Following is an example of a School Wide Project that we have conducted over a period of time. Once again it is presented only as an example of what might be negotiated to suit your school or group’s explicit needs. If you want to find out about the outcomes of this type of project see the following sections on our website;
Case Studies and
Testimonials Sample Overview of a Long Term Project
A School-wide Multiliteracies Project.
Time Frame : Flexible – minimum one semester, optimal two semesters
PART ONE:
The purpose is to provide a shared knowledge base for staff against which to identify an area they would like to investigate further as individuals in their classrooms. It also provides some immediate Professional Development that can be applied in classrooms as all sessions have a practical edge.
It would cover the following areas:
- Multiliteracies
- Planning and teaching literacy using the four resource model
- Explicit Pedagogy
- Teaching multiliteracies, specifically, still and moving images
Time required : Two full days with all staff.
PART TWO : The purpose during this period would be for staff to identify and pursue a specific plan of action in their classroom. This would be based around use of the Multiliteracies Reflection Tool that is used to help teachers reflect on their classroom practice and identify an area in which they wish to investigate, take action and then validate (measure) how they have progressed. The focus is on applying multiliteracies in the classroom and changing pedagogy. As part of the project each teacher will learn to analyse their classroom practice through a variety of methods including audio-taping lessons and analysing them. They will use these analytic tools to validate and share with staff the action they planned and took and the results of this action.
Components in Part Two are as follows :
1. Beginning the Project
Purpose : Overview of project and responsibilities. Review knowledge about multiliteracies, transcript making and analysis. Introduce Multiliteracies Matrix Reflection Tool and individual completion of matrix. Introduction to the concept of Action Planning and validation, commence development of individual Action Plans.
Duration : Two full days. (9am –3pm)
Participants : All staff
2. Follow-up Days
Purpose: Reviewing progress:
- Day One : Transcript analysis
- Day Two: Finalising the Action Plan
- Day Three : Implementing Action plan and addressing Validation Issues
Duration : 3 days over remaining period of project. (9am – 3pm)
We would work with all staff on each of these days, but probably in groups over the day. For example release teachers on a rolling basis over the day, one group in first session, one group in middle session and one group in afternoon session.
Participants : All staff
3. Conclusion of Project
Purpose : Validation and Sharing
Each teacher makes a presentation in which they describe how they implemented their Action Plan shares the outcomes.
Date and Time : One day. (9am –3pm)
Type of Day : Validation
Participants : All Staff
Expectations and Responsibilities
1. Teachers
Tasks for Completion |
Dates to be Completed |
Multiliteracies Matrix completed |
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A draft of your Action Plan. |
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Tape and Transcript of lesson |
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Timeline for implementation of project. Dates for: - start and finish of action research.
- collection of data.
- analysis of data, preparation of presentation.
- preparation of written report.
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Commence Action Research |
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Annotated Reading Log to be completed by commencement of action research |
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A copy of the original transcript and the analysis that you have completed. |
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Preparation and presentation of validation to the group. |
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A final report of your project (in digital form). |
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2. Michele Anstey and Geoff Bull - Provide professional development and input as per overview of project.
- Review matrixes.
- Respond to draft action plans.
- Assist with analysis of transcripts and provide extra reference material on request.
- Provide support as needed via email, phone and face to face, within reasonable working hours and within the budget allocated by the school.
- Participate in Validation Process.
- Liaise with Administration and Staff regarding progress of project.