Good Practice Database >> Creating The Collaborative Classroom

What was the focus for improvement?
The focus for improvement is on the development of pupils’ collaborative skills in key stage 2 and 3 and effective teaching and learning strategies to support the learner.

What did we do?
A learning group was formed consisting of year 6 and KS3 teachers to develop this work in their respective schools. All teachers were involved in the ESIS Think2Learn Module ‘Working With Others’. After some time, visits were made by the Link2Learn Facilitator/ Adviser to support these individual schools and measure progress to date. This was followed by a meeting with the learning group to disseminate good practice and progress to date. During a cluster transition meeting, headteachers were informed of the progress made and discussion took place in terms of how this partnership might develop during the academic year.

What were the outcomes?
• The evident development of pupils’ social skills
• An improved learning environment
• Pupils taking more responsibility for their own learning creating a sense of ‘ownership’
• Improved communication skills and use of target language by pupils
• Involvement of pupils in the assessment of how effectively they work together( self and peer assessment)
• A developing understanding of taking on specific roles and responsibilities ensuring full participation
• Full engagement and enjoyment!
• Establishment of effective teaching strategies to support collaborative learning

What evidence have we collected to demonstrate improvements?
• Impact evaluation reports from each individual school and the advisory service
• Practical examples of good practice
• Pupils’ work
• Pupil self evaluation

What have we learnt about teaching practice and pupils learning?
• Allows pupils to explore issues in more depth and contribute ideas deepening their understanding
• Pupils are empowered through collaborative work which provides opportunities for them to develop important leadership and interactive skills
• Promotes confidence and self esteem, sensitivity, and interpersonal skills
• Good planning and class organisation is essential!

What we aim to do next
• Lead learners to ensure that the good practice is developed and is consistent across all classes within their respective schools
• Secure this development as a priority in all school development plans and the cluster plan
• Target the work specifically at effective pedagogy as pupils transfer from year 6 to year 7 – ‘skills’ focused lessons.

Supporting Documentation

Opinion Mat

WWO Rules Cluster

Oral Work - Self Evaluation

Self Evaluation and School Improvement Planning

PowerPoint - Creating The Collaborative Classroom

Related Files

	Opinion Mat	50.5 KB
Examples to be Used in Exercise
	WWO Rules Cluster	67 KB
Group Work Rules for Exercise
	Oral Work - Self Evaluation	12 KB
Self Evaluation Form for Exercise
	Self Evaluation and School Improvement Planning	21 KB
Evidence and Comments on Implementation of Exercise
	PowerPoint - Creating The Collaborative Classroom	7.24 MB
Guidlines on Creating the Collaborative Classroom