Group Work in Scotland        

  Scottish Social Pedagogic Research into Grouping (ScotSPRinG)

 

Links to the educational community

 

The ScotSPRinG project fits in with SEED's stated national priority, "Framework for Learning", which is: "to support and develop the skills of teachers, the self discipline of pupils and to enhance school environments so that they are conducive to teaching and learning" (SEED, 2002). The research will provide opportunities for partner teachers to engage in professional development in collaborative group work, a key aspect of classroom practice. This will benefit participating schools by informing school development and improvement processes, and enhance engagement of children in classroom learning processes.

 

The project will also build on existing links between the universities, schools and local authority education departments. The Quality in Education (QIE) Centre at Strathclyde has strong relationships with schools and local authorities across West and Central Scotland, and links with schools throughout Scotland. The Faculty of Education and Social Work at the University of Dundee has strong links with schools and authorities in the East and North. Teachers, schools and education departments will be consulted with and involved throughout the study. The project team will liaise with National Priorities Co-ordinators in each participating authority, whose role is to support schools in preparing their development plans.

 

Teachers, schools and local authorities will have access to the resources developed and the evidence gathered, through the project website. This will provide oppotunities to share experiences and insights gained across differing contexts. The research outcomes, in conjunction with the SPRinG findings, will contribute to practice, policy, and theory, enabling teachers to adopt new approaches and improve current practices on the basis of evidence of their effectiveness. Staff Development opportunities made available to teachers and schools through the short course programme of the Professional Development Unit at the University of Strathclyde will provide a further means of disseminating the research findings.