Aims of this session: To stimulate thought and discussion on student voice

1. These are the aims set for this session – going to be done through presenting a case study of a research project – focusing on the processes that I went through – and discussing possible ideas for what you could do.These are the aims set for this session – going to be done through presenting a case study of a research project – focusing on the processes that I went through – and discussing possible ideas for what you could do.

2. These are all things that we doing anyway as teachers – but don’t necessarily verbalise (e.g. when planning etc.) Action research takes the work we are doing anyway a little further and is where we take the opportunity to reflect on the conscious and unconscious things we do in order to develop our actions and to act reflectively in order to develop our knowledge.These are all things that we doing anyway as teachers – but don’t necessarily verbalise (e.g. when planning etc.) Action research takes the work we are doing anyway a little further and is where we take the opportunity to reflect on the conscious and unconscious things we do in order to develop our actions and to act reflectively in order to develop our knowledge.

3. Remember, every project is individual and is driven by the teacher – each will have its own character and shouldn’t be expected to follow an over-prescriptive model, which may indeed limit or stilt the direction of the research – but can recognise broad stages involved. AT all times research has to be compatible with the values of the school and the work conditions / time availability of the teacher – when it comes to research, methods will be adapted to what is achievable without disrupting practice. Scale of research differs as well (ask Ba – re. self evaluation research) – also can use ITE’s? involve LSAs? Remember, every project is individual and is driven by the teacher – each will have its own character and shouldn’t be expected to follow an over-prescriptive model, which may indeed limit or stilt the direction of the research – but can recognise broad stages involved. AT all times research has to be compatible with the values of the school and the work conditions / time availability of the teacher – when it comes to research, methods will be adapted to what is achievable without disrupting practice. Scale of research differs as well (ask Ba – re. self evaluation research) – also can use ITE’s? involve LSAs?

4. I co-ordinate ICT in the department and with the new demands in the GCSE specification idea was to see whether ICT could be effective in enhancing pupil’s learning and achievement in coursework and how as a department we could provide for this.I co-ordinate ICT in the department and with the new demands in the GCSE specification idea was to see whether ICT could be effective in enhancing pupil’s learning and achievement in coursework and how as a department we could provide for this.

5. Beginning to narrow down the focus. First two questions – need to find out for myself / define. Last two questions are the main focus of the research.Beginning to narrow down the focus. First two questions – need to find out for myself / define. Last two questions are the main focus of the research.

6. Show quickly the Portal idea – talk about: With new website / learning zone – all departments now have access to this type of facility Benefits of hyperlinking over paper – photocopy saving; speed of access; help less able; accessible at home; signpost more – e.g. linking to mark scheme etc.Show quickly the Portal idea – talk about: With new website / learning zone – all departments now have access to this type of facility Benefits of hyperlinking over paper – photocopy saving; speed of access; help less able; accessible at home; signpost more – e.g. linking to mark scheme etc.

7. Reflecting back on my key questions – what data do I need to find the answers to these things – not always easy to collect – e.g. point 3!Reflecting back on my key questions – what data do I need to find the answers to these things – not always easy to collect – e.g. point 3!

8. Important to have balance – do as much as possible to avoid too much bias in research Important to have balance – do as much as possible to avoid too much bias in research

9. A number of specific methods were used – getting reflections from the three different perspectives (the idea of triangulation). Talk them through – give examples of benefits gained.A number of specific methods were used – getting reflections from the three different perspectives (the idea of triangulation). Talk them through – give examples of benefits gained.

10. Not at all subject specific – could benefit allNot at all subject specific – could benefit all

11. Pupil voice!!!!Pupil voice!!!!

13. Remember – also within the school (inter-departmental) such as the self evaluation research group.Remember – also within the school (inter-departmental) such as the self evaluation research group.

14. Use for basis of own ideas for research – to complete possibilities sheet! Idea of possibility of getting ITE’s involved. May be individual research / as a department / pairing etc.Use for basis of own ideas for research – to complete possibilities sheet! Idea of possibility of getting ITE’s involved. May be individual research / as a department / pairing etc.