James Barron

My first experience of teaching was in 2016, when I was asked to deliver a talk to a group of 16-year-olds on what it was like to start your own business. I immediately knew I wanted to become more involved in teaching but I didn’t know where to start as I had not previously considered a career in education. A few weeks later I agreed to teach a class of Chinese students from the Shanghai Technical Institute of Electronics and Information, who had travelled to the UK to learn English and Software Engineering, after that I was hooked. Within the next few years, I taught hundreds of students of many different nationalities, aged from 16 to 60, and from levels 2 to 6. I focused my time teaching with Bath University and Bath College for several more years until I felt a change was in order. For the last few years, I have taught remotely with several private training organisations, provided dedicated one to one coaching sessions, provided consultancy on teaching and assessment practices and written about my experiences as a teacher. I plan to continue with my current activities for the foreseeable future but I’m always open to new teaching experiences.

behaviour

Factors leading to behaviours that can disrupt a learning environment.

“The majority of learners genuinely want to learn and will display appropriate attitudes and behaviours, it cannot be assumed that this is the case for all learners and some will present challenges that have to be met.” (Gould & Roffey-Barentsen, 2014, p. 222) The vast majority of classes I teach do not suffer from challenging behaviour, […]

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Brain

Theories, Principles, Models of Learning

Abstract The intricate nature of learning and teaching is emphasised through various pedagogical theories and approaches. Mumford’s perspective positions learning as a demonstration of new knowledge or skills. This is juxtaposed with diverse theories like Behaviourism, which is result-oriented, Cognitivism, focusing on mental processes and problem-solving, and Humanism, that places the student at the centre

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Communication Theory

Theories, principles and models of communication

Abstract This document delves into the multifaceted nature of communication in an educational setting, underscoring its pivotal role in every interaction between educators and students. Initial sections elaborate on basic and two-way communication models, emphasising both verbal and non-verbal means. As the narrative progresses, it illuminates the challenges that arise in ensuring effective communication, especially

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Curriculum Development

Theories and models of curriculum development

Abstract This article explores the diverse definitions and interpretations of curriculum in the educational realm, emphasising its various models and their implications. From the delineated five areas of curriculum—official, actual, formal, informal, and hidden—to more specific models like the product, process, thematic, and spiral, each has its unique characteristics, benefits, and challenges. The article also

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Legal

Legislation, regulatory requirements and codes of practice in teaching

Abstract This document elucidates the fundamental principles and obligations of key legislative frameworks including the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006), and the Data Protection Act (1998), and their implications for educational settings. The Health and Safety at Work Act emphasises the safety of individuals in a work

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VARK Learning Preferences

Student learning preferences

Along with a number of learning theories there is also the theory that students have different learning preferences. There are several different learning preferences, along with different approaches to interpreting and categorising these different preferences. It is important to deliver “a balance of learning activities in the sessions we deliver to accommodate the mix of

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question

Why it is important to promote appropriate behaviour and respect for others

Abstract This document emphasises the importance of establishing ground rules in the classroom to create a conducive learning environment. It begins by advocating for open discussion among students and educators to set these rules, illustrating the essence of mutual respect. Differentiating between non-negotiable and negotiable rules, the content underscores the significance of documenting these guidelines,

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Individual Needs

Why it is important to identify and meet the individual needs of learners

Abstract The process of identifying learner needs is a pivotal initial stage in the educational journey. Utilising tools such as questionnaires and interviews, educators can gauge students’ prior knowledge, learning styles, and specific requirements, from physical disabilities to linguistic barriers. Addressing diverse needs, ranging from health and disabilities, language barriers, emotional challenges, and cognitive abilities,

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Law

Key aspects of legislation relating to managing behaviours in a learning environment

There are several pieces of legislation that relate to the management of behaviour within a learning environment. Legislation such as United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), Health and Safety at Work Act and the Equality Act are broad in their specification but have a direct impact on the management of behaviour.

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Angry Behaviour

Key aspects of a organisation’s policies relating to managing behaviours in a learning environment

Current legislation, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), Health and Safety at Work Act and the Equality Act, influences educational establishment policy and the organisation’s Code of Conduct on how staff should manage student behaviour. Educational establishments provide a clear Code of Conduct for the behaviour of students,

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