How many of our students rely mainly on reading through notes or revision guides, thinking this is how to revise? Unfortunately they are practising recognition, not free recall, and it can be very misleading. They feel they know the material because they have learnt it a few months ago and recognise it, but this is […]
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The examiners were pleased that students had been well prepared for the specification, and had gained considerable knowledge. There were some concerns about the accuracy of material students are coming across online, and it’s important that we should guide them towards more reliable sources, and teach them to be critical and check facts. There were […]
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As Psychology teachers we want students to actively focus on: Knowing the spec. inside-out, so that they can… Spot opportunities to use the spec. content and its terms in their answers, and then… Elaborate on their answer to gain maximum marks But in addition to this, when applied (A03) questions require students to address information […]
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The 2018 examiner reports for AQA A Level Psychology exams were positive, with students largely able to demonstrate their preparation and knowledge. However, now the dust has settled we have prepared a short summary of suggestions for this year’s cohort to learn from, along with some free resources to help them tackle these issues. Key […]
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Where to start? I’m someone who likes to keep mixing things up to see if new combinations of ingredients result in surprising and delicious outcomes, like Heston Blumenthal’s egg and bacon ice cream. Enjoying the freedom of being able to teach topics in any order, I can’t resist tweaking the Scheme of Work to see […]
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Every student of Psychology finds at least something difficult! It can be hard for teachers to put themselves ‘into the students’ shoes’ and understand their problems with ‘learning’. I got some insight into this when I spent several years at a local college doing a part-time course in a second language and taking GCSE and […]
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After 15 years as a psychology teacher it was noticeable that for many students A-levels were so much more than simply qualifications. Of course, they are high stakes examinations as the grades students achieve influence their life chances, their chances of entry into higher education and the options that are subsequently available to them, but […]
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A Christmas Tale… Last Christmas, my six year old son came up with a brilliant plan. If you can’t buy something in the shops… ask Father Christmas for it! Some time ago, one of the major supermarkets made chocolate orange spread – spreadable chocolate orange! It became an instant favourite and we stockpiled a few […]
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As I write, a story is doing the rounds of the broadsheet and tabloid media that Prime Minister Theresa May is set to sack Chancellor Philip Hammond after the 8th June election because of disagreements that are so profound the Chancellor has been heard to swear in the midst of heated debates in the cabinet. […]
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In ethics, it’s the dilemmas that grab the headlines. They crash into the news for reasons similar to almost all news: they stand out from a norm of people muddling along in broad accord as they judge right from wrong; they sometimes pit groups of people against each other in noisy conflict; and they often […]
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