In the bustling environment of a classroom, the ability to deliver clear and effective explanations can make the difference between a lesson that captivates and one that confuses. It’s the goal of every teacher to ensure that every student leaves the classroom with a solid understanding of the material presented. However, achieving this goal is easier said than done.
This blog post explores insights from our interview with educational expert Craig Barton, along with our own reflections, as part of our Teacher CPD Academy module on Explanation. So, read on to learn more about:
- How to balance clarity and depth in your explanations
- How to explain effectively in the classroom
How to balance clarity and depth in explanations
Finding the right balance between clarity and depth is a challenge many teachers face. You want to provide students with a clear and concise explanation that they can easily understand, yet you also want to delve deeper into the subject matter and foster their critical thinking skills. According to Craig Barton, the key is to strike a balance between these two factors.
Craig’s classroom observations reveal an intriguing pattern among teachers – they frequently underestimate the duration of their explanations. While they might perceive an explanation to last only 15 seconds, it often extends to 45-60 seconds. Interestingly, Craig has found that when teachers are asked to repeat their explanations afterwards, they are often “a million times clearer and more concise”.
This highlights the importance of reflection and practice in honing the delivery of classroom explanations, ultimately making them more effective and engaging for your students. As a result, Craig suggests that planning explanations in advance can be a powerful tool, whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned educator. Creating bullet points and rehearsing your explanations allows you to choose between being concise or providing depth, depending on the lesson’s requirements.
While planning might initially seem like an additional task, it saves time in the long run by ensuring that your explanations are clear and your objectives are met. Moreover, Craig suggests incorporating checks for listening throughout your explanations, to help enhance clarity and ensure that your students remain engaged and understand the material.
How to use effective explanations in class
Effective classroom explanations are essential in creating a learning environment where your students can fully understand and apply new concepts. Here are some strategies you can use to enhance your explanatory skills:
1. Planning and rehearsing explanations
As Craig suggests, “the key to all of it is to plan that explanation out in advance”, allowing you to refine your delivery. By rehearsing, you can determine the best way to present information, ensuring clarity and coherence during the lesson.
2. Utilising visual aids
Visual aids, such as diagrams, mind-maps and videos, simplify complex ideas. They help break down difficult concepts. By breaking down difficult concepts into more digestible pieces, these aids enhance understanding and retention.
3. Encouraging student questions
Foster a culture of inquiry by encouraging questions. This approach helps clarify doubts and promotes active participation amongst your students. By inviting open-ended questions, you stimulate critical thinking and create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued. Encouraging curiosity not only enhances learning and understanding but also empowers individuals to explore topics more deeply, leading to innovative solutions and a collaborative spirit.
4. Implementing structured checks for understanding
Conduct regular checks for understanding through activities or discussions to provide immediate feedback. For instance, pause periodically to ask questions or encourage your students to summarise what they’ve learned to confirm understanding before moving forward. This strategy prevents misconceptions and ensures students are following the lesson.
By incorporating these strategies, you can significantly enhance the quality of your classroom explanations, leading to more enriched and effective learning experiences for your students.
Final thoughts
Delivering effective explanations in the classroom is an art that requires planning, engagement and reflection. By focusing on active listening, balancing clarity and depth and implementing structured checks for understanding, you can improve your instructional methods and enhance student learning.
We would like to extend our particular thanks to Craig Barton for the insights he shared with us. You can see our full conversation with him (and many other experts) on the Teacher CPD Academy, our online platform that helps make high-impact CPD easy. If this is what your school needs, request a free trial today.
