Trust Projects
Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Science Education - Together We Learn (Innovative Project)
The development of Personal Capabilities begins the process of self-improvement from an early age, encouraging youngsters to take personal responsibility for their learning now and in the future. Developing youngsters' awareness of key life-work skills such as positive self-image, self-management, self-motivation, creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, social intelligence, tenacity, problem solving and verbal communication, has shown to improve their understanding and performance during subject learning. This has been considered by practicing teachers to be a crucial contribution to better learning and increased academic potential.
Overview
Together We Learn will focus on engaging teachers in a process of critical reflection on pedagogy and aims enhance their understanding of pupils' Personal Capabilities in mainstream, science teaching. Teachers will be encouraged to aid the learning of their pupils, whilst being engaged in a significant professional development programme. The project will involve science co-ordinators and teachers working with Year 5 pupils in twenty schools in the Birmingham and North West regions.
Programme
Time is allocated for critical reflection as a crucial tool for teachers in their continuing professional development. They will be encouraged in Reflective Partners to:
- share opinions, ideas and experiences as a means of channelling and reviewing progress.
- consider the implications of the project on teaching and learning styles.
- identify the means through which change can be/is facilitated in the classroom.
- reflect on actions and interventions, with respect to pedagogy, students' responses, classroom organisation, etc.
- consider the implications of the understandings gained from the experience.
- identify areas for additional support, from the project team, school management, etc.
- establish a schedule of meetings and observations.
- maintain a Reflective Partners logbook.
Contact
Lynne Bianchi: edslmb@xena.shu.ac.uk