Jennifer Taylor is a drama teacher but she’s invited John Bayley to watch her teach her second subject, history. She’s worried about a group of boys in her Yr 9 mixed ability class who not only wind each other up but wind her up too! Having observed Jennifer’s lesson John suggests she gives positive ear messages to difficult pupils early on in the lesson and coaches her on how to handle a one-to-one conversation when things go wrong. He also encourages Jenny to teach less from the front and to engage her pupils more in classroom activities. A week later John observes Jenny again. This time she takes on board some of his suggestions and also introduces a new seating plan. Both are pleased with the results. Jenny feels more in control and can see the benefits of doing things differently. John finds the class more focused and more of the pupils are listening to what Jenny has to say.

Video Series: Teaching With Bayley
Release Date 2006