Alan's 3 research Questions

Alan Howe Presents the following research questions:

Qualitative action research will investigate the following research questions:

·                How does participation in disciplined discussion and debate impact on overall attainment?

§  What degree of repeat exposure to organised discussion and debate is needed to make a difference to student proficiency?

·                Does increased proficiency in discussion and debate of ideas result in improved writing?

§  What is involved in supporting students in making the move from spoken argument to effective written argument?

·                What kinds of explicit instruction and coaching in discussion and debate skills make the most difference?

§  In particular, what is involved in introducing organised discussion and debate to younger students (e.g. year 7, and even younger in the case of the partner primary school and nursery), given that most evidence of debating activity is with older (and often more academically inclined) students?

A reflective commentary by participating teachers will track their developing use of specific classroom strategies and approaches, and their increased understanding of what has the most impact on student progress and learning.