Enhancing Teaching and Learning in Multi-Class Schools: Cross Border Collaborative Project.

Aims:

·         To promote North/South co-operation.
·         To exchange/share good practice in multi-grade classrooms in both jurisdictions.
·         To utilise opportunities to engage ICT as a teaching and learning tool .

Proposal detail:

· Identify 3 three-teacher, multi-grade schools North and South (a total of 6 schools).

· Each school in the South will be twinned with a school from the North forming a school partnership, hence the
close geographical locations of the schools.

· In discussions with PPDS advisors and CASS advisors School Partnerships will identify an active learning focus for
pupil based outcome that is to be developed collaboratively.

·         Active learning methodologies in the multi-grade class-room will be developed by PPDS advisors and/or CASS
          advisors based on capacity of support service and expertise available, promoting collaboration between PPDS
          and CASS.

· This focus of active learning methodologies may be developed through the lens of Social, Personal and Health
Education (SPHE) and Personal Development (PD).

· The role of the Principal may be explored with all Principals in an onsite discussion forum.

· Sharing good practice with a focus on good classroom management for effective teaching and learning will be
promoted.

· Cognissance will be taken of the importance of Active Learning Methodologies and managing a positive learning
environment.

· A Moodle forum for all school based project partners will be developed.

· Recording of this practice will be undertaken in both North and South schools using filming equipment and digital
cameras.

· Examples of practice both North and South will appear concurrently in the programme.

· DVD /programme production by professional production company or Dundalk Institute of Technology.
Professional editing of footage and to upload same to project partner websites.

Project Timeline 2009/2010:

· 6 - 10 July: Draft proposal and budget to be prepared; Northern Library Board representatives to be identified

· Late August: PPDS to progress proposal

· September: Schools to be identified and approached by Jimmy McGeough in Monaghan and in North by
Education and Library Board personnel

· 1 October – Convene all project partners and participants

· October - Identify dates for November meetings

· November – Meetings of school personnel with PPDS/CASS advisors

· January – April (schedule of key dates for project to be agreed)

· May - programme production/final editing

· Steering Committee to meet 2 or 3 times as required

Project outcomes:

· One 30/40 minute programme comprising all facets of the above proposal utilising video footage and/or
podcasts

· Host programme on respective websites

· Resource pack/booklet recommending features of good classroom developed in conjunction with the
programme

· Two-hour workshop for ATECI

· Develop power point presentation on project

· Presentation at Conference/Education Forum – INTO/IPPN/LDS/Inps. or N/S conference

Some key considerations:

· Identify a balance of Protestant and Catholic schools both North and South of the border.

· Principal/Teacher exchange opportunities.

· PPDS/CASS personnel exchange opportunities.

· Cross Border visits by children to schools.

· Include use and examples of ICT in teaching and learning - Podcasts/Skype.

· ICT as a model of CPD – Moodle/discussion forum.

· Sharing and exchange of practices in relation to the role of Principal as Instructional and Curriculum leader.
(Leadership LDA)