Work Smarter, Be Happier for Teachers (10 Hours)

It is an investigation-based online course which explores key elements of effective and efficient working practices for teachers to better manage their workloads. Themes explored include assessment, lesson planning, aspirations and expectations and prioritisation.

“Work Smarter, Be Happier for Teachers” is practical, solution-focused, participant-led course which models effective teaching and learning strategies and shares resources which can then be used in the classroom.

As well as being hugely beneficial to working practice, it promises to be an enjoyable course to undertake.

The course aims are as follows:

· To lead to better quality teaching and learning, through the establishment of strategic decision-making, the prioritisation of high-quality learning strategies and smarter working practices.

·To identify the benefits of reviewing the theory of newly researched approaches to teaching and learning and utilise the findings as a means of engaging with evidence-based best practice.

· To facilitate and support teachers to use SSE to become more reflective practitioners and make informed decisions about their pedagogical approach.

· To showcase best practice of a core set of teaching and learning approaches including effective assessment and lesson planning, including utilising ICT effectively; and active learning approaches which will revolutionize practice and improve student outcomes.

Successful completion of this CPD Course for Teachers will result in the receipt of a Certificate of Participation.

Work Smarter, Be Happier for Teachers Course Learning Objectives

Module 1 – Introduction

Where am I? We self-assess our practice using a baseline test, informed by SSE.

What is current evidence-based best practice? We explore newly researched theory, we identify and itemise its benefits and its essential qualities.

Module 2 – Assessment

The role of effective assessment in teaching & learning and the powerful impact it can have on student achievement.

How embedding Assessment for Learning within our practice can help us to support the development of student-led learning and enquiry.

How can we successfully assess literacy and numeracy on a daily basis?

Module 3 – Expectations & Aspirations

How do our students know what is expected of them in terms of achievement and learning behaviours? We explore our expectations and aspirations of our students.

We present a series of strategies that can be used to build a positive, student-centered, learning environment which invokes positive learning behaviours.

Module 4 – Planning

How can we plan more effectively and efficiently? We explore resources and methodologies used to promote creative and strategic planning.

How can we implement homework as a deliberate learning activity that is central to achievement? We explore resources and methodologies used to encourage homework as an active learning approach, which is key to scaffolding knowledge and skills.

Module 5 Strategic Decision-making

Managing and dealing with the accumulation of workload as a professional: How we can use active decision-making; prioritisation and self-care to promote smarter working approaches which benefit teachers and students?