Action Research Use of wikispaces to improve levels of independent learning in AS Physics Cath Lowe

Issues Our school has identified independent learning as an important aspect of PLTS A survey carried out by Villiers Park Educational Trust which focussed on learning in the 6 th form highlighted this area as one which needs improvement AS level Physics is a subject which is taken by students with a wide range of abilities so is one in which independent learning is particularly important Wikispaces have been in use for A level physics for 1 year

Target group AS Physics group 17 students all male Target AS Physics grade ranging from A-E January module results: A(6), B(2), C(2), D(2), E(4), U(1) 13 taking AS Maths and/or Further Maths

Baseline evidence The Villiers Park survey highlighted levels of independent learning as lower than expected for the entire 6 th form I surveyed the target group’s usage of the existing wikispace and other independent learning tasks at the start of the study with the following results:

Usage of the existing wikispace: The wikispace is used mainly for revision. Positive comments: Easy to use to use (apart from one who cites lack of internet at home as an issue) Able to hand in work or ask questions when school is out Linked to specification Useful links Useful definitions

Negative comments: limited content compared to textbook; can’t find what I’m looking for; I prefer to use other methods to study; Revision by hand has less distractions(good point!); lack of internet access makes it difficult to use Usage of the existing wikispace:

Most students could not list the full range of tasks they have been set this year Those who did know listed (correctly): essay, making notes on topic, questions out of textbook, internet resource making and research, reading textbook using websites like quizlet. Students who have completed tasks have generally found them useful – two comment ‘only if we go through them in class’,‘sometimes hard to understand without an explanation’ Comments by students on independent learning

Responses to question: ‘Which activities do you find help you learn?’ Predominately: Past papers and Practicals including interactive work Other responses include: Doing questions from text book and websites like quizlet; homework; team activities; making notes on physics topics and key points; revision guide; answering questions; various visual practicals showing the physics in motion; researching online (wikipedia); visual ones, e.g/ diagrams, mind maps; ‘Do the easier topics myself but go through more complicated ones in class’; ‘Reading a textbook over and over’.

Interventions A new wikispace was created with the target group as members All homelearning was set for the group via the wikispace for the duration of the study and they were expected to post work there The tasks set all required research or use of internet based activites

Success criteria Improved levels of independent learning Positive feedback on student questionnaires Improved numbers of students using the wikispace

Collecting evidence Survey results: baseline, mid study and final Students’ work on the wikispace itself Other records of work completed (mark book)

What we did (1) Baseline survey is already described Students were given feedback on the findings of the survey by power point, those students who did not contribute were given a separate survey.

What we did(2) – mid study feedback Findings from main group: 8/14 students felt more confident with independent learning tasks, 6 had noticed no difference Suggestions for improvement included: posting whiteboard pages on wikispace, making link to resources wikispace clearer

What we did (3) Findings from non contributors(2 out of 3): Why did you not complete the survey? Didn’t realise it was important; went on ski trip Which tasks have you completed so far and why? One task each. Reasons: I saw it on wikispace; so that I can learn. What have you learnt? Key definitions; key terms These students did not see the wikispace as helpful to them Carrying out independent learning but they thought it Provided good information on the task and it was clear to follow

What we did (3) Final survey 1. How many times per week have you used the wikispace during the project

2. What have you been able to do with the wikispace that you haven't been able to do before?

3. How helpful have you found it to be able to use the wikispace? A bit Quite Very

4. Should we continue with the wikispaces?

Other comments from this survey: So far so good. Really useful, future of learning great idea, works well itsss great - it's pretty good the way it is

What the evidence said A great deal of work was posted by the majority of students and they received online feedback A number of students produced work of an very high standard which was then made available to all students as revision materials

Conclusions Many students found the convenience of the wikispace helpful The wikispace made the completion of independent learning tasks less easy to avoid The wikispace is a flexible way to ensure that the school meets its requirements for e portfolio It enables students who are ill or have missed lessons for other reasons to catch up easily

Unanticipated insights Some very shy and quiet members of the group made the best contribution and this gave them a chance to ‘shine’. There is a surprising amount of technophobia amongst this group (who are viewed as ‘geeks’ by their peers). Many students preferring to use books.

Modifying practice I have showcased wikispaces to my colleagues as a simple to use method to meet the requirements of e-portfolio for secondary schools It is one method we will use in the faculty to ensure that all staff post work for students I have extended their use for Applied Science GCSE who have to complete a great deal of portfolio work