How model banks give a clear picture of what quality looks like
Over the weekend, my washing machine began making a strange noise. Despite pressing various buttons, turning it off and on, and even fiddling with the door, there was no improvement. In my quest for a solution, I turned to YouTube, where I discovered Steve the plumber. His step-by-step video on how to fix the issue was just what I needed. After following his instructions to clean the filter, the machine was working perfectly again. Without Steve's guidance and his YouTube channel, I’d likely still be pointlessly flicking the on-off switch.
This incident underscored a fundamental truth: I knew there was a problem but needed help to identify the cause and a clear ‘model’ of how to fix it. When we try something new, we benefit immensely from watching someone model the process effectively, ideally in a step-by-step manner.
The Importance of Modelling in Education
We all recognise the value of modelling for our students, but it's just as crucial for teachers. Teaching is often too complex to be effectively conveyed through words alone; seeing it in action can significantly enhance a teacher's ability to replicate effective strategies.
Live demonstrations in professional development sessions are valuable, yet they can lack the real-life dynamics of a classroom setting. A bank of classroom video models, especially if drawn from various contexts like an English classroom, a PE lesson, or a year 8 drama class, can be even more powerful. Each setting demonstrates the nuances of the strategy in different contexts.
Compiling such a bank of videos can be a challenge, but it’s well worth the time investment. There are also a bunch of resources out there that have done the hard work for you.
Go forth and model!
This is a modified version of one of the emails in the free 30 day Steplab, email course on school improvement. For more, sign up here. i.e., It wasn’t really my washing machine, it was Peps Mccrea’s! ; )
Announcements and Opportunities
One Day Only! – Josh Goodrich, Ollie Lovell, Harry Fletcher-Wood – Instructional Coaching Intensive (July 23rd)
Back by popular demand, International Coaching expert Josh Goodrich, and creator of the term, ‘Responsive Teaching', Harry Fletcher-Wood, will be in Australia for a one day only training on effective Instructional Coaching.
Join the growing movement of schools around Australia who are using Instructional Coaching to systematically and sustainably improve teaching and learning in their context.
Here's what people said about last time:
“a brilliant springboard for bringing a coaching program to my school…. enabled participants like me to apply key concepts straight away.”
– Rebecca Birch, Queenwood
“The evidence in this program unpacks the amazing impact instructional coaching can have on student learning. This is the most influential professional development I have experienced.” – Jack Neil, St Monica’s
“… I immediately felt that my coaching conversations were going to become more clear, comfortable and impactful.”
– Andrew McLouglin, Challis Community Primary School
I’d love to see you there. Here’s some more info if you’re interested.