How might we develop young children's problem skills?
Aim: To examine childrens responses to a number of practical problem-solving tasks, how they explain their decisions, and how they use diagrams (with symbols) to record the process.
The Evidence People
Technology
Using data to ensure gifted and talented students achieve their full potential in Design and Technology
Aim: The research set out to look into the provision for Gifted and Talented pupils within Design and Technology at Key Stage 3 in a Hartlepool school, which was currently using a standardised ability test known as Middle Years Information System (MidYIS). Two questions were considered:
Are test results from MidYIS a reliable indicator for technology GAT pupils? and
Does a more creative delivery encourage GAT pupils to produce higher-level ideas and to be more satisfied with their projects?"
Managing gender difference issues within the Design and Technology workshop
Aim: The aims of this project were to understand the theory behind gender difference (boys and girls learn differently, why?), research the interaction between girls, boys and the resources and machinery they use within the Design and Technology workshop to identify trends and devise solutions that can be applied in the Design and Technology workshop to overcome gender difference issues and raise achievement.
Girls, calculators and graphics concepts
Aim: To help students to improve their understanding of graphs with the use of a graphic calculator.
The use of ICT in Music Composing
Aim: To raise awareness of the potential of ICT in music composition by investigating strategies teachers can use to raise pupil performance.
Using assistive technology to enhance learning
Aim:
How did students with learning differences use assistive technology (AT) to access learning?
How can tutors be supported to develop their knowledge regarding AT?
How can the use of AT be developed further?
Conclusions from user feedback on use of learning platform
Aim: A great deal of effort and expense is currently being expended in schools and Local Authorities on Learning Platforms (LPs). This study set out to explore how schools and students are using LPs. The report is intended to help inform readers about how teachers are using LPs and to describe students' experience of one mature installation.
The role of digital voice recorders in promoting learner autonomy
Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of using digital voice recorders with beginner ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) learners, to answer the following questions:
To what extent does the use of a digital recorder enhance learners language learning experience?
To what extent does it lead to improved language performance?
To what extent are beginner learners of English (E1/E2) capable of scaffolding each other and is this effective?
Boys will be boys? Raising boys motivation and achievement in Key Stage Three Design Technology
Aim:
Decrease the gap between boys and girls achievement at Key Stage Three.
Increase the number of level 5 and level 6 achieved by boys in DT in their Key Stage Three Standard Aptitude Tests (SATs).
Improve the behaviour and effort of boys during DT lessons.
Increase the number of boys opting for DT - possibly within food and textiles.
The Da Vinci project - Can we change pupils' perceptions of creativity in Science and Mathematics?
Aim: To explore pupils perceptions of creativity across the curriculum, to show that being a scientist and an artist aren't mutually exclusive and to measure the impact of the project on pupils perceptions of creativity in Science and Mathematics.