1. Curriculum for Excellence and Active Learning Peter Eavers Area Adviser Learning and Teaching Scotland

2. “I have never let my schooling interfere with my education” Mark Twain

4. Key Messages of CfE Build on existing good practice, continue to improve standards in learning and teaching, attainment and achievement Promote more active and experiential learning in a variety of contexts Help young people to make connections across the curriculum Help young people to see the relevance of their learning to their everyday lives

5. ...solve problems...plan and organise...work with others...think critically & creatively...use initiative...lead...to learn...take risks The ability to The Scottish Government, Edinburgh 2007 Skills for Scotland – A Lifelong Skills Strategy

6. 6 4 Capacities Successful Learners Use literacy and numeracy Link and apply different kinds of learning in new situations Learn independently and as part of a group Responsible Citizens Make informed choices and decisions Develop informed, ethical views Confident Individuals Relate to others and manage themselves Assess risk and make informed decisions Effective Contributors Work in partnerships and in teams Apply critical thinking Communicate in different ways and in different settings

7. Definition of the Curriculum The ethos and life of the school Curriculum areas and subjects Interdisciplinary projects and studies Opportunities for personal achievement

8. Primary

9. Teachers are key… to successful implementation of A Curriculum for Excellence. The quality of learning and teaching in every classroom – and the inspiration, challenge and enjoyment which can come from teachers’ enthusiasm and commitment – will be critical to achieving our aspirations for all young people. (p1)

10. What is Active Learning? “active learning, in which students solve problems, answer questions, formulate questions of their own, discuss, explain, debate, or brainstorm during class, and cooperative learning, in which students work in teams on problems and projects under conditions that assure both positive interdependence and individual accountability.” Richard Felder

11. What is Active Learning? any strategy "that involves students in doing things and thinking about the things they are doing“ Bonwell, C. & Eison, J. Not the sole preserve of Early Years Active participation in learning rather than pupils simply being active

12. Why Active Learning? “ Learning requires the active, constructive involvement of the learner” Stella Vosniadou "Learning is not a spectator sport… [Students] must talk about what they are learning, write reflectively about it, relate it to past experiences, and apply it to their daily lives. They must make what they learn part of themselves“ Chickering & Gamson

13. Why Active Learning? “Children develop a stronger sense of self- worth when they are able to talk about their learning” “Pupils are more likely to be engaged with schooling when they are consulted and their views treated with respect.” 10 Principles of Effective Teaching and Learning ‘Principles into Practice – A teacher’s guide to research evidence on teaching and learning’ June 2007 Teaching and Learning Research Programme

15. I hear... I forget I see... and I remember I do... and I understand Ancient Chinese Proverb

16. What about HMIe? The learning process must involve active engagement with learning experiences to be successful Learners should be actively involved in their own learning and development Journey to Excellence

17. What about HMIe? Active learning should involve a range of different experiences, which should together make learners think Active learning includes debating and challenging the ideas of peers and teachers Journey to Excellence

18. QI 2.1 The extent to which learners are motivated and actively involved in their own learning and development LEVEL 5 ILLUSTRATION ✪ Our learners are motivated and eager participants in their learning. They are actively involved in their own learning and development and show increasing skills as learners. High-quality feedback makes them aware of their progress and strengths as learners. They are responsible and contribute actively to the life of the school and the wider community. In our school, learners are treated with equality, fairness and respect. Almost all, including those at risk of missing out and those who are vulnerable, have progressed well and make very good progress from their prior levels of attainment and wider achievement.

19. QI 2.1 The extent to which learners are motivated and actively involved in their own learning and development Our learners know that their views are sought and acted on. They tell us that they are very satisfied with the school’s provision, feel that they are valued, and have appropriate opportunities to express their views which are taken into account in decision making. Our learners feel successful, confident and responsible, and they contribute effectively to the school and its community, and to society more generally. Learners feel safe, nurtured, healthy, achieving, active, included, respected and responsible and help to develop these qualities in others.

20. So what might excellence look like? A wide range of approaches to learning and teaching Clear explanation of new topics and skills Learners often explain information, ideas, processes and skills to teachers and peers

21. So what might excellence look like? Younger children involved in “hands on” learning Open questioning approaches invite learners’ own opinions Learning is delivered personally to individual pupils and groups according to their needs, rather than being textbook based Journey to Excellence

22. Approaches to Learning and Teaching Allow for choice Encourage independence Give children ownership Encourage children to explain their thinking 22

23. Approaches to Learning and Teaching Provide meaningful, relevant contexts, including the world of work Help children to make connections Embed principles of AifL 23

24. Some considerations Environment –Physical –Emotional Planning – start with the learning not the activity Parents –Communication –Pre-conceptions

25. “ This boy shows great originality which must be curbed at all costs” Sir Peter Ustinov