Primary | Centre for the Use of Research & Evidence in Education (CUREE)

Using Thinking Tools to enhance childrens ability to think and improve national test results

Aim: To discover the extent to which selected thinking tools could enhance childrens ability to think from a viewpoint other than their own and thus help improve their optional Year 4 reading and writing national test scores.

Improving written vocabulary through paired spelling

Aim: To investigate paired spelling as a means of improving written vocabulary.

Lets work together supporting mathematics subject leaders through clustering

Aim: To provide a supportive network for mathematics subject leaders, to develop approaches to teaching mathematics and to share effective strategies and resources between schools.

Teacher confidence and teaching and learning in data handling

Aim: To examine the effect of teacher confidence on pupil confidence and hence achievement in the teaching and learning of mathematics with particular reference to data handling.

Is there truly a shirt of happiness or not? Developing thinking through a Community of Enquiry approach.

Aim: To consider whether a Community of Enquiry approach would improve the ability of Y5 and 6 pupils to discuss issues arising from texts by asking relevant questions. Individual teachers were keen to: Develop written responses to comprehension texts; or Improve the quality of questioning and discussion.

Using action learning to support the development of primary teachers mathematical knowledge

Aim: The aim of this doctoral project (with Sussex University) was to improve the mathematical performance of an inner city primary school by developing the subject knowledge, pedagogical skills and the curriculum content knowledge of its teachers.

How can Primary Schools Encourage Boys to Develop a More Positive Attitude towards Learning?

Aim: To identify strategies that will improve boys attitudes to learning in primary schools.

Promoting good understanding of number concepts and skills

Aim: To identify which teaching methods are more effective in promoting good understanding of number concepts and skills for pupils to make significant progress in number at Key Stage 2.

Does the development of 'pupil voice' activities enhance young learners' experience of school?

The research aimed to address the following questions: Can the development of pupil voice help move a school from a performance driven culture to a pupil-centred learning culture? Do pupil voice activities enhance teaching and learning? Does the growth of pupil voice activities have a positive or negative impact on staff?

Une question de writing?

Aim: To compare approaches to the teaching of writing and handwriting in England and France.