IRIS Connect is Proven to Have a Positive Impact on Teaching and Collaboration in Schools
Brighton, Sussex, UK (PRWEB UK) 2 October 2013 -- Today, IRIS Connect announces preliminary research report by Professor Christina Preston, examining the impact of IRIS Connect on teachers actively using the system.
The report notes that the research “provides valuable evidence for schools that wish to raise attainment”.
The IRIS Connect approach to professional learning and whole school CPD encompasses key components proven to make a difference:
• Experience based learning opportunities
• Self review and reflection
• Coaching and mentoring
• Communities of practice within and between schools
• Research and action research
Amongst many other outcomes the research carried out by Dr. Christina Preston reveals that 94% of teachers in the research group felt that using IRIS Connect had a positive impact upon their teaching, 63% felt that their OFSTED grade would improve by 1 or more and 99% felt there were more conversations between teachers about teaching.
In addition, 85% felt there had been a positive impact on collaborative practice within their schools, and 83% felt IRIS Connect had been a positive impact on collaboration between colleagues, resulting in 88% increase in improved teaching confidence and 96% of the teachers were willing to try out new ideas in the classroom.
Graham Newell, Director of Education added “Building a truly effective education system is a complex business. Lessons from high performing systems such as Finland show the importance of a highly skilled workforce that is both respected and takes responsibility for its own professional development. By taking responsibility for their own professional development, reflecting, sharing and building communities of practice the teachers in this research have demonstrated that using IRIS Connect is a great tool for developing a high quality profession. Collaboration with colleagues is key and IRIS Connect is pleased with the remarkable results shown in this research and proud that it can play a part in supporting teachers so effectively.”
The IRIS Connect approach is based on schools leveraging the skills that already exist within the system – either within the school, colleagues in other schools or highly skilled consultants. Supporting this approach is Viviane Robinson’s research; ‘School Leadership and Student Outcomes’. The research demonstrates that a focus on teacher-led professional development had a greater effect on learning outcomes (0.82) than anything else.
Graham Newell added, “Professor Preston’s conclusion that ‘this innovative video tool should be included in school based professional development programmes wherever and whenever possible’ justifies the approach we have taken to provide a system which is totally teacher permissioned and controlled. By placing the teacher at the centre of the process we enable the development of a trust based process which empowers teachers to develop their skills”.
Professor Preston will continue her in-depth analysis and research of IRIS Connect, the findings and research paper will be released later this year.
Download the Research Summary Report.
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Notes to Editor:
• IRIS Connect is a collaborative CPD tool that enables teachers to reflect on, analyse and share teaching practice.
• IRIS Connects mobile video technology and a secure web based platform were developed from research into "what works" to improve teaching and learning. It allows deep and objective self-reflection and peer observation; secure permission based sharing of practice; and more effective coaching and mentoring relationships.
• IRIS Connect believes in the collective capacity of teaching professionals to address the challenges they face. By providing appropriate facilitation and learning tools IRIS Connect increases the social capital within and between schools and empowers teachers to discover, develop and share effective teaching through meaningful collaboration.
• IRIS Connect works with over 675 schools and 19,500 teachers, building a network for teachers to securely discuss and share practice with their peers.
Sarah Pinkerton, IRIS Connect, http://www.irisconnect.co.uk, +44 8453038578, [email protected]
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