Shared Sharing Practice

Stirling Council - Mysteries Inc

The collaborative nature of the project meant that teachers had increased opportunities to develop strong professional networks and to examine and change their own practice. Participating teachers felt that as a result of this they had experienced an increase in professional and personal confidence.

Teachers and pupils enjoyed the more informal approach and relished the freedom to be more flexible and responsive in planning. A shift in the balance of responsibility for learning resulted as children became more involved in the planning process.

Some additional benefits

  • New opportunities to recognise wider achievement were created.
  • Depth of learning and skill development increased through using investigative strategies.
  • The rich context generated very high quality written work and higher personal expectations resulted.
  • Challenge and enjoyment were increased through high quality activities, for example setting up their own investigative agency within the class and waiting for their assignment created great excitement.
  • Greater understanding of the implications and impact of interdisciplinary working emerged and connections with members of the local business community helped demonstrate the transfer of skills across curriculum areas.
  • Pupil confidence increased through focus on presentation skills and interaction with adults, for example one group of children directed challenge-based workshops and discussion for members of the Scottish Government.
  • High motivation to learn was sustained throughout and there was an overall improvement in pupil behaviour and engagement in learning.
  • The emphasis on AifL strategies improved pupils' self-evaluation skills.
  • The context provided opportunity for developing critical thinking skills more fully.

'The fact that other teachers were involved in the project helped with both the planning and the enjoyment. When ideas were in short supply, someone would say something that sparked off another idea.'

Linda Clarke (Class teacher, St Margaret’s RC Primary School, Cowie)

Louise, on being asked for her thoughts about the project, commented:

'It was like being addicted to learning!'