EXPECT TO ACHIEVE
Developing the role of the subject
mentor in enhancing trainee’s pedagogic
subject knowledge
Adrian Warhurst
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EXPECT TO ACHIEVE
Aim for the session
Explore the processes and outcomes of a project with a group of secondary
partnership schools to develop the subject mentor role in subject knowledge
development.
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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EXPECT TO ACHIEVE
Project overview
This 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.
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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EXPECT TO ACHIEVE
Project overview
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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EXPECT TO ACHIEVE
Project overview
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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EXPECT TO ACHIEVE
Project overview
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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EXPECT TO ACHIEVE
Discussion Questions
What is the value of exemplar subject specific comments and targets for observing
lessons?
Resources
Guidelines for lesson observations
Guidelines for weekly meetings
Use the paper to record your discussions
Suggested format
Discussion of lesson comments
In my subject
Discussion of targets
Considering
exemplar
materials
In my subject
EXPECT TO ACHIEVE
Discussion Questions
Analysing lesson observations – using a draft analysis tool to analyse lesson observation
records.
•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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EXPECT TO ACHIEVE
Final Thoughts
Analysis tool – friend or foe
Barriers to improvement in mentor training
Incentives to participate in mentor training
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EXPECT TO ACHIEVE
Lesson analysis
Text from a lesson observation:
Pre lesson Computer/Whiteboard/Powerpoint set up
11.15
Class met@door / orderly entrance / standing behind seats: Good
Review of previous lesson: Variation / inheritance.
Q1
Be 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 @ moment
Explore variables: good: set scene for length measurement
Good instructions to recording: tally chart etc.
But insist on quiet when you talk!!
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