On Wednesday 26th February, Teach2030 held its very first, live Q and A session on Facebook. The event was hosted by Education Advisor and Secondary Expert, Alex Starr, together with Rebecca Akinyi Migwambo, at Kenya Connect (a Teach2030 partner).
Participants were given the opportunity to ask questions via social media prior to the session. Alex and Rebecca worked together to answer these, along with any new questions that were asked live.
How can we incorporate 21st Century teaching skills into the classroom?
In their preparation meeting before the live event, Rebecca and Alex debated which skills were being asked about very carefully. Whilst Alex mentioned digital skills, Rebecca discussed problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity and collaboration. Alex took the lead when answering this question live. She discussed Project Based Learning, which she has used before in her classroom. The example provided was of allowing her students to work within a group to present a new theatre design to the class. Students had to present their idea in a total of four minutes. Her students divided themselves into different roles, including researchers, designers and writers. Many used their digital skills but only outside the classroom, as most schools prohibit the use of technology within the classroom. Alex explained that it was up to the students to work together to create a successful presentation. As a teacher, it can be nerve-wracking giving students the freedom to teach other, but it also enables them to feel empowered, creative and work together. It does take careful planning though, particularly when considering the role of the teacher.
How can we make our teaching more active for our learners?
Rebecca took ownership of this question, answering it extensively. She discussed Maths and how teachers can rely too much on pen and paper. She provided an example of asking students to bring in a 3D shape, such as a box or cube. Using rulers, students could then use their measuring skills to compare and contrast area, depth, height and volume with physical items. This would increase student involvement in learning.
How can we assess our students effectively?
As this was a question asked live, it was answered by both experts. Alex and Rebecca emphasised the difference between formative and summative assessment:
Both Alex and Rebecca agreed that teachers are usually more confident with summative, rather than formative assessment; however, this needs to change. It is vital that teachers understand how much their learners know and understand, before they continue a lesson.
As the live Q&A concluded, it had become clear that many of the questions had focused around increasing student involvement in the classroom. We would recommend taking the Teach2030 course: Practical Active Learning For Your Classroom. Part 1 is free, as it Part 2 when using the code ‘Teach2030’.
If you missed the session and would live to watch it again, please press play on the video below.
Our next Q and A session will be held on Wednesday 23rd February at 2pm GMT. It will be hosted by Education Lead and Primary Expert, Eleanor Sykes. To ask her a question, send us a message today on Facebook.
