Most of what makes classrooms work is invisible. The activities that teachers and students enact are, by and large, irrelevant. I’m aware that this runs the risk of sounding like preposterous nonsense, but I think it’s true. The here and now of lessons and classrooms is dependent on the routines and relationships that have been forged over time. If you’re clear about what is and is not acceptable behaviour, firm and fair in applying consequences and provide meaningful feedback on how pupils’ can improve it almost doesn’t matter what you do in a lesson. And vice versa: if you neglect these things, no amount of creative and engaging planning will compensate. In a nutshell, if you know your pupils your teaching is likely to be effective. If you don’t, it won’t.
via Know your pupils: pen portraits | David Didau: The Learning Spy.
The Echo Chamber 