Independence In the Sixth Form
Staff began this session by focussing on the ways that they are currently promoting independence in the sixth form and reflecting on what went well (WWW) and how they could develop this (EBI).
They compared this with the views that they had set in the last session and how this had developed.
WWW
Students had a set of MFL questions to research synonyms and independently teach themselves on immigration.
Flipping the learning worked in English because it gave me more time in lessons to discuss the characters and check the students understanding.
EBI
+ A variety of presentation formats might have developed the presentations.
+ Lower ability students required more developed targets.
Staff then produced a mind map of all the things that they have tried.
Measuring Progress
Staff began this session by looking at several articles and discussing the pros and cons of each approach.
Staff liked the idea of setting students up to fail. They felt that this promoted resilience and also established a baseline of knowledge.
The quality of the marking was also raised as more important than the quantity for them to measure the progress of the students.
Also progress doesn't always have to be against the learning outcomes and can be seen in other ways but evidencing this progress is challenging.
The importance of relationships was also raised as essential to allow the students to feel that they can be honest with the progress they are making.
Staff then looked at the progress that they had made so far and how this could be developed.
Challenge
Creating the right classroom atmosphere was being discussed as I entered this TLC. Students worrying about failure was seen as a major issue with challenging students. Staff were discussing when students lose that belief that they can achieve anything. Is that something that is created by the classroom environment? And if it is how do we challenge that?
Using role models in the classroom was seen as a way of challenging students.
Students will challenge themselves for a reward.
If you don't ask you don't get. We shouldn't let the social pressure stop us.
Being open to the different ways that students want to learn is another way of allowing students to challenge themselves.
Using iPads
Staff in this session were explaining what iPad apps they have used and how they fit into the Rossett learning model. Staff were sharing ideas and explaining the impact that The apps have had.
Sharing New Information - QR codes, ExplainEverything,
Searching for Meaning - Ubersence, Wikipedia, GoogleScholar
Demonstrating Understanding - Popplet, Simple Minds, iMovie, Educreations
Review - Quiz apps
Feedback / DIRT
Staff were planning their research project when I arrived.
They were looking at the challenges of implementing their proposals and how they would evidence the impact of their proposals.
As ever the atmosphere in all of the TLCs was excellent and inspiring.
