Masoud
Building a class around talk and group work
- Programme
- PgCTL
- Exam
- Pedagogy exam cleared, all criteria above expectations
- Focus
- Group work, social constructivism and differentiation
Masoud wanted his lessons to be something students did rather than sat through. He rebuilt his classes around group work and social constructivism, made differentiation routine for his SEN learners, and passed his pedagogy exam above expectations on every criterion.
Lessons built on group work.
Masoud names the theory he now teaches by: social constructivism. He has started giving more team and group activities, “where students can interact, students can develop critical thinking”. From the programme he also lists Bloom’s taxonomy, SOLO taxonomy, classroom dynamics and how to use technology in the classroom. The response came from several directions. His supervisors and colleagues appreciated him, he says, and students occasionally send him appreciation letters.
An exam, and what comes after.
The effect reached beyond his classroom. He recently cleared his pedagogical exam. “All criteria was above the expectations,” he says. He tries to build 21st century skills into his teaching, because “the workspace is changing, the world is changing”, and students should be equipped for that. When he talks about differentiation, he mentions his SEN students in particular. “Equity is implemented in my class,” he says.
Another important thing which I have started giving more importance after this course is differentiation.
