Year 3 SE PRiSS expectations

Professional Research in a Subject Specialism Students have the opportunity to consider an aspect of learning and then examine it from the practical day to day aspects in a real context. They also are expected, in their own time to examine the theory behind their chosen focus. They then have an opportunity to bring together these two sets of ideas and synthesize them to make more sense of the learning process. We feel it brings together the academic and professional aspects of being a teacher to the advantage of both areas and by working with experienced teachers in school the students grasp a reality of the demands of teaching and wanting the best outcome for their pupils.

What is it? In Year 3 of their course the students undertake a Research Project which culminates in a dissertation. What do you mean by Research Project? It involves the students examining an area of learning, a subject specialism, and how it impacts on the pupils in the classroom. The students are expected to undertake both theoretical and practical research in their chosen area.

Why do they need to do this? The intention of the project is to help them become a reflective teacher, they need to understand the thinking that underpins the work you experts do in school. Teachers with experience do this automatically, however, trainees need to be supported through the process. We recognise that practitioner research is an essential part of outstanding classroom practice.

What have they done so far? Currently the students have chosen a subject area and an aspect within that area to focus on. They have considered various data collection methods to enable them to undergo the process and are now at the stage when they can discuss this with you the class teachers. How will this benefit the class? The students will be able to share their findings with you and it may provide opportunities to extend learning for some children. It may also give you an opportunity to see your class from a different viewpoint ie. through the eyes of a trainee teacher.

How much time do they need for this? This should be the equivalent of half a day per week. This shouldn’t be taken from PPA time. Usually the trainees will be working with the pupils in your class but occasionally they may request a visit to another class. The trainee uses the time to focus on the research aspect but should be involved with children.