5 Tips for FE teachers: working SMART!

16 Jul 2019 04:13 PM

1. Standardise your marking short hand

If you’re marking by hand, anything to make this process quicker and uniform across student work can help you use your time more effectively. We’re created a poster which you can download, use in your classroom or on email to remind students about what those little icons and symbols mean on their work.

Download the poster here

2. Make use of your students

Use peer marking for formative assessments. Not only will it help your learners gain a different insight or perspective on the subject matter, it’ll save your valuable time which can be spend on marking formal assessments.

3. Planning is key

4. Make use of technology

Using SMART applications for delivery – Nearpod for example – there are loads out there to pick from to support with teaching and delivery to assessment to tracking and monitoring.

5. Increase capacity during delivery

When you get a quiet 5 minutes such as during group discussions, use this time wisely rather than catching up on the news on your phone. You can take a look at admin tasks in lessons during group work such as emailing slides or uploading resources.

You can also use the time to clear your inbox. If it’s to do, flag it. If you’re not sure, reply and get the information. If it’s dealt with, delete it.

About the author

Chris spent over 10 years as a lecturer and curriculum manager in both schools and FE colleges. Chris specialises in Travel and Tourism, Sport, Outdoor Education, Health & Safety and Uniformed and Non-uniformed Public Services, with experience teaching and lecturing across all levels from 14-16 up to HND.