TLC 2 - Encouraging Independence in the Sixth Form

We started TLC 2 by discussing some of Ofsted's best practice reports.  These reports detail what some of the best schools and sixth form colleges are doing to improve independence in the sixth form.  

Rossett staff were asked to discuss with each other what they thought of the articles and if they thought that they could use anything from them to improve their teaching and learning.  The overwhelming feeling by many of the staff was that it is nice to know what we are doing already is considered best practice.   

We then moved on to refelct on the progress that had been made towards our targets since the last TLC.  Staff were asked to complete the evaluate section of their worksheet.  Here is a great example from Mrs Thompson:

 After this was completed, staff were asked to explain what they intend to do over the coming weeks to encourage independence in the sixth form to the other members of their learning triad.  We then asked the other members of the learning triad to critique their work and give them advice on how they could take their project to the next level.  Many members of staff found this process useful and were grateful for the feedback they received from their colleagues.  

We then had the opportunity to observe what other teachers in different schools have attempted to improve independence.  

Staff were given the opportunity to discuss the videos in particular what they could gain from them to help with their own teaching and learning.  Staff found the videos useful in particular the example of a structured way to use peer and self assessment.  This improves independence and also allows the students to see how much progress they have made.  

Staff were then given time to begin to work on their Weebly post and presentation for TLC 3.  The presentation and post will detail the project that each member of staff has completed along with the impact they think it has had on their teaching and learning.

Some examples of the the work done so far and the impact they have had on encouraging independence in the sixth form are listed below:

The use of learning mats (image below), give students a structure to follow when completing their work and as a result allows them to work independently without the need to ask for support from the teacher.

There is also the use of video's to give answers to questions on a homework/test.  This allows the class to progress at different rates depending on how well they achieved on the homework/test and it also allows all students to work independently.

The final example I will give today is the use of flipped learning which is where the students complete the notes for the lesson at home and present their findings/answer questions in class.  This encourages students to be more independent as they are responsible for their own notes.  It also allows students to develop skills that will be essential to their success at university.