Glasgow (North-East) - Engaging Learners Project
Generating Classroom Strategies For The Primary School
During the session 2005 /2006, the SELF and Motivated School materials were identified as a basis for continuing work with P7 teachers in fourteen Pilot primary schools. This took the form of regular, monthly peer discussions organised by psychologists working with teachers. This model of working was consistent with the philosophy of ‘Better Behaviour Better Learning’ and ‘Curriculum For Excellence’.
Form & Content
- P7 teachers were released from class to attend sessions to ensure consistent attendance and increase the likelihood of effective outcomes. This involved a significant investment of money by the Education Department.
- Each two-hour session consisted of a presentation on an aspect of motivation materials followed by a solution focused discussion with teachers to generate ideas for translating theory into practice.
- Eight monthly sessions were held that explored intrinsic motivation for children as well as their teachers, and considered ways in which teachers and learning environments could improve motivation.
- Different engagement styles, or ‘stances’, were identified for each child in a class, and strategies, or ‘hooks’ were generated to try to improve the child’s engagement. The fact that children engage in different ways depending on the context was considered.
- Teachers identified a ‘hook’ from a session and tried it out with identified pupils before reporting on effective strategies at the next meeting where they were recorded in the form of a database.
- An emphasis was placed on mutual support and collaboration.
- Internet contact was established between group members to allow for contact and discussion between sessions.
Outcomes
- The model will be extended into whole primary schools, working with P1-P7 teachers and children to establish a common language and understanding of the materials. Two Secondary Schools are also interested in using the model to work with departments. Psychologists will continue to work with identified key personnel in each school to cascade the ideas through training sessions and collaborative work throughout the year.