In the world of teaching, DIRT stands for Directed Improvement and Reflection Time (or Dedicated Improvement and Reflection Time). It is a designated time in the classroom when students actively engage with their teacher’s feedback, correct misconceptions and improve their completed work.The concept reduces the pressure on the teacher from correcting every mistake and encourages the students to take more responsibility for their own learning and development, which in turn supports even better learning and progress.

DIRT is a great way for students to act upon the feedback that the teacher has given and allows students to reflect and act upon teacher comments that have been written as feedback. This ensures that the feedback is being put to use and is supporting the progress of students ‘in the moment’ and also for any similar pieces of work in the future.

DIRT can take as long as the teacher feels necessary; it could be a starter activity or, for longer pieces of work, even the whole lesson.

At Bushey Meads all DIRT comments and re-working is shown in purple pen and this is a great way for students to see their progress and the improvements they have made.

As parents and carers do remind your children to always carry around that Purple Pen of Progress in their pencil cases!