PlanWorking - The Blog

In the classroom, the role of a teacher is not merely to impart information, but rather to ignite a spark of curiosity within their students. True learning occurs when individuals are guided to explore and discover knowledge for themselves. The best teachers understand this fundamental principle and employ techniques that enable students to uncover their own understanding, rather than simply regurgitating facts. By showing students where to look, without explicitly telling them what to see, these educators foster independent thinking, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning. One key aspect of being an effective teacher is to act as a facilitator, rather than a dictator, of knowledge. Instead of presenting information in a didactic manner, teachers should provide a framework for exploration. They can introduce a topic, pose thought-provoking questions, and encourage students to delve deeper into the subject matter. This approach allows students to engage actively in their own learn

Education is not just about imparting knowledge and skills, it is also about awakening the mind. A good teacher does not just teach, but also inspires and motivates their students to learn and grow. They create an environment that encourages curiosity and critical thinking, and helps students develop a love of learning. In order to awaken the mind, teachers need to go beyond the standard curriculum and textbooks. They need to expose their students to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. They need to challenge their assumptions and push them out of their comfort zones. They need to encourage creativity and experimentation, and help their students develop the confidence to take risks and make mistakes. A good teacher also needs to be a role model. They need to demonstrate a passion for learning and intellectual curiosity, and show their students the value of lifelong learning. They need to be patient and supportive, and create a safe and inclusive learning environment where everyone

 As a teacher, it can be easy to fall into the trap of wanting to shape our students in our own image. We may want them to adopt our beliefs, our values, and our worldview. After all, we believe that we have the answers, and we want to impart them to the next generation. However, this approach can be problematic. It can lead to a narrow-mindedness that stifles creativity and critical thinking. It can also create a power imbalance between teacher and student, with the former holding all the cards. In short, it can be detrimental to the learning process. To be a truly effective teacher, it is important to defend our students against our own personal influence. This means putting our own biases and beliefs aside and allowing our students to explore their own ideas and perspectives. This does not mean that we should abandon our role as a guide and mentor. On the contrary, it means that we should be even more vigilant in creating a safe and supportive learning environment in which our stude

Tony Blair once said his priority was "Education, education, education." I don't think saying it three times is enough so I've listed five reasons why I think education is important:  Education is often referred to as the great equalizer, providing individuals with the knowledge and skills to succeed in their career paths. Quality education creates a strong foundation for individuals to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals, regardless of their background or social status. It is the key to unlocking opportunities and creating pathways to success. Education is more important than ever before in today's fast-paced, competitive world. It is not only a means of personal development but also a crucial factor in economic growth and social progress. Quality education not only prepares individuals for the job market but also equips them with critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills. These skills are essential in every p

As educators, it is our job to help our students discover their own potential and see the talent within themselves. It is not enough to simply teach them facts and figures, but rather to inspire and encourage them to believe in themselves and their abilities. Here's 5 steps we see as key to helping students discover their potential. The first step in this process is to create a safe and supportive environment for our students. When students feel comfortable and accepted in the classroom, they are more likely to take risks and push themselves out of their comfort zones. By building positive relationships with our students, we can create a foundation of trust and respect that will allow us to guide and mentor them more effectively. Next, we must challenge our students to think critically and creatively. Rather than simply regurgitating information, we must encourage them to ask questions, explore different perspectives, and come up with their own solutions. By fostering a culture of

When we think of the many professions that exist in the world today, we tend to focus on the various industries and the roles within them. From medicine to law, engineering to finance, there are countless career paths that people can pursue. However, what many of us may not realize is that there is one profession that is responsible for creating every other profession out there - teaching.  At its core, teaching is all about imparting knowledge and skills to others. Whether it's teaching young children how to read and write, or training adults in a specific trade or profession, the act of teaching is what allows individuals to learn and grow in their chosen fields. Without teachers, there would be no doctors, no lawyers, no engineers, and no other professionals. One of the reasons why teaching is so important is that it helps to bridge the gap between theory and practice. While textbooks and lectures can provide a solid foundation for learning, it is only through hands-on experienc