Here at Shiplake College, we remain committed to delivering an academic experience of the highest quality. As well as through our excellent teachers, one such way that we remain on top of the game is through our very own staff-led Learning Research Group (LRG). In addition to the resulting articles being produced as printed and bound publications, there have been presentations at Staff INSET and they have also had the chance to present and discuss the findings to Shiplake governors.
The LRG is run by Assistant Head (Learning and Enrichment), Mr Sam Shaw, who says:
‘For the last three years, I have been running the Learning Research Group here at Shiplake. The Learning Research Group (LRG) was designed as a framework and forum for teachers to engage with the boom in educational research. Teachers with a passion for pedagogy offered to lead a small group of interested teachers in a field of interest.
Over the two published volumes, topics have included: metacognition, memory and recall, preparing for coeducational teaching, and many more wide and varied topics. The groups meet regularly through the year, digesting literature and honing research techniques before proposing and conducting their own research to identify best practice in our own context of Shiplake College. I am hugely proud of the contributions our teachers have made and think it is indicative of their commitment to provide the best possible teaching for our pupils.’
Some of the feedback from those involved include:
‘This was more beneficial because it was aimed specifically at our unique setting, with a chance for teachers to discuss students we have in common. Rather than coming from outside and having to be applied to our setting, this was all about making collaborative learning work at Shiplake College.’
‘Having the learning research gave us that space in the day, head space for me to actually really, consider carefully, my own practice, and how I can improve it. So, I think from a time perspective, setting time aside for that has been really important in terms of improving and developing my own teaching.’
The Headmaster, Mr Tyrone Howe, added:
‘There's nothing better, I think, than somebody having pride in their profession and, certainly from seeing the display that was put on show for the governors and the brochure that we've now got; that’s a collection of contributions from people who have pride in their profession, and it will contribute to add pride to their profession as well.’
The LRG runs through each academic cycle and in 2022-2023, topics included:
- Teaching Boys and Girls
- Higher Order Thinking Skills in KS3
- Does Teaching Using Digital Technology Enhance the Learning Experience and Academic Performance
- Pupil Voice Informing Teaching and Learning
- Reflective Peer Observation
- Collaborative Learning
- Which Testing Style Helps with Recall
- How Game Based Learning Can Enhance Memory and Recall in Dyslexic Pupils
These topics can be found in Learning Research Journal which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our colleagues, who in addition to the many and varied roles they undertake, have found the time to investigate their own practice and share their findings.
We look forward to seeing what this year's Learning Research Groups publish for the 2023-2024 issue!
