East Lothian: Learning Teams

What is this?

This project aims to develop a sharing, investigative approach to improving the effectiveness of teaching. This will be achieved through the creation of learning teams within East Lothian Schools. The focus will be on teaching FOR learning and will link closely with the Assessment is for Learning (AiFL) project being undertaken by Learning & Teaching Scotland. The project will span 3 years and will be undertaken in a number of stages.

FLaT involvement?

FLaT support is being provided to assist with the establishment of the learning teams approach across East Lothian Schools, and to explore and assess its impact on learning and teaching within the classroom.

Links with National Priorities?

Achievement & Attainment;
Framework for Learning;
Inclusion and Equality;
Values and Citizenship;
Learning for Life.

Project aims?

To explore the potential of learning teams within East Lothian education community.
To encourage teachers to become action researchers and reflective practitioners.
To examine the impact of teaching on learning.
To increase learner attainment and achievement by enabling teachers to move from an "activity culture" to a " learning culture".
To place the teacher at the centre of learning.
To support teachers in reviewing and changing practice.
To share and celebrate success.

Project outcomes?

Learning teams that provide a supportive environment for "risk taking" and make learning meaningful and fun are established.
Teachers recognise that the key features of action research equate to what they do in their classrooms on a daily basis.
Teachers are aware of the positive and negative effects their practice has on their students. As a result they engage more positively with their students.
Teachers have an increased professional awareness and demonstrate that in how and what they teach. As a result the children are more motivated and clearer in what their part in their learning is. This is reflected in increased achievement.
Teachers question and review their practice from a more informed standpoint. Job satisfaction is raised.
Teachers are more willing and able to assess what is needed to meet the needs of the children in their classes.
A community of learning encourages a stronger sense of achievement for everyone – children, teachers, support staff, parents and the wider community.

Timescale?

This project started in February 2005 and will finish in June 2007.

Level of Support?

FLaT support is a grant of £48,230 plus costs of external evaluation.

Who are the evaluation team?

Not yet appointed.

Contact person:

Jill CarrickAnn McLanachan, Longniddry Primary School, Kitchener Crescent, Longniddry, East Lothian, EH32 0LR. Tel: 01875 853161. E-mail: Email: amclanachan@eastlothian.gov.uk