A Lesson(in)Action - Preparation for the new academic year

"The ideological project embodied in educational policies since the ERA [Education Reform Act] has introduced increased regulation of primary [and secondary] education and rapid changes that have contributed to a climate of uncertainty for schools. The threat of failure: for children, teachers, schools and education departments in universities, maintained by the government through policing by Ofsted, reductive league tables and a policy of public naming and shaming, is ever present. The current climate constrains risk-taking and experimentation and obstructs creative approaches to learning and teaching that could result in innovation and originality."

Clare Kelly, 2013

To begin the new academic year you are invited to prepare and take part in A Lesson(in)Action 

The Unlesson Manifesto demands that you actively avoid:

Lesson Aims

Lesson Objectives

The 3-Part Lesson

Assessment for Learning

Pace

Differentiation

Measurable Progress

Learning Outcomes

Interactive Whiteboards

Seating Plans

Prior Learning

By removing the prescribed scaffolding of lesson planning, you are required to recalibrate your delivery. Your education system is working hard to ration every child's comprehensive educational experience and this is an opportunity to work creatively and actively avoid an approach that currently takes place every day across the globe. Through the avoidance of the structures listed above you will need to prepare a minimum of one lesson that encourages you as the teacher and your students to take risks. For some of you it may be a challenge to work outside of these parameters whilst for others it may be a simple reinforcement of how you already deliver in the classroom. Either way it is an attempt at a more conscious approach to how you work. We want to hear about your inventive approaches and conclusions - tweet comments to @BoHetherington and @LessonInAction or share via the comments box on the blog. All the best for the new term, stay strong and believe in your own professionalism.