Choose one contribution
Before the explanation, decide whether the second teacher will model notes, draw a representation, gather observation evidence or prepare an oral rehearsal. Avoid a competing spoken commentary.
EAL co-teaching · Practice guide 03
What the second teacher does during an explanation
Use purposeful micro-scaffolding while keeping learners connected to the lesson.
Model usable notes
Write a heading, a key idea and a supporting detail. Show abbreviations or arrows and distinguish notes from full sentences. Leave time to listen before asking learners to write.
Check understanding quietly
Ask a learner to point, select, label or explain the key relationship. A nod or copied sentence does not establish understanding. Record the misconception and agree when to address it.
Bridge back into participation
Give a short partner rehearsal or a sentence start, then invite a contribution to the shared task. Fade prompts once the learner can express the idea.
Worked classroom example
Science explanation: The subject teacher explains evaporation using a diagram. The EAL teacher writes: “liquid → gas; heating → faster particle movement”, labels the arrows and models a short note.
Check: “Point to the change of state. Explain what happens to the particles.” Learners rehearse with a partner, then complete an individual explanation.
Share the work
The leading teacher keeps the agreed pace and invites the handover. The second teacher makes the language or representation visible and collects one agreed piece of evidence. Roles can reverse.
Evidence to look for: Learners can explain the relationship using their notes; they are doing more than copying the board.
Your working template
Draft here, then download an editable HTML copy. Drafts are saved locally in this browser when available. Use anonymised observations.
Developed from Duncan Rose’s supplied co-teaching training and programme materials (2022–2025), with newly written classroom examples. School-specific procedures and individual staff responses are excluded.