Fiona's+Inquiry


 * AGQTP Leading Professional Learning 2007 Action Research Project**

'How can I best build teacher capacity to improve student learning in mathematics?'
 * Focus Question**

In preparation for and through seeking feedback on previous PLT meeting agendas I wanted to ensure that the meetings were addressing colleagues needs in terms of Professional Development. To assist with identifying these needs I asked team members to complete a 'needs analysis' proforma outlining the components of Early Years Numeracy. This process was effective in allowing staff to identify their learning needs in mathematics and to allow a meeting agenda to be set forming mini inquiries. Through this process three staff idenitifed there need for additional support with the planning and presenting of the Early Years Numeracy Program to their Grade 1/2 students. As a part of the VIT registration, I was also asked to support a graduate teacher in the 3/4 area and to work with a new graduate teacher into the 1/2 team half way through Term 3. This meant that there would be a research group composing of 5 members within this Inquiry, all of different expertise in the teaching profession.
 * Background Information**

Ensure that I am catering for staff needs during PLT meetings. Further develop staff confidence in the planning and presenting of EY Numeracy program. Further develop staff awareness of the 'George Booker' approaches to the teaching of mathematics. Further develop staff awareness of effective ways to collect student data, how to use this as a guide for future planning, how to follow the Numeracy hour sequence effectively with the aid of hands on activities and develop a sequence of lessons around mathematical concepts. An improvement in student learning outcomes. Take a step back and provide less support to the staff members as their confidence and knowledge base increases. Seeking and offering advice and support to/from my fellow colleagues within our evidence group for this project.
 * What I want to achieve**

Completion of needs analysis allowed staff to identify areas they believe they need to develop. Development in staff confidence to plan and teach EY Numeracy program. Sharing of resources and ideas across the group. Use of Base Line Data to identify direction in their teaching. The establishment of weekly meetings during APT in which 45mins is devoted to the planning of mathematics. Staff following the sequence of teaching from 'Booker' allowing students to learn at their own pace. Staff are using a wider variety of resources, adapting worksheet work to more hands-on activities and an increase in the use of ICT to support mathematical learning. A change in thinking of how to teach a sequence of lessons on particular mathematical concepts. The development of the use of Open Ended questioning to entend and enrich the learning for the students. Students taking on some of their own leanring through investigations and cooperative group work. Staff requests for PLT in Term 4 to have an individual inquiry base learning component. My role changed from a mentor role to a coaching role as staff became more confident. Keeping up to date with emails from colleagues within the evidence group - the establishment of a wiki website where I have contributed to discussions and completed my own Inquiry page.
 * Indicators of success**

Staff completed Needs analysis. Needs being meet through careful planning of PLT's. Meeting with staff during the holiday period and on a weekly basis - initiated by members of the inquiry. Place a greater emphasis on staff to complete specific tasks prior to meetings in preparation for planning. Coaching role established to assist staff in identifying the students needs at the end of daily lessons. A whole staff Curriculum Day devoted to mathematics hosted by George Booker. Keeping in regular contact with my evidence group.
 * Actions Taken**

As I am now on Maternity leave and am hoping that the staff will continue to meet weekly and share their ideas and concerns with one another. I have agreed to be in contact with the staff via email and will respond to their email on a weekly basis. Maintain the relationship with my evidence group and continue to support each other through this leanring opportunity.
 * Further Action**

Needs analysis Photographs of weekly meeting Copies of planners and notes that staff took during weekly meetings. Copies of lesson plans developed with graduates as a part of their VIT registration. Journal entries Photographs of work completed with the stduents, following a 'George Booker' approach. Emails received from and sent to staff regarding the Inquiry Verbal Feedback from staff members from PLT's. PLT agendas and minutes
 * Evidence**


 * Reflection**