Developing new ways of teaching for the Welsh curriculum

Dr Kevin Smith of Cardiff University School of Social Sciences has been leading teachers in South Wales in developing new ways of teaching.

Working in association with the Central South Consortium, Dr Smith has been visiting schools and holding workshops for primary and secondary school teachers engaged in Action Research in South Wales to drive new advances in teaching ahead of the new Welsh curriculum due to launch in 2020. The workshops employed the four new principles of the new Welsh curriculum to evaluate current teaching practice and develop new innovations.

During the workshops, Dr Smith led teachers in discussions about the philosophies of their Action Research; its potential for impacting teachers’ practice; research methods and data gathering; and approaches to analysis.

One area of current research being carried out by the teachers include adoption of Kagan instructional strategies in the classroom, placing an emphasis on pupil-led engagement, encouraging deeper-level thinking, enhanced collaboration and a more rewarding learning experience.

Dr Smith and the Central South Consortium are now hoping to compile a book summarising the research currently being conducted.