Matt Pearce
Know students
what does engagement mean? A blog full of questions
I sit here and look out at my class full of teenagers , their quiet, their working but are they engaged. I give out an assignment , I go through the criteria for assessment , they ask some questions and then I say “Any other questions?” Silence is the response. They put their heads down … Continue reading
its been a while!
Mmm – what have you been doing lately? I look back on my last post and shudder at the time between that post and this. Why the gap? Have I stopped learning or thinking? Of course not, but time does get away from you! I have had the privilege of moving into a new building … Continue reading
Feed Me!!!
I have been thinking lately about the whole area of students being consumers. Many times when I have tried new ideas in the classroom to try to help them become more independent in their learning, I encounter stressed out students who panic because they are unsure whether the answer is right or that the decision … Continue reading
three simple words
I may be alone in my thoughts but I think that being a teacher is becoming more complex each year. I have spoken to a number of teachers about how they are travelling and their united response is “very busy”. Tackling a full timetable, meetings,prep.work, marking , PD plans etc. is a tough gig and … Continue reading
I am who I am
Getting back into a new school year is tough work. The same thought keeps coming back into my head, “should have done this last year”!! Can a old dog learn new tricks? Is what we are so ingrained in us that we can’t change? What we have before us each year is a group of … Continue reading
I must break you!!
The Rocky movies have played a significant part in movie history. Typically , like any movie series, the plots get thinner as the next movie in the series is released. As the new school year started , I was drawn to this famous quote from Dolf Lundgren in Rocky 4. The very thin scenario goes something like … Continue reading
Perspective
It’s a big day today as our son has his first day at High School. I spent some time reflecting with a home group this morning on their first day and I shared what life was like in 1982, when I entered the gates of Findon High School. I hope that today for our year 7’s is … Continue reading
Blog as a professional portfolio
I am currently in a workshop with George Couros on National Teaching Standards. In this blog I will be exploring the following 7 teaching standards: 1. Know students 2. Knowing content 3. Plan teaching and learning 4. Supportive and safe learning 5. Assess,feedback,report 6. Professional learning 7. Engage professionally.
Reports aren’t a dirty word
Yes it’s that time of term when teachers disappear into that vortex which seems to dominate their lives for three weeks or so…… REPORTS Even though I know its coming, I am still surprised when the buff coloured piece of paper arrives in my pigeon hole giving me the important dates to remember so that … Continue reading
Let your embers shine!
I am fortunate in that I often can sit back during a lesson and observe what my kids are doing. I am incredibly encouraged when I see them working together to solve problems or caring for each other in their conversations. I shared an excerpt from the Coach Carter movie with my home group this … Continue reading
Matt Pearce 