This course is FREE with an Online Subscription

Course Description

Secondary teachers make many rapid decisions every day while managing multiple classes, responding to student needs, and maintaining lesson flow. This course explores practical strategies to reduce mental clutter and simplify everyday classroom decisions. Teachers will learn how small changes to routines and feedback practices can reduce mental load and support more focused teaching.



Audience

Secondary Teachers


Teaching Standards

4.2.2 Proficient Level - Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments - Manage classroom activities:  Establish and maintain orderly and workable routines to create an environment where student time is spent on learning tasks

6.2.2 Proficient Level - Engage in Professional Learning - Engage in professional learning and improve practice:  Participate in learning to update knowledge and practice targeted to professional needs and school and/or system priorities




FREE with  Online Subscription

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction

    • Welcome

    • Acknowledgement of Country

    • Learning Objectives

    • Teaching Standards

  • 2

    Module 1 – Why Secondary Teaching Creates Mental Clutter

    • Introduction

    • Secondary Classrooms Are Rapid Decision Environments

    • Case Study: A Secondary Lesson in Real Time

    • The Challenge of Teaching Multiple Classes

    • Cognitive Load for Teachers

    • Decision Fatigue During the School Day

    • Why Small Decisions Add Up

    • Resource: Mental Clutter Snapshot

    • Reflection Question
  • 3

    Module 2 – The Hidden Decisions Secondary Teachers Make All Day

    • Introduction

    • Micro-Decisions in Secondary Classrooms

    • Decision-Making During Independent Work

    • When Decisions Interrupt Thinking

    • A Simple Strategy: Rule Before Response

    • Decision Shortcuts

    • Why Decision Rules Work

    • Resource: Identify Your Hidden Decisions

    • Reflection Question
  • 4

    Module 3 – Interruptions and Teacher Thinking

    • Introduction

    • Why Interruptions Increase Mental Load

    • Why Interruptions Feel Mentally Draining

    • The Accumulation Effect

    • Interruptions and Decision-Making

    • Case Study: Interruptions in Practice

    • Resource: Interruptions Audit

    • Reflection Question
  • 5

    Module 4 – Simplifying Feedback and Marking Decisions

    • Introduction

    • The Challenge of Marking in Secondary Teaching

    • When Feedback Becomes Overwhelming

    • The “Good Enough” Feedback Principle

    • Simplifying Feedback Decisions

    • Whole-Class Feedback

    • Focusing on What Matters Most

    • Case Study: Rethinking Feedback

    • Resource: Good Enough Feedback Planner

    • Scenario: The Weekend Marking Session
  • 6

    Module 5 – Reducing Mental Load Through Fewer Decisions

    • Introduction

    • Why Small Changes Matter

    • A Simple Framework

    • Example

    • Examples of Reducing Decision Load

    • Resource: Mental Clutter Action Plan

    • Reflection Question

    • Wrap Up

    • Reference List
  • 7

    Course Feedback

    • Course Feedback

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