Setting Effective Tasks
As speaking and listening is hard for pupils to 'pin down' it is important that the tasks teachers set are as clear and supportive for the pupils as possible. They should have:
- clear objectives
- distinct purpose
- defined time limits
- an identified audience
- clear outcome
Activity
Have a look at the video clips to illustrate the clear setting of tasks (you can also view the accompanying lesson plans). Look at the bullet list above and note which elements are present and which could have been helpfully included for pupils.
School A, Year 10 - Setting Effective Tasks (00:32)
You can watch the video via 56k modem or slow (100kbps) / medium (256 kbps) / fast (400kbps) / very fast (800kbps) broadband connections. Alternative format Flash video. You do need to have the flash plugin.
Example Lesson Plan Year 10, School A (48 KB)
School B, Year 10 - Setting Effective Tasks (01:03)
You can watch the video via 56k modem or slow (100kbps) / medium (256 kbps) / fast (400kbps) / very fast (800kbps) broadband connections. Alternative format Flash video. You do need to have the flash plugin.
Example Lesson Plan Year 10, School B (43 KB)
School C, Year 9 - Setting Effective Tasks (01:05)
You can watch the video via 56k modem or slow (100kbps) / medium (256 kbps) / fast (400kbps) / very fast (800kbps) broadband connections. Alternative format Flash video. You do need to have the flash plugin.
Example Lesson Plan Year 9, School C (37 KB)
With a colleague think about one pupil you support in English who often finds he/she doesn't understand what to do, and consider ways in which you could support the teacher to make the setting of tasks as effective as possible for that particular pupil.
Plan and try out more effective ways of supporting and guiding pupils with the tasks their teacher has set.