IS THERE A CORRELATION BETWEEN AN EMPHASIS ON THE KEY COMPETENCIES AND IMPROVED OUTCOMES IN LITERACY?
Spiral of Inquiry Helen Timperley, Linda Kaser and Judy Halbert. |
These frameworks seem to blend together quite well. I am currently in the 'LEARN' stage in the 'Learn Create Share', so moving through the scanning, focusing and developing a hunch in the spiral.
I found the TKI information on Teaching as inquiry very helpful - thanks for sharing Fiona Grant.
SCAN
The Key Competency of Thinking is quite unique. It encompasses all of the others and is the basis for all learning in the Learning Areas as well. Using Language Symbols and Texts is a “lead in” to Literacy and contains many of the skills needed by our students for Literacy acquisition.
FOCUSING
- Would a focus on the Key Competency of Thinking improve Literacy outcomes for our students aged 16-21?
HYPOTHESIS
- It would seem logical that by emphasising the thinking skills, whether they be lower order or higher order , I would anticipate improved student outcomes in Literacy for our senior students.
RESEARCH
- I would have to inquire into various approaches to the development of thinking skills such as Multiple Intelligence's, Bloom’s Taxonomy, Habits of the mind and thinking keys. I will have to develop teaching strategies such as task rotation and put these all into practice.
TAKING ACTION
I will have to engage in professional learning and development programmes, trial the strategies with students and ascertain which have had a positive effect and why.
CHECKING
Have I made a difference?
How do I know? (Learner outcomes, progress and achievement data)
RATIONALE
So why Literacy? As a school...
- We are already collecting data on Literacy and have a baseline established
- Our IEP progress and achievement is already being collected in Literacy
- Authentic Literacy activities are one of three essential elements for success
- There are a number of effective Literacy strategies already in place
REFERENCES
Education Review Office (2015) Raising Student Achievement Through Targeted Actions
Education Review Office (2016) Collaboration to Improve Learner Outcomes
Manaiakalani Community of Learning: Future Focused Learning in Connected Communities 2016-2018
New Zealand Curriculum (2007)
Robinson, Viviane (2011) Student Centred Leadership.
Schmoker, Mike. (2016) Leading with Focus