LSIS STEM Programme

Science, Engineering and Mathematicssupport for Subject Learning Coaches

Teaching and learning

Action Research – Taking Action – Measuring Impact in the T&L Sector

Marion ColemanMichael Callaghan

We started from a premise that

•Research focusing on T&L is of particular valve to practitioners

• Practitioners often ‘suspect ‘ what might make a difference to T & L but don’t have the evidence base to support it

• Providing support mechanisms would encourage and develop a research culture in the sector

• A small focussed piece of work linked to improving the quality of T&L

• It requires examining a set of circumstances with a

view to improving practice

• It involves a cycle of; action – reflection – further action

Our Shared View of Action Research

ACTION RESEARCHAction research – John Maynard & Vikki Smith

Improving practice

Identify theIssue

Explore Solutions

Test the solution:what works & doesn’t work?

Apply learning to improve practice

Share learningwith colleagues

To support:• Improvements to teaching & learning through

practitioner enquiry and reflection• Develop practice and have a positive impact on colleagues

and learners within their organisation• Produce a variety of practical materials e.g. case studies,

models, checklists, CPD materials, etc., for wider use and dissemination across the sector

• Develop further capacity to undertake action research

What we set out to do

Process used

• Generate interest from the sector

• Transparent moderation process

• Built in support mechanisms action planning baseline data, impact measures Interim support peer contact & support Offered small financial awards

Dissemination strategy

What’s been achieved so far

• 3 year of ARP’s building on previous year’s successes – retention and achievement high

• 2007/8 35 project - engineering, maths • 2008/9 75 projects -science, engineering,

maths many collaborative and across STEM • 2009/10 45 projects - science, engineering,

math increasing number of collaborative and STEM projects

What’s been achieved so far

• Building a community of action research work within STEM

• Significant evidence based research collected demonstrating improvements to T&L

• Increased collaborative work with colleagues and across STEM subjects

• Case studies and resources available on web site www.subjectlearningcoaches.net

• Dissemination strategy in place to make the finding readily •accessible and showcase the work of the project holders

Michael Callaghan – Huddersfield New College

Huddersfield New College LSIS Action Research Project

PROJECT AIMSTO USE THE MEDIUM OF YOUTUBE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO AS LEVEL PHYSICS STUDENTS. TO GATHER BOTH QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DATA TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SUPPORT THE VIDEOS CAN BE VIEWED AT HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/HUDDNEWCOLLPHYSICS