PSHE mixology: ‘entertaining’ education?
Who knew there were so many transferable skills between managing bars/nightclubs & teaching! I retrained to teach after a 20-year career in the licensing industry; 14 as a Licensee. Long story short, I’ve built awareness lessons on alcohol & other drugs, putting my professional experiences to good use. I use up-to-date & relevant info from an ever-growing list of academic & credible sources to ensure lesson worthy content.
When able to attend relevant CPD seminars & conferences I’ve often felt like a fraud; a former club/bar manager surrounded by academics, researchers & other professionals who are experts in their field. I don’t always understand reports; research & data published & am grateful to those who help me make sense of it when I ask.
Thankfully the folks referred to above are a helpful & welcoming bunch, whether I’ve met them in person, or have a professional relationship via social media. There is great interest in my background & how, according to many it approaches alcohol & other drugs education from an unusual angle.
Teaching PSHE is a huge responsibility, huge, but one that I love. But how do you make PSHE interesting? How do you make it credible & engaging?
Energy, enthusiasm, & honesty are key; credible sources & relevant information vital. Breaking from the tradition of ‘Old-Skool’ style “drugs will kill you” lessons is essential & yet some pupils tell me that’s what they’re used too (heart-breaking).
The unsung hero of my lessons is humour – a powerful teaching resource. Its blended into each lesson; some intended, some spontaneous, but all appropriate to the age I’m teaching. Its used as an ice-breaker & immediately sets the tone that the lesson will be different. Pupils value that & have said to me they would think about planned behaviours or seek additional info from the credible & highly respected sources within my lessons. Common pupil feedback, “you’re different; you talk to us, not at us; you want us to stay safe.”
My stance is teaching to know, not preaching no. #harmreduction
scada-southwest.com 