Monday, March 01, 2010
Using PbyP to link learner progress and classroom research projects.
The new PbyP website features a Project section where all teachers with a PbyP account can set up projects and evaluate their impact .
Since the launch of PbyP version 1.0 a number of independent research reports have suggested that this approach to the progression of competencies is being seen as a useful step forward. OFSTED has both named 'Skills Ladders' specifically as an exemplar of practice (see report) and has praised schools that define generic progression across multiple subject areas (see report) in the delivery of PLTS.Research into the value and effectiveness of peer assessment have beenpublished by the GTC, Citizenship Council, Nuffield and OFSTED.
Over the past two years, research findings have reinforced that schools with a strong and clear vision that is shared widely and includes consultation from learners, have sustained outstanding achievement (see one example ). Internationally the status of teachers as 'action researchers' or active participants in this school vision has grown steadily and is increasingly being backed up by formal qualifications such as with Stephen Heppell's work in the area of teacher PhDs.
We have designed the new PbyP website to support this process at every level .
School leaders have tools that help their staff construct a collaborative school vision thatis then available to parents and learners.
- Every teacher then selects one aspect of the vision each year that they plan to contribute towards and nominates a group oflearners they feel will benefit most from their work.
- Snapshots are taken of all the learners PbyP profiles at the start, middle and end of the project as well as sending them anonymous attitudinal surveys about their involvement and enjoyment of the process.
- For the teacher who rarely uses ICT with learners (perhaps 80% of teachers) this corresponds to filling out a one page web form each year at the end of which they can hit a button and have their projectadded to the case study bank if they wish.
- For those keen to exploit the technology, the project can be used to distribute work, analyse feedback and communicate with groups of other teachers internationally working in the same area of interest.
These new features work in conjunction with the core PbyP functions and are available to all schools who buy licences for their staff and learners from this spring.