Learning Teams
Follow the progress of our staff as they develop Learning Teams in their schools.
East Lothian Learning Team Initiative
The main aim of this project is to develop a sharing, investigative approach to teaching by the creation of learning teams within East Lothian Council.
The focus will be on teaching FOR learning and will tie in to the assessment work being undertaken by Learning & Teaching Scotland.
The project will span two years and is in three stages.
Stage 1 was school based.
Stage 2 was cluster based – Musselburgh and Prestonpans clusters.
This stage is the basis for information found here.
Stage 3 has representatives from across the authority working with Shirley Clarke and starts at the end of November.
The aims of the project are :
· To explore the potential of learning teams within East Lothian education community
· To encourage teachers to become action researchers
· To examine the impact teaching has on learning
· To increase learner achievement by enabling teachers to move from an “activity culture” to a “learning culture”
· To place the teacher at the centre of learning
· To support teachers in reviewing and changing practice
· To share and celebrate success
Outcomes of the project
· To establish learning teams that provide a supportive environment for “risk taking” and make learning meaningful and fun
· Teachers recognise that the key features of action research is what they do in their classroom on a daily basis
· Teachers are aware of the positive and negative effects their practice has on their students. As a result they engage more positively with their students
· Teachers have an increased professional awareness and demonstrate that in how and what they teach
· Teachers question and review their practice from a more informed standpoint. Job satisfaction is raised.
· Teachers are more willing and able to assess what is needed for the children in their class
· A community of learning has encouraged a stronger sense of achievement for everyone – teachers, children, support staff, parents and the school community
There are strong links to the national priorities.
· Achievement and Attainment
Learning intentions will be clearer and teachers expectations more focused. As a result children will know what they need to do to succeed.
· Framework for Learning
Teachers professional status will be raised as a result of action research and the practical experience of using this within their practice
· Inclusion & Equality
Teachers awareness of the impact they have on the children’s learning, not just in their teaching but in the feedback they give, body language, use of classroom assistants will benefit all children
· Values and Citizenship
The sharing aspects of the project will encourage strong home / school & community links
· Learning for Life
The children’s learning environment will motivate and make links with real life situations that are relevant to the child.
Learning will be for living not just “to get a good job”
An exciting time for teachers in East Lothian.
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View pictures of the Learning Teams first meeting
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