Should we be using learning styles? What research has to say to practice
Learning style instruments are widely used, particularly in Further Education, but are they reliable and valid? Do they have an impact on pedagogy? This research review from the Learning and Skills Reasearch Centre examines 13 models of learning style and concludes that it matters fundamentally which model is chosen. Positive recommendations are made for students, teachers and trainers, managers, researchers and inspectors.
Tests Thinking skills
Tests Thinking skills I am a year 3 student researching the teaching which occurs in classrooms during the run-up to SATs. For example, are we teaching to the test? use of higher order thinking skills, critical thinking, reasoning skills etc. I have found a lot of literature and research on the actual tests, but I haven't had any luck finding literature and research concerning the learning which occurrs during the run up to the tests, the effect that has on the curriculum etc. Can you suggest
Information technology Creativity
Information technology Creativity I am writing around teachers developing their own ICT skills in order to use ICT to teach creatively and raise attainment. Can you make any suggestions? I have looked at BECTA. Can you suggest anything else?
Supporting E-learning Communities in ITT Series: MLE (Mediated Learning Environments) in Partnership
TDA Supporting E-learning Communities in ITT Series Project Report from Nottingham Trent University
Education for Sustainable Development: Appendix 8
Knowledge and Skills for Sustainable Development
(as determined by Forum for the Future’s consultation workshop, July 21st, 2004)
Reading and note taking - preparation for study
Reading and note taking are two essential study skills. How do you read? This unit will introduce you to different techniques to help you to alter the way you read according to the type of material you are studying. You will also learn the techniques behind successful note taking and how to apply them to your own notes.
Do summative assessment and testing have a positive or negative effect on post-16 learners’ motiva
In January 2003, the Learning and Skills Research Centre commissioned a review of research to investigate the effects of summative assessment and testing on learners’ motivation in the learning and skills sector. This comprehensive review of existing evidence – 105 books articles and research reports - was intended to establish the basis for a subsequent primary research programme to collect and evaluate the quality of this evidence.
What role does communication play in co-operative learning?
This is a research digest from the DfES Research Informed Practice Site (TRIPS). The Australian project explored the impact of 'co-operative learning' on primary aged pupils. The study provides examples of communication and dialogue skills teachers can use to expand pupil learning.
Communication Friendly Spaces in Early Years Settings
This is an original resource for schools or early years settings that wish to take a critical look at their environment and provision. It is produced by The Basic Skills Agency (now NIACE) and consists of a book of guidance, a DVD and an audio workbook to use as a self-audit tool.
Using ‘Learning Study’ as a model of collaborative practice (R&DA 2: 8)
This project investigated whether the strategy of ‘Learning Study’ can be used as an effective model for collaborative practice within initial teacher training. The project was focused on teaching in the 11-19 age range of Business Education, Economics and Design and Technology however the critical points of the project lay not in the curriculum areas but in the exploration with trainees of a conceptualisation of learning.
Supported by a TDA Research and Development Award
Online Training Materials for Music and ICT (R&DA 2: 07)
This report identifies and describes the differences between the culture of composition and performance of music inside and outside school. The important context of this work was the observation that ICT has transformed musical practices outside educational contexts. However within schools, whilst there have been advances, there are also significant barriers to the same transformation. The report identifies differences between practice in schools and contemporary music in the outside world.
Exploring the key role External Examiners play in relation to peer review and self-improvement proce
This project was designed to explore the key role External Examiners play in relation to peer review and self-improvement processes required in the Quality Management and Assurance aspects of Initial Teacher Training. Findings and recommendations are made for providers of ITT and their relevant Quality Assurance contexts.
The report contains an ITT External Examiner Review Checklist
Supported by a TDA Research and Development Award
Explorations of learning in the context of professional practice (R&DA 2: 02)
This study investigated what knowledge student teachers need to become effective teachers.
The study was based in three universities training students to teach Physical Education and found that both mentors and trainees emphasised knowledge that was directly and immediately related to work in schools. This drive to immediacy meant that other knowledge was not brought into focus. The researchers consider how this may have a bearing on trainees’ thinking, in particular on that thinking which
5.1 Critical questions
Reading is an essential skill for all of us and developing our skills in reading is a good investment. This unit is packed with practical activities which are aimed at making reading more enjoyable and rewarding. This unit also includes sections on how to read actively and critically.
Informality and formality in learning
This resource offers readers an extremely valuable opportunity to reflect upon notions of formal and informal learning. It is in the form of a report for the Learning and Skills Research Centre that seeks to challenge some common conceptions relating to distinctions between these two concepts.
Science Subject Knowledge for Trainee Primary Teachers - The delivery of multimedia content via a Vi
This project examined how a virtual learning environment could be used to enhance science subject knowledge for trainee primary teachers.
Diagnostic quizzes, specially designed and created materials using still and moving images, and extra sessions were used successfully to enhance subject knowledge competence and confidence in ‘difficult concepts’ in science. These materials were used with primary PGCE trainees and are available for examination.
Supported by a TDA Research and Developmen
Can Thinking Skills Be Taught? A Discussion Paper
This is a discussion paper which was commissioned by the Scottish Executive Education Department as a starter paper for a forum held on Thinking Skills in May 2000.
Using mentors’ metacognitive skills to increase the knowledge base in teacher training of how teac
This project explored the strategy of adding voice files to word documents - primarily lesson plans and schemes of work - in an initial teacher training context. The technique is called Voice over Text (VoT). The purpose was to reveal the thinking behind teaching processes; in this case there was an emphasis on planning. The use of Voice over Text delivered promising early results in that trainees were able to access the thinking of experienced practitioners which previously had been invisible
Urban ITT: Working with urban schools in challenging contexts (R&DA 2: 17)
The purpose of this project was to contribute to the training of teachers for work in urban schools facing a range of disadvantages. The research was conducted in Manchester and London and undertaken with teachers at the beginning of their careers and the mentors who supported them. 162 trainees were surveyed and eight case studies investigated issues in more depth. The project found that many trainees started and ended their training wanting to teach in challenging urban settings but that th
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and Handheld PCs: Identifying their Potential to Support Initial
This project explored the potential for Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) to support trainees in school. 14 PGCE science students were given either a Windows Pocket PC or a Palm OS based handheld. Useful technical detail underlying the decisions to use these two is reported. Trainees received four hours of training in 10 aspects of potential support from their PDAS and also in their use.
It was intended that the trainees used the PDAs on their school experiences. Some but not all were able
