Innovative Teaching and Learning (ITL) Research Project and Self Evaluation Tools #msftpil

I’ve met Dr Maria Langworthy (Langworthy Research) a few times and heard her speak on a number of occasions about the work she is doing with Microsoft Partners in Learning about how teaching and learning is changing.

One of the interesting things about her latest piece of work is that along with her team at Langworthy Research they have developed some tools to help individual schools measure effective change.

Here is a nice summary video of Dr Lanworthy’s research so far and as normal I find myself agreeing with most of what Maria says - although I still have problmes with the word 'innovative'.

In summary the main points are:

• Innovative teaching practices are the key to developing children.

• Innovative teaching practices must be supported by the leadership and culture of the school.

• Ultimately education policy at a Government level must also be aligned to support change at a local level [I think she also applies encouraging risk taking here].

• Innovative teaching practices do not just include the use of technology [good teachers use good tools].

• Innovative teaching practices are fundamental shifts in pedagogy from traditional methods to teaching in the 20^th Century to more individual student centred teaching practices that develop modern skills such as problem solving, collaboration and knowledge building.

• Innovative teaching practices also include extending the learning beyond the classroom and making learning real and relevant.

• Technology can support pedagogical shifts.

• Teacher collaboration is one of the most significant factors in determining the level of innovative teaching within a school.

• Recognition and incentives from school leaders and governments [and the endorsement of risk taking?] for the recognition associated with innovative teaching are critical for changing the culture of a school [or country?].

• Action research is one of the most powerful types of Professional development for teachers.

 

Free Research Tool for Schools

The Partners in Learning School Research Tool looks like it is also worth checking out as well. Anyone tried it with their school yet?

Comments

[Stuart Ball]

Ollie,
I know Calderglen High School have made extensive use of the Research Tool. We will be doing a lot more with it in UK Partners in Learning this year.

Cheers

Stuart