Jeremy Dean, primary teacher and author:
Use marking as an additional task for the pupils: I've started to this use more and more because I need to get my children talking. I'll ask them to work in pairs, talk about the task, then one person will write down their agreed responses. I then have half the written marking. In the following session, the other person will do the writing. You'll need to think about if and when this might work for you. For me, it hits two targets, children talking and less marking. Obviously it won't help controlled assessments, but it might give you some breathing space somewhere else, and my children really enjoy it.
Speak to colleagues you're inspired by and whom you admire: I always tried to talk to those of my colleagues who seemed to be the sort of teacher I wanted to become. I raided them for advice and tips. Most "good" teachers who enjoy teaching are only too willing to help colleagues, who share their love of the job and want to make a go of it. Don't be shy and embarrassed, especially if you are new to the job. Share problems. Talk to colleagues, management, family. And do it early on. Often, issues can be solved much more easily before they develop into problems.
Set yourself limits: One of the strategies I used quite often was setting a word limit for written tasks – it made the learners much more thoughtful, discriminating and selective about what they wrote, so improved the quality and meant they generated shorter pieces, which were quicker to assess.
Alex Quigley, English subject lead, Huntington School, York:@HuntingEnglish
Keep up with marking and consider oral assessment: Marking workload is the key factor for me. It takes planning to ensure I don't set essays and marking all at once, even at peak time. I always stagger marking – it makes a huge difference. When it is peak time I ensure that I work out how many hours a "set" of marking will take – then plan exactly when I will do it. I then commit to that, making me more likely to stick to it!
Using every trick in the book with regards to marking using effective peer and self assessment is key. See Tom Sherrington's great blogpost on this. The power of oral feedback can't be overstated. I have written about how we have embedded oral feedback more formally into our marking policy here. Done well, peer assessment isn't a cheat, but an effective way to give students a better understanding of what they need to do.
Convince your SLT that work-life balance is important: Push for a group that presents the case for staff wellbeing. If you bring solutions to SLT and governors – particularly if they are cheap – then they may well be receptive. If they are seen to reject such common sense approaches in such a forum then they will find it hard to garner support when they need it.
Mike Britland, head of ICT, Oak Academy, Bournemouth:@mikematthewscdn
Go tech free: I used to have my work emails hooked up to my phone and it felt like I was never away from work. It felt like I couldn't escape from the job. The simple process of "switching off" has had a huge impact on my feelings towards the job.
PGCE students should be prepared: Get in contact with your HoD and ask them questions about the first two units of work that you will be delivering. Try and get some information about the groups you're likely to teach. That way you have key information regarding SEN, G&T, etc. Going out and socialising with your colleagues will also help you to fit and feel like you're part of the school. It's all about planning, the more confident you feel that you have the basics covered the easier the first three weeks will be. That said, be prepared that things are going to be fairly tough while you find your feet, but know and understand that it will get better.
Take a break: Getting away from your learners and your desk is underrated. I used to take every break and lunch at my desk and I never got the feeling of actually having a break. Granted, it isn't always something that can be achieved on a daily basis, but getting away and having a chat with a friend or colleague is so important.
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Source: The Guardian
