In response to Mike Kent’s article, ”‘Expert’ theories are all very well” (November 26), I feel his argument is biased and an unfair attack on a professor who is an inspiration to many outstanding teachers.

The ideas of Dylan Wiliam shown in the TV programme Classroom Experiment are excellent if put into practice in the correct way. The “no hands” approach to questioning is an idea that is constantly reinforced by our headteacher. Professor Wiliam outlined a perfect solution to joint ownership of questions by using mini-whiteboards. This was a strategy that succeeded after the lolly sticks.

The teacher Mr Kent mentioned, who allowed a student to put a cone down his pants, needs to re-evaluate his behaviour management and try a new approach. We use traffic lighting with home learning diaries and have not encountered any problems of that kind.

In conclusion, I think Mr Kent missed the “bleedin’ obvious”. Professor Wiliam is giving teachers ideas to adapt and try in the classroom.

This encourages risk-taking, which makes for outstanding teaching. Sometimes teachers need to experience the obvious before putting it into practice.

Stephen Burton, St Augustine’s RC High School, Billington, Lancashire.