Pedagogical audit

Aims and objectives Explore pedagogical audit and its role in helping move towards independent learning on a whole-school basis. Explore the use of different formats for discussion in order to stimulate thinking. Discuss techniques for developing independence in the classroom. Lesson planning and reviewing schemes of work to promote independent learning.

What is pedagogical audit? Pedagogical audit is a process of reviewing a scheme of work or series of lesson plans with the aim of including more activities that promote independent learning. Specifically, this includes using discussions, project work and techniques for creating thinking time in lessons.

Different discussion formats class debate think, pair, share question bouncing fish bowl work-in-progress seminar student presentation.

Using discussion groups to stimulate thinking Discussions: In groups, run the following discussion activities: A seminar discussion on the statement ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.’ A ‘think, pair, share’ discussion on the question ‘Can bad people create good art?’ Reflection: Discuss how these activities would work in the classroom. What challenges would you face and how would you address them?

Techniques for developing independence in the classroom learning-based projects collaborative research deeper-thinking review lessons big problem lessons peer instruction student teaching flipped schemes of work student-led seminars Discussion: What project ideas could you weave into your teaching? Where are there opportunities for you to get students researching more?

Planning for independence Write a plan for a lesson using some of the techniques for developing independence. Share with colleagues and discuss the challenges of teaching in this way. Review a scheme of work for a unit you will soon be teaching. What elements can you include that will help develop independence (class discussion, projects, flipped learning, etc.)? Present your ideas to colleagues and discuss your revised scheme.