Innovation by schools, for schools – Some outcomes and their value

SSAT presents a report on the outcomes of their Innovation Fellows’ action research. Authored by Peter Chambers, this report delves into the realm of practitioner-led innovation in pedagogy, leveraging collaborative work with new technologies and project-based learning to enhance students’ educational experiences.

The Innovation Fellows programme, comprising 19 participants from schools and colleges across England and Wales, aims to release the talents of Generation Y teachers and explore new types of continuing professional development (CPD) that can have a profound impact on educators and students alike. It addresses the widespread concern that new electronic technologies have not entirely transformed pedagogy as anticipated.

The work focuses on four key and interconnected areas, each yielding remarkable outcomes and learnings for educators, practitioners, and students:

1. How schools utilise Web 2.0 to improve teaching and learning – outcomes from applying interactive technologies for collaborative teaching and learning.

2. How students can play a more active role in running their schools and implementing new practices in learning – how new technologies could help enhance and strengthen learning and student voice.

3. New patterns of continuing professional development (CPD), and their impact – building internal capacity.

4. How schools design, implement and evaluate project-based learning – A vehicle to develop and assess lifelong skills

The report concludes with a summary that candidly addresses the challenges encountered throughout this transformative journey. It also outlines the subsequent steps that are now being pursued to further advance and solidify the gains made.

If you’re interested in how teachers are bringing new ideas into education and how technology is changing schools.