Show what good looks like

I use examples of code, designs, models, reports or solutions to help students recognise quality and understand expected standards.

Let students learn through a project

Students develop something substantial over time, making decisions, solving problems and responding to feedback while I increasingly act as adviser, critic and resource.

Think aloud through a problem

I make my reasoning visible while solving something, including my choices, uncertainty, false starts and changes of direction.

Connect theory to practice

I use real systems, applications, industry examples or professional experience to show students why concepts matter and where they are used.

Ask questions rather than give the answer

When students are stuck, I use questions and prompts to help them identify the problem, reconsider their thinking or determine the next step themselves.

Ask students to explain why

I ask students to explain and justify their code, design, analysis, choice of technology, method or solution.

Give students structured practice

I use exercises, labs or guided activities that progressively build students' skills, understanding and confidence.

Explain a difficult concept

I use explanations, diagrams, examples and analogies to help students understand difficult technical concepts.

Debug with students

I investigate errors, unexpected behaviour or failures with students, making the debugging process itself part of the learning.

Get students learning from each other

I have students discuss problems, compare approaches, explain ideas and work towards solutions together.

Give students an open-ended problem

I give students a problem where there isn't one prescribed approach or single expected solution, requiring them to decide how to proceed.

Let students make technical decisions

I let students choose tools, technologies, architectures, methods or approaches and take responsibility for those choices.

Live code / build in front of students

I create code, a model, configuration, design or solution in front of students so they see it being constructed rather than only seeing the finished product.

Demonstrate a technique or tool

I show students how to use a technique, process, technology or tool before asking them to try it themselves.

Compare different solutions

I get students to examine alternative algorithms, designs, architectures, models or approaches and reason about their strengths, weaknesses and trade-offs.

Coach students while they work

I move between students or groups, observe what they're doing and provide questions, hints or feedback that help them move forward.