1. The LQF Induction Pack – 9 modules to support teachers, plus this module to support senior leaders.
This bundle of resources is only available to schools who have already begun working on ‘The Learning Quality Framework’ and who are seeking help with making a start on Principles 7 and 8.
What and who is the pack for?
This pack is designed to serve 2 functions:
- As an introductory programme for teachers to make a sound start on LQF Principles 7 and 8;
- As a support for senior leaders responsible for the LQF.
What does it contain?
For teachers:
- 1 online module, a quick read, introducing the key ideas about building better learners, the supple learning mind, and classroom culture;
- 4 online modules that focus on classroom culture;
- 4 online modules that focus on the domains of learning.
For senior leaders (this module):
- advice on how and in what order the modules could / should be tackled;
- training materials to help you to introduce ‘The Supple Learning Mind’ and ‘Learning-Friendly Classroom Cultures’ (should you wish to do so.)
2. For Information – The contents for teachers
There is an introductory module that offers an overview of learning power and learning-friendly classroom culture. Additionally there are modules that introduce teachers to 4 issues around classroom cultures and modules that introduce the 4 domains of learning.
The overview module is:
- ‘Getting started with learning power – an introductory read’
This could easily be used as a short read in advance of launching the LQF.
Why this particular module?
This module offers an overview of the key ideas:
- background research on dispositional learning
- the two interlinking frameworks that underpin building better learners
- examples of how the two frameworks work in practice
Ensure that this is the first module that teachers engage with as it sets the scene for the other 8 modules. However if senior leaders would rather introduce these ideas themselves, there are materials in section 4 (below) to support you in doing so.
The 4 online culture modules are ‘Helping your learners to . . . :
- take responsibility for their own learning
- develop a language for learning
- learn about learning
- celebrate and value their learning behaviours
Why these particular modules?
These 4 online modules address the 4 aspects of classroom culture – Relating, Talking, Constructing and Celebrating.
The modules will support teachers to build a learning-friendly classroom culture, support indicators 7.1 and 8.1, and pave the way for the remainder of principles 7 and 8.
The 4 online overview modules are ‘Helping your learners to . . .:
- engage with learning;
- develop their thinking behaviours
- develop their learning relationships
- become reflective
Why these particular modules?
- These are four overview modules to the 4 domains of learning in the Supple Learning Mind;
- They are designed as a speedy way of introducing the 4 domains to teachers new to the ideas.
These are the key learning behaviours that will get the school off to a solid start in terms of building:
- a sound language for learning that can be made visible to learners through classroom talk (indicators 7.2 and 8.2);
- a range of learning behaviours that can be made visible to learners (indicators 7.3 and 8.3);
- and that can be celebrated (indicators 7.4 and 8.4).
3. Issues to be considered by leaders
Begin by thinking about classroom culture as it currently is in your school. If you feel that classrooms are already well-placed in terms of LQF indicator thread 7.1 and that students are responding well (thread 8.1), you may care to begin with the 4 learning domain modules (Engaging, Thinking, Relationships, Reflection).
If there are a significant number classrooms that are heavily teacher-focused, we suggest you begin with the 4 culture-related modules.
The purpose of these modules
- is to introduce the idea of classroom culture;
- and to support teachers to understand and explore the 4 domains of learning and how they might be integrated into lessons;
- so that progress is made on principles 7 and 8 of the Learning Quality Framework.
Consider:
- how and when you might find time to support colleagues to work through these materials;
- should these be twilight meetings?
- do you need an ‘induction day’ to kick start the process?
4. Support materials for leaders
Here we have gathered some materials and powerpoints you may find useful in launching these ideas to colleagues.
Consider – would you prefer to begin with your new teachers looking at the 4 classroom culture modules, or at the 4 key learning behaviour modules? Either route has both advantages and disadvantages, and we would recommend doing one or the other.
But we would advise against starting out on all 8 modules at the same time!
Introducing the 4 culture modules
Downloads to the right:
- A powerpoint presentation about classroom cultures – download it and edit it to create your introductory session;
- Guidance notes to support your delivery;
- A resource book for teachers to accompany the ppt.
Introducing the Supple Learning Mind
Downloads to the right:
- A powerpoint presentation about The Supple Learning Mind – download it and edit it to create your introductory session;
- Guidance notes to support your delivery;
- Resources necessary for the Chase in the Crypt activity;
- A resource book for teachers to accompany the ppt;
- In case you need them, detailed guidance notes about how you might talk about the 17 learning behaviours in the Supple Learning Mind.
5. Ongoing support for teachers . . .
Consider 2 aspects:
- How you will support them during the first term using these materials;
- How you will support them thereafter.
During the first term . .
- Using the materials above you will have introduced them to the ideas around classroom culture and The Supple Learning Mind;
- But then what?
Ask yourself:
- how will I help to maintain momentum?
- how will I encourage them to explore and experiment with the teaching ideas?
- how will I enable them to share their triumphs (and disasters!) with each other?
- who will I encourage them to observe – those who are already using these ideas effectively?
- how will we celebrate what we have achieved during this first term?
Thereafter . .
- they have begun to explore learnER-friendly classroom cultures and the 4 key learning behaviours;
- you will have made a solid start on principles 7 and 8, but these ideas will also inform how you tackle Principles 2 and 3;
- and the way that you work with these materials will build evidence for Principles 4 and 5;
- and as teachers begin to build the key behaviours in to lessons, you will make progress with Principle 6.
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