Pre-school into Primary: Active Learning and Transitions
In conversation with Dr Glenda Walsh, Kate Cherry, Lynda Bancroft and Jackie Henry
The sixth in a series of Early Years Saturday Seminars took place at the Marriott Hotel, Glasgow, on 10 May 2008. The seminars are designed to encourage debate and discussion on key topics within the early years community.
This event focused on active learning and transitions in the early years and the three speakers introduced a range of perspectives and issues for ongoing development and debate. Each of the presentations was followed by a conversation involving speakers and the event participants.
Bridging the gap between play-based and formal practice - Dr Glenda Walsh
Dr Glenda Walsh is Principal Lecturer in Early Years at Stranmillis University College, Queen's University Belfast.
Commencing from 1999, the Council for the Curriculum Examinations And Assessment (CCEA) undertook a review of the existing Northern Ireland Curriculum. One of the key proposals was to ensure that the early years of practice in the primary school become more play-based and practical in orientation. This practical approach to teaching in the early years is known as the Enriched Curriculum.
Glenda Walsh's presentation focused on a research study which evaluated the quality of the learning experience in 70 Year 1 classes (38 traditional NI Curriculum classes and 32 Enriched Curriculum classes).
PowerPoint file: Bridging the gap between play-based and formal practice (998 KB)
PDF file: Bridging the gap between play-based and formal practice (364 KB)
Active Transitions - Kate Cherry, HMIE
Kate Cherry is HM Assistant Chief Inspector with Her Majesty's Inspectorate.
In this presentation, Kate considered and promoted some excellent approaches to effective practice in the early years. The examples were embedded in the current context of both Scottish Government and HMIE policy and priorities. (This is also an opportunity to have a look at Kate’s very own ‘Zone of Proximal Development’!)
Active Learning in Pre-school and Primary - Lynda Bancroft
Lynda Bancroft is Development Officer for Early Years at Learning and Teaching Scotland.
Lynda's presentation looked at the principles of Curriculum for Excellence to set the scene for active learning. Practical examples were used to illustrate the changing practice within the early years of primary to ensure both continuity and progression for children, thereby ensuring smoother transition.
CLASS: East Dunbartonshire Active Learning Project - Jackie Henry
Jackie Henry is a lecturer in the Department of Childhood and Primary Studies in the Faculty of Education at Jordanhill and is Research Co-ordinator of the East Dunbartonshire Active Learning Project (CLASS).
Jackie Henry's presentation looked at how learning and teaching approaches changed in East Dunbartonshire infant classrooms over the course of the Active Learning Project. What were the views of children, teachers and parents on the impact of active learning?