Kevin Orme

Head of Modern Languages in Nottinghamshire, funcle. He/him.

[Kevin Orme @korme_mfl]

KS3 Spanish Knowledge Organisers based on modules from Claro. Conti inspired. Hope they're useful to someone.
https://t.co/6NAbXnyyWE

[Teacher's Manual @UnofficialOA]

Shout out to all the Head teachers who:

- have firm behaviour policies
- keep students and staff safe
- enable pupils to reach their potential
- don’t succumb to demands

You’re doing a great job.

Schools need you!

[José García @misterjgarcia]

A foreign accent is a sign of bravery. Communication will be broken when the other part doesn't want to collaborate. It's called prejudice, bias, preconception... and a sprinkle of racism.

[Kevin Orme @korme_mfl]

@ArmyMFL This is an issue that requires a whole school response. Once we introduced same-day detentions for lateness, the number of latecomers reduced dramatically.

[Kevin Orme @korme_mfl]

@RobbieFarr2 Saying “¿y?” after everything they say 😂 but also I love this slide.

[Kevin Orme @korme_mfl]

@misterjgarcia Inimaginable en UK 🤯

[Kevin Orme @korme_mfl]

@salltweets What are you on about Sall? Tayce’s achievement isn’t that she put on a dress.

[No Context Brits @NoContextBrits]

As we enter this festive period, let us not forget those we lost along the way.

[Kevin Orme @korme_mfl]

@VEverettmfl @AQA Pretty sure we haven’t said ICT in about 10 years… how out of touch are they?!

[Kevin Orme @korme_mfl]

@_ConnieShaw Aye sure you were Connie.

[Gerry🧠🌱 @gerrydiamond71]

It starts with us."

Approaching discipline with a restorative mindset.

Infused trauma informed/ responsive principles.

Repair after a rupture.

Use time in, instead of time out.

Our aim is to help our young people regulate their nervous systems and regulate themselves.🧠🌱

[Carl Hendrick @C_Hendrick]

How learning happens in seven general principles ⬇️

1. Working Memory Capacity is Limited: Our working memory, responsible for holding and processing information in real-time, has a limited capacity. This limitation means that when learners are exposed to large amounts of new information simultaneously, they may struggle to process it effectively. Focusing attention is essential because distractions or overload can lead to cognitive strain, reducing the ability to learn. Teachers can support this by breaking information into manageable chunks, allowing students to engage deeply with smaller parts before moving on to the next concept.
2. We Learn Through Meaning and What We Already Know: Learning is enhanced when new information connects to existing knowledge. When learners relate new content to things they already understand, they create a stronger foundation for retention and comprehension. This process, known as schema-building, helps students make sense of complex ideas by fitting them into an established framework. Teachers can facilitate this by introducing new concepts through familiar examples or linking them to relevant prior knowledge, making learning more meaningful and long-lasting.
3. Novices Think Differently Than Experts: Novices often approach tasks with means-end analysis or trial-and-error methods or simple strategies because they lack the knowledge to recognize patterns or apply sophisticated approaches. In contrast, experts draw on rich mental models, using prior experiences and refined techniques to solve problems more efficiently. This difference means that novices need structured guidance to develop these mental models over time. Teachers can help by gradually introducing students to expert strategies, enabling them to progress from basic skills to more advanced understanding.
4. To Remember, We Need to Forget: Storage strength is the measure of how well information is embedded in long-term memory, indicating its durability over time.
Retrieval strength is the ease with which information can be accessed from memory at a given moment, which fluctuates based on recent use and context. Unlike storage strength, retrieval strength is influenced by context and interference from other information. To remember something long-term, it’s essential to boost its retrieval strength, which can be achieved by actively retrieving the information. Unlike passive studying, retrieval requires you to recall the item on your own, strengthening memory more effectively, especially when the retrieval is challenging. This principle explains why strategies like interleaving (alternating topics) and spacing (spreading out sessions) are so effective. By allowing time for slight forgetting, these methods make retrieval harder, ultimately enhancing memory retention. This “adaptive forgetting” is crucial for retaining core concepts.
5. Learning ≠ Performance: A high test score or good performance in the classroom doesn’t necessarily mean that true learning has occurred. Learners might perform well temporarily by memorizing facts or rehearsing specific methods without understanding the underlying concepts. This principle highlights the difference between short-term performance and deep, long-term learning. Effective assessment should look beyond scores to evaluate true comprehension. The rate of assessment matters which is why regular checking for understanding is so important. Teachers can use open-ended questions, application tasks, and reflective discussions to gauge whether students genuinely understand the material.
6. Achievement Leads to Motivation: Success in learning (however small) can foster a positive cycle of confidence, self-efficacy, and motivation. When students achieve their goals, even in small steps, they are more likely to believe in their ability to succeed in future learning tasks. This sense of accomplishment encourages them to take on new challenges and persist through difficulties. Teachers can support this cycle by setting attainable goals, providing regular feedback, and celebrating incremental progress to reinforce students’ confidence and motivation.
7. Learners Are Bad at Knowing How to Learn: Many students are unaware of effective learning strategies, often relying on passive techniques like re-reading, highlighting, or cramming. These methods feel productive in the short term but are less effective for long-term retention. Evidence-based strategies like retrieval practice, spaced learning, and interleaving have been shown to improve memory and understanding, but students may need guidance to adopt these methods. Teachers can enhance learning outcomes by teaching students about these techniques and encouraging their use, helping students develop more efficient and powerful study habits.

(Thanks to @MrAlexKoks for the design)

[Kevin Orme @korme_mfl]

@KKNTeachLearn Sometimes it’s a blessing! I love a chance to go where the lesson takes me

[Nick O'Brien @NickLovesSpain]

I’ve adored Madrid for many years —

And recently, it feels like the rest of the world is finally catching up.

Here are 20 iconic sights from this dazzling city in Spain:

(a 🧵)

[Kevin Orme @korme_mfl]

@VEverettmfl @AQA I always say they can’t pretend to be in the photo or know anyone in the photo, but I don’t know where I got this from because it’s not in the mark scheme 🤨

[Kevin Orme @korme_mfl]

@stammer_teacher Yes please :) these look great

[Kevin Orme @korme_mfl]

@misterjgarcia This was absolutely brilliant 🤩 thanks for sharing

[Kevin Orme @korme_mfl]

@sammilighthead @RogersHistory I understand that but do think it can have the opposite effect too. Comparing your students to your child (who’s been brought up by educated professionals who value education) can cloud judgement..

[Kevin Orme @korme_mfl]

@clareaidac I can’t put into words how much these TikToks annoy me

[Kevin Orme @korme_mfl]

@MflCe No. They’ll be assessed in each skill at least once over the year. There simply isn’t time.