In developing the Toolkit we worked with several schools and teachers who implemented a range of projects, using existing resources and some newly-developed ones. These resources are available for you to download in the Resources section.
You can use all, or part, of the resources associated with each project. You can use them directly, adapt them to your group, or use them as a model for developing your own rich dialogic tasks and curriculum.
Below are a set of goals that you might want to address in your Toolkit project. Where the teachers who helped develop the Toolkit have undertaken a specific project, you will find a link to that project's description.
The Toolkit will provide general guidance through the implementation and evidencing process for these projects, or any you decide to develop.
Projects in STEM subjects
| Project goal |
|---|
| Supporting student learning of Fractions, Ratios, and Proportions |
| Supporting student learning of Probability |
| Supporting student learning of Forces |
| Improving pupils’ ability to respond to GCSE essay questions in (Computer) Science |
| Improving pupils’ ability to articulate methods through group discussions in maths |
| Improving engagement in maths through collaborative problem solving |
We borrowed the epiSTEMe maths lesson from the Toolkit and used it as a model which I adapted to my higher year and ability group.
Projects in language, discussion and argumentation skills across the curriculum
| Project goal |
|---|
| Improving pupils’ evaluation skills through discussion-based tasks |
| Supporting improvements in spoken and written communication through classroom dialogue |
| Learning to correctly use and apply subject-related vocabulary through frequent discussion |
| Improving students’ ability to discuss STEM-related topics |
| Improving students’ reasoning skills |
The outcomes of my project in English were that my students engaged in group work a lot more and most of them doubled their marks in written responses. But also the atmosphere in my class improved.
The Toolkit worked really well for cross-curricular work, we used it to link literacy and maths.
Projects on student engagement and student leadership
| Project goal |
|---|
| Engagement in maths or science through collaborative problem solving |
| Listening, Communication and/or Collaborative skills |
| Evaluative skills |
| Presentation of ideas |
| Ability to debate |
| A willingness to accept theirs may not be the "best" solution |
| Participation in classroom practice and dialogue |
| Leading student groups in challenging classroom tasks |
Weaker students, who are normally quiet took the lead role in groups which was a real surprise.
The Toolkit approach helped build students’ confidence and resilience, it helped them not give up so easily and keep trying.