Developing the role of the subject mentor in enhancing trainees’ pedagogic subject

knowledge (Science focus)

Project Aims

• Improve the quality of communication of Science subject specific information between HEI and School.

• Improve the quality of the Science subject specific training provided by the School Based Mentor.

Project Objectives• The creation of resources that develop the role of the subject mentor

in enhancing trainees’ pedagogic subject knowledge.

– To create a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for use by Subject specific School Based Trainers.

– To standardise the Science subject specific School Based Trainers meetings with Trainees by use of standardised support documentation.

– Develop access through the VLE to resources available to support subject specific training by School Based Trainers.

• Developing the practice of the subject mentor in enhancing trainees’ pedagogic subject knowledge.

– HEI to provide clear and specific contents based guidance. – To improve the training element of Mentor meeting time through a buddy system and Virtual

Learning Environment.– To develop a collaborative approach to subject specific lesson observation across the Science

cluster.

What did we have to do?

• Initial meetings of the PDS schools set out to agree the core aims and expected outcomes from the project.

• Twin focus– Practice

– Resources

• Dissemination

• Sustainability– Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

Review of current practice

• All school based mentors issued with current HEI documentation.

– Trialled– Reviewed– Modified– Trialled– Approved

• Creation of HEI hosted VLE

– Documentation hosted– Access for science mentors

Creation of a science mentor buddy system

• Standardisation of practice

– Paired lesson observations of trainees by mentors.– Paired observations of weekly review meetings by mentors. – HEI staff conducted paired observations of lessons and meetings.– HEI staff created visual and audio recordings of lesson feedback and mentor

meetings.

• Distillation of best practice.

– Creation of support materials– Review of VLE format – change to website.

Outcomes - anticipated

• All of the anticipated outcomes identified in the original plan have been achieved.

– HEI to produce a support pack and disseminate to cluster schools.– VLE to be developed and made available to all Partnership Schools.– All Science School Based Trainers will be working with standardised

documentation that will support the enhancement of subject specific pedagogy.– Identified and shared good practice, matching inexperienced and experienced

School Based Trainers.– All School Based Trainers to take part in a paired observation with a HEI Tutor– All School Based Trainers to have HEI staff observe tutorials in school.– All School Based Trainers to observe HEI staff delivering elements of modules to

Trainees.

Setbacks

• Change in role at lead school 6 months into the project.

– Commitment at subject mentor level

• VLE failure

– Web based learning environment– Wider access

Outcomes - resources

• All subject mentors accessing materials– Greater trainee voice

• The record of lesson observations and mentor meetings demonstrates an increase in the subject specific comments/targets

• Move from Newman hosted VLE to website– Access issues– Sharing via meetings and email– Online template for mentors – Independent evaluation of the website

http://www.newmanteachers.org.uk/pds/

Outcomes - practice

• Responses positive as format is now used for inducting new teaching staff

• Standardised approach to mentoring science trainees in school.

• Focus on science subject specific teaching and learning targets as well as the Q standards

• Relationships between the partner schools have developed through sharing of resources, ideas and practice

Partnership schools

• Sheldon Heath Community Arts College• Archbishop Ilsley Catholic Technology College • Bishop Challoner Catholic College • Shenley Court Specialist Arts College and Sixth Form Centre • Turves Green Boys’ Technology and Humanities College