When a school books outside providers to run sessions with their pupils, what benefits are there?
There is of course the skill that the provider is bringing to the school. This may be an expertise such as maths workshops, creative writing or art to name a few. Although many teachers have skills, for many their skill is teaching throughout the year, whereas an outside provider generally will teach the same children for a day or maybe a small succession of days. The content that these providers therefore put forward is very concise as the sessions or school workshops are well rehearsed.
As well as the skill the outside provider brings a breath of fresh air and new eyes to the school environment. For many troubled children their name and reputation will be well known in their school and throughout the staffroom. Often when working with someone new these problem children can just fade into the rest of the class. Additionally when removed from their normal learning environment “the classroom” certain children can excel at the surprise of their regular teachers.
Another benefit is that when other people are teaching, engaging the pupils, it gives the regular teacher the chance to observe rather than teach. This is invaluable, as long as they can “let go” for the duration. Such observations often highlight class dynamics that can often be surprising.
These are a few benefits of using outside providers for workshops for schools and with a list that is increasing by the year, there is a world of learning and discovery at all schools fingertips.