A short thread on the importance of teacher subject knowledge...
Firstly, the content is the engager. To assume that skills outweigh knowledge is false
Teacher talk is not “lazy teaching.” Teacher talk is more than “chalk ‘n’ talk.” The reductive approach of 10% teacher talk has been incredibly damaging to the profession as a whole.
Enhancing and refining subject knowledge should be the main CPD priority.
Teachers should be given time to read around their subject and deepen their knowledge.
Departmental meetings should allow time for staff to discuss core topics and the knowledge that will be taught.
Never assume someone knows everything about their subject eg I am a History teacher by trade but my knowledge of Alfred the Great is hazy
Think carefully about why staff should/would teach out of their specialism (I appreciate this is more secondary applicable)
When teaching the content do not assume that we have to differentiate downwards. This can often inhibit student aspirations. Give students the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the richness of the content.
Above all else, the teacher is the expert - not the worksheet, PowerPoint or group work task they do/do not set.
Short thread over
Short thread over
