It is through challenge that we are able to move students out of their comfort zone and into their learning zone (or zone of proximal development)
And yet, so many students actively avoid challenge for fear of getting something wrong, falling behind, or simply because they don’t see the point in putting any effort in. Added to this is the need for differentiation to ensure all students are challenged appropriately – not so much that they can’t access the learning and not so little that they end up repeating things they already know how to do. That is why we created this very company in 1999 and named it Challenging Learning – because of the difficulties we all face in challenging all students appropriately.
Suitable for teachers, leaders and support staff working with students between the ages of 3-19
- Create a culture of challenge in your classroom that encourages all students to step out of their comfort zone
- Recognise when to challenge, when to support or scaffold, and when to leave students in the Learning Pit®
- Develop your questioning techniques to ensure all students are challenged appropriately (including the most able)
- Avoid the type of praise and rewards systems that get in the way of challenge
James Nottingham is one of the most engaging and thought-provoking presenters in the world of education. He brings rare clarity and insight to research evidence; real-life examples that inspire and guide teachers and leaders; and a sense of story and humour that makes learning so much more memorable and sustainable.
He has been a teaching assistant, teacher and leader in schools across the 3-19 age range as well as founder of a multi-million-pound, award-winning social regeneration project to raise the aspirations and achievements of young people in the UK. In 2006, he created the company Challenging Learning, now employing 20 staff in six countries.
He is author of 12 books for teachers, leaders and parents; is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an award granted for making outstanding achievements to social progress and development; and is included in the Future 500, a “definitive list of the UK’s most forward thinking and creative innovators”.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT JAMES
‘James Nottingham will help you navigate the world of educational concepts and research with a wonderful blend of clarity and good humour.’
PROFESSOR CAROL DWECK
‘James Nottingham has the skills of explaining the complex in a way which is accessible and inviting. He is challenging yet encouraging. The examples of how it could be and the insights into what success looks like will leave you wanting to do things differently without a bag of guilt to weigh you down.’
PROFESSOR MICK WATERS
‘James Nottingham has developed a rare skill for blending arresting anecdotes, hard-edged research and practical advice into a truly compelling narrative.’
PROFESSOR BARRY HYMER
