Teacher Tactics: High school teaching strategies
33 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 8 years ago - ★★★★ - 34 ratingsBecome a better high school teacher with strategies to stress less, save time, be creative, and feel more confident in your classroom. Teachers Colin Dodds and Michelle Davis take you through quick, impactful tactics, including getting started in September, classroom management, games, activities, lesson planning, assessment, evaluation, tests, dealing with difficult students, working with colleagues and parents, and self-care.
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Episodes
TT033 How to ask for teacher feedback (Grade the Grader)
May 04, 2016 19:00 - 6 minutes - 6.12 MBIn this minisode, Colin discusses a few ways to get valuable feedback about your teaching practice, including a few ways to get useful feedback from your students. Read the show notes and join our mailing list: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics.com/stitcher Podcast RSS Feed: http://teachertactics.libsyn.com/rss
TT032 Why 100% is important for classroom management (Unanimous)
April 27, 2016 19:00 - 4 minutes - 4.23 MBIn this minisode, Colin reviews the importance of “all-in” compliance with classroom management, and a few examples where it’s particularly important. Read the show notes and join our mailing list: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics.com/stitcher Podcast RSS Feed: http://teachertactics.libsyn.com/rss
TT031 The power of a critical viewing journal (Everyone’s a Critic)
April 20, 2016 19:00 - 4 minutes - 4.38 MBIn this minisode, Colin talks about the value of critique-based journaling, and how it can be an easy and effective way to get your students to exercise higher-level thinking skills about your subject. Read the show notes and join our mailing list: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics.com/stitcher Podcast RSS Feed: http://...
TT030 How to set up individualized assessment with no prep (Question Period)
April 13, 2016 19:00 - 3 minutes - 3.25 MBIn this minisode, Colin goes over a super-simple way to set up a way to do individualized assessment or review for your students. Read the show notes and join our mailing list: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics.com/stitcher Podcast RSS Feed: http://teachertactics.libsyn.com/rss
TT029 Two name games to improve class cohesion (Name of the Game)
April 06, 2016 19:00 - 5 minutes - 5.06 MBYou might be surprised to know that your students might not know each other's names. In this minisode, Colin discusses two fun name games to improve class community and cohesion. Read the show notes and join our mailing list: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics.com/stitcher Podcast RSS Feed: http://teachertactics.libsyn.c...
TT028 How to encourage student questions (Flip the Script)
March 30, 2016 19:00 - 4 minutes - 3.98 MBIn this minisode, Colin discusses a way to flip the script and put the responsibility of a lesson on the teacher, making students more comfortable asking for help. Read the show notes and join our mailing list: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics.com/stitcher Podcast RSS Feed: http://teachertactics.libsyn.com/rss
TT027 How to get an extra burst of motivation (10 Minute Miracle)
March 23, 2016 19:00 - 4 minutes - 3.8 MBIn this minisode, Colin discusses a simple and easy technique that you can use for your students (or your own) motivation. Read the show notes and join our mailing list: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics.com/stitcher Podcast RSS Feed: http://teachertactics.libsyn.com/rss
TT026 How to deal with phones in the classroom (Phony Problems)
March 16, 2016 19:00 - 5 minutes - 4.78 MBIn this week's minisode, Colin discusses the pros and cons of dealing with phone distractions - and his favourite response that's quick, simple, and even kind of fun. Read the show notes and join our mailing list: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics.com/stitcher Podcast RSS Feed: http://teachertactics.libsyn.com/rss
TT025 How to make a free teacher website in 5 minutes (Put It Online)
March 09, 2016 20:00 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBYou can quickly and easily make a free teacher website in less than 5 minutes. Colin and Michelle talk about the usefulness of a teacher website, and a couple of options for making one (no coding required!) Read the show notes and join our mailing list: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics.com/stitcher Podcast RSS Feed: ht...
TT024 How to pick a Learning Management System (Your Online Assistant)
March 02, 2016 20:00 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MBLooking for a Learning Management System like Edmodo or Google Classroom but don’t know where to start? Michelle and Colin go over popular LMS options and the reasons why you should try one. Read the show notes and join our mailing list: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics.com/stitcher Podcast RSS Feed: http://teachertact...
TT023 How to get the most out of these 3 teacher apps (The Future is Bright)
February 24, 2016 20:00 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBIn this episode, Michelle and Colin go over three educational apps that can make your lessons easier and more exciting. Read the show notes and join our mailing list: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics.com/stitcher Podcast RSS Feed: http://teachertactics.libsyn.com/rss
TT022 How to find specific and relevant lesson ideas online (Something Borrowed)
February 17, 2016 20:00 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBThere are so many wonderful teaching resources online, but with so much stuff out there, it’s difficult to find what speaks to your teaching style and fits with your curriculum. Michelle and Colin give suggestions for where to look to find relevant, useful material to get inspired and save time planning your lessons. Read the show notes and join our mailing list: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www...
TT021 How to use mentorship to improve your teaching practice (Ask an Expert)
February 10, 2016 20:00 - 18 minutes - 17.4 MBTeacher mentors are incredibly valuable – they can offer classroom-tested ideas to improve your teaching practice, and emotional support as you begin your teaching career. In this episode, Michelle and Colin talk about more of the benefits of a mentor, and where to find one. Read the show notes and join our mailing list: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on St...
TT020 How to fit in volunteering, coaching, and extracurriculars (Extra Credit)
February 03, 2016 20:00 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBVolunteering your time outside of class is a rewarding and enjoyable experience – but it also takes a lot of time. Colin and Michelle discuss some unique ways you can give back to your school community, and offer four suggestions for how you can get involved without taking up all of your personal time. Read the show notes and join our mailing list: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics...
TT019 Four ways to survive staff politics at school (Political Science)
January 27, 2016 20:00 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MBStaff politics can be tricky to navigate – Michelle and Colin go over four suggestions for getting along with your co-workers and remaining professional (even when it isn’t easy to do so). Read the show notes and join our mailing list: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics.com/stitcher Podcast RSS Feed: http://teachertactic...
TT018 Successful parent-teacher interviews (Meet the Parents)
January 20, 2016 20:00 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBMeeting the parents (of your students) doesn’t need to be nerve-wracking! Michelle and Colin discuss all the positive aspects of parent-teacher interviews, and talk about what you should prepare beforehand and how you can make the most of the meeting. Read the show notes and join our mailing list: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.tea...
TT017 Four review games (Brush Up)
January 13, 2016 20:00 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MBMake review engaging and enjoyable with one of the four review games that Michelle and Colin discuss in this episode. We discuss some mistakes we made running these games the first time, and go over some specific instructions to make sure you can run these activities successfully in your classroom. Read the show notes and join our mailing list: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics....
TT016 Three Quiet Games (Quiet Time)
January 06, 2016 20:00 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBStudents like games, and teachers like quiet: quiet games are a win-win, a fun way to calm your classes. Michelle and Colin talk about their three favourite quiet games in case you need a break from a noisy classroom. They also go through extensions to each game so you can play them multiple times throughout the year. Read the show notes and join our mailing list: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://ww...
TT015 Four Bellwork Ideas (Ring the Bell)
December 30, 2015 20:00 - 14 minutes - 13 MBGiving students an activity that they can start before the bell goes is a game-changer: it re-focuses student attention to your class, gives you a bit of breathing room, and immediately gets your students engaged. In this episode, Michelle and Colin go over four examples of bellwork that are great for any high school classroom. Read the show notes and join our mailing list: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: ...
TT014 Five Customizable Lesson Hooks (Off the Hooks)
December 23, 2015 20:00 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MBA hook (or “anticipatory set”) is a great way to get students engaged…but it’s tough to keep coming up with new, creative ideas for hooks. Michelle and Colin go over five creative and customizable ways to start your classes to get your students curious, interested, and excited about your lesson material. Read the show notes and join our mailing list: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertacti...
TT013 Seven things Star Wars taught us about teaching (Use the Force)
December 16, 2015 20:00 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBWith the upcoming release of the newest Star Wars movie, Michelle and Colin go over seven things that Star Wars has taught them about teaching (after all, Yoda was a master teacher!) Read the show notes and join our mailing list: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics.com/stitcher Podcast RSS Feed: http://teachertactics.libs...
TT012 Why you should be using rubrics (Mark by Numbers)
December 09, 2015 20:00 - 12 minutes - 12 MBThis week is all about rubrics. Colin and Michelle take a closer look into rubrics: why they’re so useful as an evaluation tool for your assignments or projects, how you can make them quickly, and examples of rubrics in action. Read the show notes: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics.com/stitcher
TT011 The 3 elements of effective feedback (Food for Thought)
December 02, 2015 20:00 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBWhat’s the best way to give feedback? Colin and Michelle talk about a framework for delivering feedback to your students that communicates strengths and weaknesses in a way that students are receptive to hearing. Read the show notes: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics.com/stitcher
TT010 6 Ways to Check for Understanding (Progress Check)
November 25, 2015 20:00 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBFrequent checks for understanding can make learning a lot easier for you and your students. Colin and Michelle outline six simple ways to assess learning, including a few ways to check for understanding instantly, and strategies that provide feedback for your students. Read the show notes: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertact...
TT009 How to quickly make a useful unit plan (Create Your Blueprint)
November 18, 2015 17:00 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBWhat's in your unit plan? Colin and Michelle outline the four essentials of a useful unit plan, and give three tips for how to best take advantage of your well-laid plans. Get the show notes and newsletter: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics.com/stitcher
TT008 How to discipline or persuade students without power struggles (The House Always Wins)
November 11, 2015 17:00 - 9 minutes - 8.75 MBDo you give your students options? Colin and Michelle explain why giving choices can be a win-win for you and your students, and how it can avoid complaints, power struggles, and stand-offs. Get the show notes and newsletter: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics.com/stitcher
TT007 How to use engaging assignments to eliminate behavior issues (A Very Long Engagement)
November 04, 2015 17:00 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBThe best defence is a good offence: Colin and Michelle discuss three simple ways to increase student engagement in your class, which improves motivation and reduces the need to resort to negative discipline. Get the show notes and newsletter: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics.com/stitcher
TT006 Why compassion is the best way to deal with behavior issues (Love Is All You Need)
October 28, 2015 16:00 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBTry a different approach. Colin and Michelle explain why it’s best to approach behavior issues with love and compassion, how it can strengthen relationships with your students, and how it can reduce the amount of times you need to resort to discipline. Get the show notes and newsletter: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics....
TT005 The best desk placements for classroom management (The Danger Zone)
October 21, 2015 16:00 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MBAre you taking full advantage of your classroom layout? Colin and Michelle talk about the benefits and drawbacks of different styles of desk placement, and then explain why different types of teacher movement are so important for classroom management. Get the show notes and newsletter: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics.c...
TT004 What your first assignment of the year should include (Chalk & Awe)
October 14, 2015 16:00 - 10 minutes - 9.65 MBYour first assignment sets the tone for the rest of the school year. Colin and Michelle talk about the importance of starting with an assignment that is engaging, fun, and challenging, and give examples of what that could look like for your class. Get the show notes and newsletter: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics.com/s...
TT003 How to set your rules and seating plan in September (Your Golden Rules)
October 07, 2015 16:00 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBWhat classroom rules are the most important? Colin and Michelle debate the effectiveness of different ways to set up your seating plan and classroom rules at the start of the year - including the specific rules you should be setting on the very first day. Get the show notes and newsletter: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertacti...
TT002 How to decide what to wear to school (Dress to Impress)
September 30, 2015 16:00 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MBHow much attention do you give to your teacher clothes? Colin and Michelle discuss advantages and disadvantages of what to wear to school, and talk about subtle, positive changes you can make to your visual appearance. Get the show notes and newsletter: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics.com/stitcher
TT001 How to set the right tone with your classes in September (Your Home Tour)
September 23, 2015 16:00 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBIn the first session of the Teacher Tactics podcast, Colin and Michelle discuss ways to set the right tone with your classes as you start the year in September. Get the show notes and newsletter: https://www.teachertactics.com Send us your questions or suggestions: [email protected] Subscribe on iTunes: https://www.teachertactics.com/itunes Subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.teachertactics.com/stitcher