch I agree.
A3 I've witnessed teaching in natural environments e.g. A garden cause students to be more engaged & excited
Depends on the subject. Most subjects, if not all, can be assessed through talking with the pupils.
interesting! maybe can incorporate projects on selected topics, help develop coursework skills too
Question 4 in 1 minute people...
A3 Often the most creative approaches are the use of a blank canvas- provide prompt/question/statement & allow children to explore
I am really excited about it, esp the project fair in Dec and inviting parents in to see them
surprise me hwk is also great
A3 lots of creative children NOT at expected
A3 A simple technique is linking the learning outcomes to student's lives outside of school e.g. Maths 4 entrepreneurs etc.
Dont forget the hashtag-we want and the world to see the acknowledgement!
A3 great stuff happening with STEAM (STEM + Arts) using STEM to be creative, collaborative, problem focused etc.
A3 I love lessons that get the students out from behind the desks. Shove them out of the way and have fun, then learning begins
yes novelty keeps students on their toes!
I love the idea of getting parents in to see whats going odd
wonderful ideas come from so we encourage 'blue sky thinking' - teachers are motivators
I recommend book "unhomework" as a starting point. Great ideas which I have then developed
The less time students spend sat down the better
each successive incumbent to your role brings the hope of listening and constructive dialogue. Make it a reality?
A3: creative T&L has boundaries, been planned , structure and accepts a range of pupil. outcomes. The best creativity is planned
agree! Movement is a good way of learning, need to remember every1 has different learning styles
Displays can bring awe & wonder, independence and foster a sense of pride in the space
those lightbulb moments with students; when you are totally wowed by their work&they are so engaged they love learning
we had displays as a t&l CPD group this year - some were truly inspirational
Q4 - the children! Seeing their excitement and engagement when you have a brilliant lesson. Colleagues, and Pinterest!
A4 Where to begin!? I could list 100s but at the moment I'm hugely inspired by what I see on Twitter if I'm honest.
A4 The children/own self-preservation encourage me to try and be creative. Don't want to be bored-neither do my pupils!
A4 - Get out of your classroom and see others schools/others teach as much as possible. I visited recently,
A4. The children and my deep respect for their thoughts and feelings. Authors and articles about Reggio Philosophy. Twitter.
A4 Anything: an object, a letter, a picture, something in an ad. These items can all inspire me to teach . Art + work = render
A4 going into primary schools - amazing how much you can pick up even from Year 1 to inspire Sec teaching
studies show that students get less creative the further they go through ed system so sad
I do in indeed - thanks for asking
Once upon a time science, art, maths literature were viewed fluidly
Being able to render these thoughts into a good lesson (w/ or w/o plan)
https://t.co/oF9Ok2njjn
A4 Anything: an object, a letter, a picture, something in an ad. These items can all inspire me to teach . Art + work = render
A3: Creativity = communication skills, problem solving, resilience, systematic thinking and initiative. These need to be taught
If you are a UK junior school HT love to hear from you!Exciting collaboration ahead! please RT
A4 honestly? Really disengaged students. I teach English and maths in FE where highest grade is an E at GCSE. Creativity is vital
My student's and wanting them to make as much progression as possible Oh an I get bored doing the same old
I am a Twitter magpie too.
best CPD seeing other colleagues esp. If u get to discuss it with them too
Q4. students not connecting with traditional methods, have to use creative ideas to engage them to do necessary work for exam etc
look for takeaway HW on TES and there's lots of ideas
Is this the curriculum drive or is it the teachers? Pupils grow older but stil love learning, if encouraged.
Simply knowing that what we do makes a difference and that I have the opportunity to inspire the next generation.
A4 - Don't become tired! Relentless drive to give students the best experience. Every single day. Be a radiator not a drain!
a4 texts, artefacts, children's ideas, music.
Q4 colleagues, family, life, pupils and my interests. Not necessarily in that order. If I enjoy it, it is easy to be creative.
Question 5 will be quickfire... A simple yes, no with brief comment will suffice-we want no scrapping! 😤
good point! I had a GCSE resist group this year and loved every min. Pushed me all the time
Twitter is an excellent! I love that I can magpie ideas from around the world in a matter of seconds!
Check out - he is exceptional for this
. yes! Bringing more of that back would be good. Strict discipline boundaries often hinder creativity
a3 going with the children's questions, ideas, teaching with a real, interesting purpose.
And at KS4 I've put together a series of revision task boards
Twitter is excellent! I love that I can magpie ideas from around the world in a matter of seconds!
The chat's 5th question is coming up. Don't forget to include this hashtag in your 140 characters' reply :-).
There is a lot of inspiration on Twitter & technology is becoming increasingly accessible for creative T & L
A4 watching students go from uninterested to wanting more is a big motivation - the learning process is beautiful
Seems we think a like. I have done this through the spaced revision process with both KS4 & 5
it really depends how you define creative teachers. I know some brilliant teachers with very traditional methods
children and young people who rise above adversity.
A5. Not necessarily. Whatever works for each teacher and their students is best.
Definitely YES! And creativity is something we all have / can be taught / can be discovered / is within us all.
A5
A5: What’s a creative teacher? *runs for cover*
YES YES YES. Children enjoy their lessons more. Enjoyment = learning!
A5: Creativity isn't everything but it's a very significant quality - children are inspired by creativity
only if the creativity produces excellent outcomes. You can have a super fun lesson with no purpose/progress
A4 the thought of working w/ students to help them understand & fulfil their full potential - current system doesn't do that
Are traditional methods not creative?
Would you say it's inbuilt to a teachers DNA?
Yes, creativity is linked to fun; they are probably enjoying the job more and therefore more engaging with pupils.
Dido, I think it's the next step in improving progress
... Almost, I think - & in many different ways.
that's what I mean. They can be depending on your interpretation some ppl would label this t&I style boring
a5 when they're not better they're on the way of becoming better versions of themselves. A creative teacher is always going fwd
A teacher that is unsafe aid to adapt and change
