Thread by @jdurran

#Interview_lessons. I've watched a lot of these, for primary and for secondary posts, and I've taught some too. There are lots happening at the moment, so here is some advice. I know there is a lot more. What would you add?

Actually teach something. Make sure pupils leave the lesson with something they didn’t have before – some new knowledge, a technique, an understanding, an appreciation, or a new perspective. #Interview_lessons

Keep it simple. Don’t try to pack more into the time than is realistic. Be effective, not elaborate. #Interview_lessons

Pitch high. Err on the side of high expectations, in terms of curriculum objectives, thinking, vocabulary and material. If the phase or material is unfamiliar, research the level and go a notch up. Whatever you do, don't talk down. #Interview_lessons

Include. Don’t let a few pupils dominate Q&A or discussion. Use whatever techniques you know work to require participation – write first, think-pair-share, mini-whiteboards, and so on. #Interview_lessons

Don’t spend precious time asking pupils what they already know. They already know that. Get stuck in to some new learning. #Interview_lessons

Be interested. Ask questions as though you are genuinely interested in what the pupils think, know or have to say. #Interview_lessons

Don’t rush reading. If there’s text to absorb, give that proper space. Maybe read it again. This is not lost time. #Interview_lessons

Use pupils’ names. The few seconds spent asking, or in peering at a name label, is worth it to show that you’re interested and to project confidence. #Interview_lessons

Go towards trouble. Notice who is fed up, distracted, sulking or subversive and make confident, friendly, personal contact with them. #Interview_lessons

Be critical. Praise, but don’t over-celebrate pupils’ contributions or efforts. Make critique and improvement a part of the lesson. #Interview_lessons

Don’t put any PowerPoints or IWB files in the cloud and expect them to work. Just don’t. #Interview_lessons