Live Learning Gives Other Teachers Access to High Quality Professional Development
Live streaming for pupils using Google Classroom, brought in by some local schools as a solution to learning from home during lockdown, has come into its own as a new way to train and develop teachers.
Maths specialists, Ryders Hayes Primary in Walsall, are opening up their classrooms virtually next week, from 4th – 6th May, for around 100 teachers in the region to be able to watch live Maths lessons and classroom practice taking place from Reception to Year 6, and to be able to talk afterwards to the teacher delivering the lesson.
Working with North Mids Maths Hub based at Painsley Catholic College, a specialist centre for the teaching of Maths. The Maths Hub hopes to inspire and support teachers to develop their understanding and expertise in the teaching for mastery in mathematics. The mastery approach is endorsed and funded by the Government, through the Department for Education, and with the support of the National Centre of Excellence for the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM)
Gillian White, Lead at North Mids Maths Hub explained, ‘Mastering maths is about pupils acquiring a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of the subject. Achieving mastery means acquiring a solid and deep understanding of what has been taught to enable pupils to move on to more advanced material. We are delighted that through live streaming, we are able to share this classroom practice first hand. The mastery methods observed in the lessons can make such a difference to children’s outcomes in Maths’.
Head Teacher, and Maths specialist herself, Jaz Paul, commented: ‘As a Teaching School, we always try to share educational research and good practice with our colleagues in the profession. Since embracing live streaming in school, we have opened up so many new opportunities and smart ways to collaborate, not just for children learning remotely, but also for parents and colleagues.’
It is anticipated that further such training opportunities for teachers and school staff will develop as a result of this initiative, giving them a bird’s eye view of classroom practice.
