Literacy - general

Characteristics of effective teachers[1]

Effective teachers of literacy have a wide and varied repertoire of teaching practices and approaches (e.g. scaffolding, where support in learning is initially provided by the teacher and then gradually withdrawn as the pupil gains in confidence; integrating reading with writing; differentiated instruction; and excellent classroom management skills).
They can intelligently and skilfully blend these approaches together in different combinations according to the needs of individual pupils.
They are especially alert to children’s progress and can step in and utilise the appropriate method or practice to meet the child’s instructional needs.
They use an eclectic collection of methods which represents a balance between the direct teaching of skills and more holistic approaches. This means that they balance direct skills teaching with more authentic, contextually-grounded literacy activities.
They avoid partisan adherence to any one sure-fire approach or method.
They promote pupil engagement, on-task behaviour and self-regulation.
They build links with parents and the local community.

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