iTrackR

Many years ago I started my career teaching on a course specifically designed for women returning to work; in reality many of the women had never worked at all having had children in their early teens.  This course was heavily funded for three years and extremely popular with an average class size of 30.  Many of the women had low self esteem; several had never completed their education and desperately wanted to get off the “benefit cycle”. I taught…

First a short video of Mark an English teacher and poet- rapping in the classroom.

The second video of Mark at a rapping contest with a student.   I would encourage you to listen to the student’s view of education as he raps.  BE WARNED! There is a bit of swearing in this video (not sure that teachers should be allowed to swear?). 

To give you some context: The rap challenge is meant to be a slanging match.  It has the appearance of being quite hostile but it is part of…

I have taught English in vocational college for 13 years; my students range from NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training), MLDs  (mild-moderate learning difficulties) and low level achievers.  Over the years I have experimented with ideas that were (and still) perceived as unconventional (which led to meetings with my manager to “explain my actions”). 

Groups consist of NEETs, ADHD, dyslexia, or behavioural issues - so…

Continuing profession development (CPD)

It is so annoying, I seem unable to pass the 9 pm watershed of keeping awake while reading a piece of research - I just can’t keep my eyes open!  Why does this matter?  Well you see I suffer from an affliction called “super busy-ness”. It’s a common condition which leaves me severely lacking in time and constantly looking to ways to use my time more effectively... for…