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Year 1

Second half-term: how pupils learn

In this module you’ll gain an understanding of how the brain works, and how you can then design more effective learning for your pupils.

Module introduction

ECTs

Go through the module introduction to see what you’ll be learning.

Duration: 10 minutes.

  1. What you will learn
  2. Video introduction

Mentors

Go through the module introduction to see what the ECT will be learning.

Week 1: understanding how pupils learn

ECTs

For this topic you’ll need to:

  • work through the self-study materials below (50 minutes)
  • catch up with your mentor to reflect on what you’ve learnt, discuss any issues or concerns, and decide what actions to take going forward (60 minutes)
  1. Instructions
  2. Learning outcomes
  3. Evidence

Mentors

For this topic you should:

  • read the ECT’s study materials below
  • catch up with the ECT

View mentor materials

Week 2: implications of cognitive load on how pupils learn

ECTs

There are no self-study materials this week. Instead, your induction tutor should arrange a training session on this topic.

Mentors

There are no materials for this topic. Instead, your induction tutor should arrange a training session for the ECT on this topic.

Induction tutor

Use the materials below to arrange a training session on cognitive load and implications for teaching practice (90 minutes).

View induction tutor materials

Week 3: introducing new content

ECTs

There are no self-study materials this week. Instead, your mentor will lead the discussion about this topic in your weekly meeting (60 minutes).

You’ll also attend a training session arranged by your induction tutor (90 minutes).

Mentors

The ECT doesn’t have a self-study element this week. Instead, you should use the materials below to help you plan a discussion with them ECT about this topic.

View mentor materials

Induction tutor

Use the materials below to arrange a training session on prior knowledge, misconceptions and worked examples (90 minutes).

View induction tutor materials

Week 4: prior knowledge and misconceptions

ECTs

For this topic you’ll need to:

  • work through the self-study materials below (35 minutes)
  • catch up with your mentor (60 minutes)
  1. Instructions
  2. Learning outcomes
  3. Theory

Mentors

For this topic you should:

  • read the ECT’s study materials below
  • catch up with your ECT

View mentor materials

Week 5: teaching complex material

ECTs

There are no self-study materials this week. Instead, your mentor will lead the discussion about this topic in your weekly meeting (60 minutes).

Mentors

The ECT doesn’t have a self-study element this week. Instead, you should use the materials below to help you plan a discussion with them ECT about this topic.

View mentor materials

Week 6: putting it into practice

ECTs

For this topic you’ll need to:

  • work through the self-study materials below (75 minutes)
  • catch up with your mentor (60 minutes)
  1. Instructions
  2. Classroom practice

Mentors

For this topic you should:

  • read the ECT’s study materials below
  • catch up with your ECT

View mentor materials

Week 7: lesson observations

ECTs

Use the materials below to plan observations of colleagues or yourself ahead of your mentor catch-up (60 minutes).

  1. Instructions
  2. Intended outcomes
  3. Ideas for observation

Mentors

Use the materials below for an end of module review with the ECT.

View mentor materials

End of module reflections

ECTs

Use this time to take some high-level notes on what you’ve learnt in this module. Also note down any related areas you’d like to strengthen in future (10 minutes).

  1. Reflect on your learning in this module

Mentors

Your ECT will use the materials to take some high-level notes on what they have learnt in this module.