Launch Of Teacher Research Associates Network
6 April 2011
Case study: Technology in the classroom
Last year, Des Hewitt and Jo Baines delivered a class to a group of Year 2 pupils in Ashby using online communication system Skype. The lesson itself was on the role of Lumber Jills during WW2 and miners who worked with pit ponies.
Teachers from across the East Midlands and education researchers from the University of Derby have launched an exciting new forum to share their interests in the classroom and education more widely.
The Teacher Research Associates Network was officially launched at the University of Derby's Kedleston Road site last night - Tuesday, April 5.
Professor Dennis Hayes, Head of the Centre for Educational Research (CER), set up the network after teachers, heads and local authority advisors expressed a real desire to share and develop knowledge across the education sector.
The launch was attended by teachers and head teachers from local schools. One of the delegates, teacher Susan Tarrant from Ashby CE Primary School in Ashby de la Zouch has been working with a team from the University of Derby led by Dr Des Hewitt, Assistant Head of Teacher Education (Primary Education), English co-ordinator. They have worked together to develop and research the use of Skype for video conferencing between schools in this country and abroad. Both Dennis and Des are also National Teaching Fellows.
Susan Tarrant is very enthusiastic about the opportunities to explore new innovations in the classroom, and at a recent focus group, she expressed her motivation for research in education. Following the launch of the new network, Susan said: "It was really good to meet the others. The one thing that stood out for me was the enthusiasm and creativity of the group - definitely something to be harnessed!"
At Tuesday night's event held in B-Block, Professor Hayes reinforced Derby's commitment to research and working with schools and colleges in ways which are meaningful for hard-working teachers. He said: "We would really like to help educational professionals to help make contacts with other people who have similar interests in education.
"We aim to work with education professionals in a range of ways which are responsive to their needs. At a time of great change in education, we emphasize the need to work together to investigate learning and education more generally. Investigating practice through the latest research with colleagues in schools and a range of educational settings will provide a way forward.
"However, large or small, formal or informal we aim to support potential research. This is a network for teachers and educational professionals."
Teacher Research Associates will be able to join forces with others through participation in research clusters and projects and by attending our annual associates meeting. They will be able to make a contribution to the future strategic development of the Centre and its research activities. As a Teacher Research Associate you will be kept up to date with new developments in the research centre.
If you would like to find out more about the Teacher Research Associates Network visit the following web address on the University of Derby website: http://bit.ly/emcqIN
