LSIS STEM Programme
Science, Engineering and Mathematics
support for Subject Learning Coaches
Teaching and learning
Action Research – Taking Action –
Measuring Impact in the T&L Sector
Marion Coleman
Michael Callaghan
We started from a premise that
•Research focusing on T&L is of particular valve to practitioners
• Practitioners often ‘suspect ‘ what might make a difference to
T & L but don’t have the evidence base to support it
• Providing support mechanisms would encourage and develop
a research culture in the sector
Our Shared View of Action Research
• A small focussed piece of work linked to improving
the quality of T&L
• It requires examining a set of circumstances with a
view to improving practice
• It involves a cycle of; action – reflection – further
action
ACTION RESEARCH
Action research – John Maynard & Vikki Smith
Improving practice
Explore Solutions
Share learning
with colleagues
Apply learning
to improve practice
Identify the
Issue
Test the solution:
what works &
doesn’t work?
What we set out to do
To support:
• Improvements to teaching & learning through
practitioner enquiry and reflection
• Develop practice and have a positive impact on
colleagues and learners within their organisation
• Produce a variety of practical materials e.g. case studies,
models, checklists, CPD materials, etc., for wider use and
dissemination across the sector
• Develop further capacity to undertake action research
Process used
• Generate interest from the sector
• Transparent moderation process
• Built in support mechanisms
 action planning
 baseline data, impact measures
 Interim support
 peer contact & support
 Offered small financial awards
 Dissemination strategy
What’s been achieved so far
• 3 year of ARP’s building on previous year’s
successes – retention and achievement high
• 2007/8
35 project - engineering, maths
• 2008/9
75 projects -science, engineering,
maths many collaborative and across STEM
• 2009/10 45 projects - science, engineering,
math increasing number of collaborative and
STEM projects
What’s been achieved so far
• Building a community of action research work within STEM
• Significant evidence based research collected demonstrating
improvements to T&L
• Increased collaborative work with colleagues and across STEM
subjects
• Case studies and resources available on web site
www.subjectlearningcoaches.net
• Dissemination strategy in place to make the finding readily
•accessible and showcase the work of the project holders
Michael Callaghan – Huddersfield New College
Huddersfield New College LSIS Action Research
Project
PROJECT AIMS
TO USE THE MEDIUM OF YOUTUBE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO AS LEVEL
PHYSICS STUDENTS. TO GATHER BOTH QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DATA
TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SUPPORT
THE VIDEOS CAN BE VIEWED AT
HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/HUDDNEWCOLLPHYSICS