Using computers to improve performance in science
Aim: To ascertain whether computers can improve the results of students in a Year 10 science programme and whether students in other subjects can benefit.
The Evidence People
Achievement
Improving written vocabulary through paired spelling
Aim: To investigate paired spelling as a means of improving written vocabulary.
Teacher confidence and teaching and learning in data handling
Aim: To examine the effect of teacher confidence on pupil confidence and hence achievement in the teaching and learning of mathematics with particular reference to data handling.
Effective questioning: stepping-stones to meta-cognition?'
Aim: There were two main, linked, aims of this project. The primary aim was to investigate the role of effective questioning by the teacher in a History class. The second aim explored the usefulness of this meta-cognitive strategy in enhancing higher-order thinking skills in the classroom. These are the skills that characterise higher achievement at Key Stages 3 and 4 (11-16 years of age).
How does involving the children in classroom planning affect their learning?
Aim: We were aware of a number of children who were coasting or dipping in English in Key Stage 2. We wanted to find out whether we could motivate them, using innovative classroom strategies.
Boys will be boys? Raising boys motivation and achievement in Key Stage Three Design Technology
Aim:
Decrease the gap between boys and girls achievement at Key Stage Three.
Increase the number of level 5 and level 6 achieved by boys in DT in their Key Stage Three Standard Aptitude Tests (SATs).
Improve the behaviour and effort of boys during DT lessons.
Increase the number of boys opting for DT - possibly within food and textiles.
Homework and Study Support in Year 7
Aim: To identify ways in which teachers can enhance student learning through homework, by examining homework, perceptions of it in Year 7, and support systems both in school and at home.
The impact of writing and questioning frames on the teaching and learning process
Aim: How do writing and questioning frames within a School Improvement Project impact on classroom practice and more effective teaching and learning?
The enquiring school: Using action research to enhance Key Stage 1 pupils' speaking and listening
Aim: This project was essentially about what it is that supports a school to become research-engaged. There were two dimensions to this investigation:
(i) The aim of the specific research activity at school level was:
To investigate the impact of rhyme and rhythm on the development of speaking and listening skills in Key Stage 1
(ii) Beyond the specific research at school level, the overarching aim was:
To investigate the features of research engagement in the school which were significant in supporting and enabling the research activity.
Effectively Teaching Infants Mental Arithmetic
Aim: To examine the problems children encounter in arithmetic and to decide whether a programme of activities using visual images developed by Catherine Stern in the 1940s could be used by teachers to improve pupils' mental arithmetic.