WELCOME TO THE BEST PRACTICE LIBRARY
We’ve created this library to bring together short clips showcasing instructional best practice from across our instructing community! This will be updated as we continue our observations, and we hope you will use these videos as a supportive measure to improve your own practice.
These short snippets are directly mapped to our core instructional competencies, offering a clear visual of what excellence looks like in action.
Whether you’re looking to sharpen a specific skill, refresh your knowledge, or simply see how others in our community are approaching their instruction, these videos are here to guide and support your continuous development.
Note: These resources are for your personal development within CFG only. Please do not share them externally.
Learning Environment
Communicating Clear Expectations - Example 1
In this clip, the instructor uses the module overview to provide a clear structure for the session. This sets expectations and reduces cognitive load, allowing learners to focus on the material rather than the schedule. By outlining the session, we minimise uncertainty and prepare learners for the upcoming content.
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Communicating Clear Expectations - Example 2
At the start of the session, the instructor communicates the learner journey by recapping previous content and outlining what’s next. This overview communicates clear expectations, ensuring learners understand the session’s purpose. Framing the curriculum as a continuous path builds confidence and ensures learners feel prepared for new content.
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Building Relationships
Establishing a Welcoming Presence
The instructor establishes a welcoming environment through team introductions and an open invitation for questions. This approachability builds immediate rapport and psychological safety. By opening the floor from the start, we ensure learners feel supported, valued, and comfortable engaging with the content and the instructing team.
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Using Positive Nonverbal Communication
In this clip, the instructor demonstrates positive non-verbal communication through direct eye contact and a warm smile. This builds an immediate, welcoming presence. By looking directly at the camera, we create a personal connection, fostering an inclusive environment where learners feel seen, engaged, and supported.
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Using Learners' Names To Build Rapport
By addressing participants by name during discussions, the instructor fosters a strong sense of community. This personal recognition validates individual contributions and makes learners feel like valued members of the group. Acknowledging learners directly builds rapport and creates an inclusive environment where everyone feels connected and encouraged to participate.
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Creating an Open, Safe Learning Environment
By inviting questions at the start, the instructor creates a safe space for dialogue. Building in these opportunities allows learners to clarify their understanding and voice any concerns. This feedback helps us adjust our pace or recap key points, ensuring no learner is left behind as the session progresses.
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Delivery
Using Clear and Concise Explanations
By using clear and concise language, the instructor explains a core concept in a way that is easy to understand. Linking the concept to a real-world example provides essential context for the learners. This approach reduces confusion and helps learners quickly grasp and remember complex technical ideas.
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Clearly Narrating the Steps During a Live Demo
By explaining each action during a demonstration, the instructor makes the process clear and easy to follow. This helps learners understand the ‘why’ behind every step, rather than just memorising the ‘how’. Providing this running commentary reduces confusion and ensures learners can confidently replicate the task themselves.
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Assessment
Using Effective Questioning Strategies
By asking “Can you think of any other risks?”, the instructor encourages the learner to expand on their initial ideas. This effective questioning strategy prompts deeper thinking. It allows us to challenge learners to explore a topic further and strengthens their problem-solving skills.
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Utilising Small, Frequent Check-ins - Example 1
In this clip, the instructor performs a quick check-in after introducing new knowledge. As the learners are busy coding, he invites them to share their progress in the chat. This simple strategy allows the instructor to see immediately if anyone needs more support, or if the group is ready to move forward. By building in these frequent moments for feedback, we can adjust our pace to match the learners’ needs without interrupting their flow.
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Utilising Small, Frequent Check-ins - Example 2
In this clip, the instructor introduces new knowledge and then asks a targeted question to check for understanding. Asking the learners to clarify what they have learned, can provide an opportunity to gauge progress before moving forward. After learners respond, the instructor follows up by praising their contributions in the chat. This positive reinforcement validates their efforts and helps to create a safe space where everyone feels comfortable participating.
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Inclusion
Using CFG Animations to Ease Cognitive Load
Here the instructor reveals the learning content sequentially, using animations. The use of animations prevents learners from feeling overwhelmed and allows them to process each idea clearly. Matching visuals to speech supports the following of the learning content, and reduces cognitive overload.
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Providing Clear and Concise Instructions
In this clip, the instructor provides clear and detailed instructions before moving learners into a breakout room. The instructor also outlines the specific goals that are expected by the end of the session, so the purpose of the group work is clear. Finally, by asking for any questions before the breakout begins, the instructor avoids confusion and ensures that time spent in the breakout rooms is productive and focused.
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