Developing trainees' subject knowledge for teaching: pilot group

The starting point was to use the framework and to consider what might be included in a subject-specific programme. Providers were given prompts to undertake a process to develop materials.

Tasks development pilot work

Six tasks were developed to illustrate a way of working with the Developing Subject Knowledge for Teaching framework. They were designed to:

• Support trainees’ development of subject knowledge in one of the core subjects
• Provide examples of how manageable and realistic training can be developed from the developing subject knowledge for teaching framework
• Support the development of the school-based trainers’ subject knowledge as an essential element in high quality subject training

Each task focused upon a specific subject issue, for example grammar in the secondary English task, which children and young people may find difficult to learn and are consequently sometimes difficult to teach. The tasks included details of different activities that trainees could undertake to develop their knowledge and understanding, and advice for the school-based trainer on how best to support the activity and develop learning from it.

All of the tasks were designed to provide 4-6 weeks of training.

The tasks were piloted by six ITT providers, each working with a small number of trainers and trainees on one subject task. Providers made their own decisions about the trainers and trainees to include in the pilot, how best to introduce the tasks, and how to support the trainers and trainees in their use. They also made their own assessments of the impact of the tasks.

The findings and task materials may be useful for providers in understanding effective school-based tutor development. It should be understood that the material is in draft form and represents only one possible way of working.

Download