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Developing the role of the science subject mentor in enhancing trainee’s pedagogic subject knowledgeAdrian Warhurst

EXPECT TO ACHIEVE

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Aim for the sessionExplore the processes and outcomes of a project with a group of secondary partnership schools to develop the subject mentor role in subject knowledge development.

EXPECT TO ACHIEVE

Outcomes•Overview of the project and processes•Consider the value of exemplar subject specific materials for lesson observation•Consider the use of an analysis tool for review of lesson observations

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Project overviewThis PDS case study report on the outcomes of one year project supported by funding from the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) as part of the Partnership Development Schools (PDS) Strategy between 2008-2009.

EXPECT TO ACHIEVE

Improve the quality of communication of Science subject specific information between HEI and School.

Improve the quality of the Science subject specific training provided by the School Based Mentor.

The creation of resources that develop the role of the subject mentor in enhancing trainees’ pedagogic subject knowledge.

Developing the practice of the subject mentor in enhancing trainees’ pedagogic subject knowledge.

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Project overview

EXPECT TO ACHIEVE

Review of current practice•All school based mentors issued with current HEI documentation.

•Trialled•Reviewed•Modified•Trialled•Approved

•A mentor buddy system was set up to examine standardisation of practice

•Paired lesson observations of trainees by mentors.•Paired observations of weekly review meetings by mentors. •HEI staff conducted paired observations of lessons and meetings.•HEI staff created visual and audio recordings of lesson feedback and mentor meetings.

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Project overview

EXPECT TO ACHIEVE

Outcomes Resources•All subject mentors accessing materials

•Greater trainee voice•The record of lesson observations and mentor meetings demonstrates an increase in the subject specific comments/targets

•Website created•Dissemination of resources•Training opportunity

http://www.newmanteachers.org.uk/pds/

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Project overview

EXPECT TO ACHIEVE

Outcomes processes

•Standardised approach to mentoring science trainees in school.

•Focus on science subject specific teaching and learning targets as well as the Q standards.

•Relationships between the partner schools have developed through sharing of resources, ideas and practice.

http://www.newmanteachers.org.uk/pds/

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Discussion Questions

EXPECT TO ACHIEVE

ResourcesGuidelines for lesson observationsGuidelines for weekly meetings

Use the paper to record your discussionsSuggested format

What is the value of exemplar subject specific comments and targets for observing lessons?

Discussion of lesson comments Discussion of targets

In my subject In my subject

Considering exemplar materials

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Discussion QuestionsAnalysing lesson observations – using a draft analysis tool to analyse lesson observation records.

EXPECT TO ACHIEVE

•Analysis used in the project•Qualitative only

•A quantitative tool•Attempt to analyse a lesson observation using the tool

•Is the analysis tool appropriate?•Who would complete the analysis?•Who will benefit from completing the analysis?

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Final Thoughts

EXPECT TO ACHIEVE

Analysis tool – friend or foe

Barriers to improvement in mentor training

Incentives to participate in mentor training

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Lesson analysis

EXPECT TO ACHIEVE

Text from a lesson observation:

Pre lesson Computer/Whiteboard/Powerpoint set up11.15 Class met@door / orderly entrance / standing behind seats: Good

Review of previous lesson: Variation / inheritance. Q1Be careful with long words + speed @ which you talk

Q14 Environmental: Offspring: Variation – double check with some students if they understand.Good humour when talking about carrots. Q4

Starter: ‘Make a note from the screen’ –do you mean copy?11.25 Must share L obj with students + assess at end

Good use of screenshots of carrots: Good link to real world of deformed fruit/vegetables: topical @ momentExplore variables: good: set scene for length measurementGood instructions to recording: tally chart etc.But insist on quiet when you talk!!