Marco+Torres

What stood out for you on this style of teaching and learning? I look forward to your thoughts on this - and how we can apply these strategies to RE at St Agnes.

The main things that stood out for me included: Use of Technology Using Context Using Structure Inclusive Language Creating Opportunities for Risk

__Use of Technology__ Inspiration looks like a great way to do a good old fashioned brainstorm. The reason I think it will have appeal for RE is because its application is so varied - the thoughts from the brainstorm can slot straight into an essay plan, a powerpoint, a song, a poem or a report - all useful and fun ways of learning. Marco demonstrated this really simply - I noticed he used technology for all the different learning styles. I would like to try this in the classroom - have you tried to use inspiration? What PD would you need to give it a go?

__Using Context__ Marco would make learning engaging and relevant to students by using local examples - I heard him ask for local football teams, sporting venues, facilities, and environmental locations - the students were geared up for this because they had prior knowledge - they knew about their environment and wanted to share what they knew.

__Using Structure__ Everything he did had a purpose and the structure of his purpose was explained to the students - "the reason we are doing it this way is because........." "What order of importance is this part?" What is working here? What isn't working and why not? How are we going to ensure we have the most relevent points done first? What do you think about it?" The lesson made sense because the students were on a road they had packed for - they had everything they needed for their learning trip! He also personalised his learning to the individual - he used a visual plan and then gave instructions in 2 other ways which was great as you could see the penny dropping for each student as they absorbed the information they needed.

__Inclusive Language__ I was impressed with the way Marco kept feeding back if the students were ontrack or not. He did it honestly and promptly. Even when he wasn't instructing them, he was motivating them to keep building on thier work which was really positive. "Could we do something like that here?" These kinds of questions keep the interest going and this momentum means the task gets to completion.

__Creating Opportunities for Risk__ When students got the answer wrong, he made sure they didn't look silly. He created a safe learning environment by using some key points - "Can I have your permission to mess up and make mistakes - can you have permission to mess it up if you need to?" which ensured the kids had plenty to say and were not afraid of disappointing anyone - this is a good approach to creating an environment of sharing without judgement.

What were the key points that came up for you in this?