My previous life was working in the IT industry – software development in particular. One of the challenges of building good software is about managing complexity. The colleagues I always had the most respect for were those who could convey complex technical concepts in a simple intelligible way to a non-technical listener. The most non-technical were normally their managers (often myself included) or clients and prospects who understood their business but were not prepared to get their heads around post-backs, or service oriented architectures!
So what has this got to do with teaching? Today is the end of my first week on my PGDE placement; I’ve been ’blooded’ by giving my first lessons. Reflecting on my first lessons I’m continually reminded that the best communicators (teachers included) need to strive to keep thinks simple – while at the same time avoiding patronising or talking down to their audience. Bit like the software industry … well sometimes?
