effective learning support: the key to quality and success enhancement of learning support
TRANSCRIPT
Effective Learning Support: The key to quality and success
Enhancement of Learning Support
8th March 2011
Enhancement of Learning SupportEffective audit tools
WORKSHOP
Do you think it’s about time we looked at our Learning Support? (Effective audit tools)
Ros Facey
8th March 2011
Enhancement of Learning SupportEffective audit tools
AIMSTo share outcomes and experiences of approaches to implementing a whole organisational self assessment tool
To review some of the tool indicators in relation to own practice
To identify meaningful actions for own organisations arising out of the practical outcomes from the pilots
8th March 2011
Enhancement of Learning SupportEffective audit tools
Programme
Review of the tool
Feedback from pilot colleges on outcomes and processes
Sharing good practice
8th March 2011
Enhancement of Learning SupportEffective audit tools
What will you get out of the workshop?
an understanding of the self assessment tool as a future resource for your own organisation
share in the outcomes from the pilot colleges : save yourself some time!
network with other practitioners doing a similar job and develop communities of practice which will support you in your delivery
8th March 2011
Enhancement of Learning SupportEffective audit tools
Feedback from pilot colleges
“Just use it as part of your yearly practice, it is effective!!!”
“Involve all LSAs to get a range of views, meet in small groups for interesting debates”
“Be selective, but do so in a way that challenges your organisation and highlights improvements. The SAR process should fit with this”
“It has encouraged us to take ownership of self-assessment and to reflect on our practice”
•It has encouraged us to take ownership of self-assessment and to reflect on our practice.
8th March 2011
Enhancement of Learning SupportEffective audit tools
Review of the tool:
•Seven Indicators
•Twenty colleges piloting choice of indicators, six undertaking to do all seven
•Tight time constraints: November 10-March 11
8th March 2011
Enhancement of Learning SupportEffective audit tools
Review of the tool : The Seven IndicatorsIndicator 1: policies outlining the roles and responsibilities
Indicator 2.1: Managers’ and teachers’ management strategies in the classrooms
Indicator 2.2: The expertise, skills and knowledge of LSAs is used flexibly to foster the learning of learners
Indicator 3.1: LSAs work cooperatively with teachers to support the learning and participation of learners
Indicator 3.2: Teachers and LSAs learn together to improve the quality of their work
8th March 2011
Enhancement of Learning Support
Effective audit tools
Review of the tool:
•Indicator 4: Effective working partnerships
•Indicator 5: LSAs meet with other LSAs for purposes of planning, problem solving and staff development
•Indicator 6: LSAs induction, mentoring and development needs
•Indicator 7: The organisation has clear quality assurance processes for measuring the impact of learning support
8th March 2011
Enhancement of Learning Support
Effective audit tools
Sample questions in an indicator:
Indicator 1: policies outlining the roles and responsibilities •Does the organisation provide appropriate job descriptions for LSAs?•Are LSAs job descriptions fit for purpose?•Are LSAs given adequate time within their contracts for preparation, meetings, other administrative tasks and training?•Is the organisation’s staff development plan inclusive of LSAs’ staff development needs?•Do the job descriptions reflect a balance of LSAs’ responsibilities: support to teachers, the curriculum, learners and the organisation?
8th March 2011
Enhancement of Learning SupportEffective audit tools
Review of the tool : Key messagesNeeds to be top driven
Needs time allocated to it by all participating and commitment to follow it through
Staff need to understand the context of why they are doing it
Staff need to know the outcomes from it
8th March 2011
Enhancement of Learning SupportEffective audit tools
Tips and tricks
•We carefully targeted groups of staff to answer the parts which were relevant to them –manageable
•We planned it over a three week period around the Christmas break so we could chase gaps in responses-staff were rested and not under immediate pressure
8th March 2011
Enhancement of Learning SupportEffective audit tools
Tips and Tricks
• We were persistent and ultimately targeted individuals who we needed to hear from
• Staff were able to participate in a number of ways i.e. acknowledging that they did not have to attend a meeting as they were too busy
8th March 2011
Enhancement of Learning SupportEffective audit tools
Summary conclusion from pilots:
• Overall, the audit tool promotes reflection, is thorough in covering all important aspects of the provision and leads to the identification of areas needing improvement.
8th March 2011
Enhancement of Learning SupportEffective audit tools
Summary conclusion from pilots:
• All Pilots felt the tool was fit for purpose and would recommend it to others
• All were planning to embed into their organisational processes
8th March 2011
Enhancement of Learning SupportEffective audit tools
Next steps for the tool
• The guidance is being revised to be shorter and provide models for implementing the audit
• The indicators are being redrafted to take into account the feedback from the pilots
• This will make them shorter, more succinct and accessible
8th March 2011
Enhancement of Learning SupportEffective audit tools
Immediate impact and actions• PTLLS training for LSAs: content reviewed and
aligned to meeting needs identified through audit
• Improved communication about/between LSAs: Moodle and Intranet
• Training on handling disclosure and signs and symptoms of abuse
• Use of survey to capture missing level : senior management
8th March 2011
Enhancement of Learning SupportEffective audit tools
Longer term impact
• Build into strategic planning and quality assurance
• Improved opportunities and progression for LSAs
• Improved understanding and effective use of LSAs by tutor in the classroom
8th March 2011
Enhancement of Learning SupportEffective audit tools
Workshop activity:
•15 minutes individual critique + 15 minutes questions/discussion with group acting as critical friends
•allocate note taker role to write on the spare copy - list key points from discussion, and any questions
•identify 3 main messages to feedback
8th March 2011
Enhancement of Learning SupportEffective audit tools
Contacts
Ros Facey: [email protected]
8th March 2011
Enhancement of Learning SupportEffective audit tools