Put Pedagogical Theory into Practice with Your First Class

Your training gave you plenty of theory. Now there's a full timetable, a pile of books to mark and perhaps your first exam class, and you want to know which parts of the theory earn their place.

The answer here is a handful that do. Plan explanations and live modelling around a clear four-step sequence. Raise expectations with routines such as "no opt out", so a pupil who couldn't answer ends up answering. Use a simple mnemonic, MARKING, to mark with a purpose instead of marking every word, and give feedback that makes pupils think rather than feel criticised.

If GCSE or A level teaching is new to you, there's a practical guide to specifications, mark schemes, past papers and examiner reports, and to getting students ready for the exam hall.