From Children and Their Learning (Report by ETI, 1999)

“There is a need to be explicit about what we mean by better forms of thinking and of educating directly for thinking. If pupils are to become better thinkers – to learn meaningfully, to think flexibly and to make reasoned judgements – then they must be taught explicitly how to do it”

Professor Carol McGuinness (QUB)

Research findings are contributing to our confidence in using more effective strategies in learning and teaching and it is our aim within the Southern Education and Library Board to carry out research at a local level by inviting schools to undertake pilot projects in the form of classroom based Action Research. In this way we can make a powerful contribution to the growing knowledge and understanding of how children learn and how teachers can enhance that learning.

Areas to be explored:

• Self-esteem as a foundation for effective learning
• Teaching that takes account of children’s different learning dispositions
• The accelerated learning cycle
• The impact of teacher and pupil expectation on learning
• The development of thinking skills
• Assessment for learning

The outcomes of these pilot projects and other on-going research will inform future INSET.

Any school interested in becoming involved in these pilot projects, or in reviewing current approaches to learning and teaching should contact Sharon Cousins for further information.