Improving pupil learning through enhancing participation

reference: none

published:  01 Nov 2009

Research findings consistently show that the more pupils are involved as active participants in their own learning, the better they do. This anthology brings together the findings from a number of substantial research projects that have been summarised as part of the Research for Teachers resource. It shows various ways in which teachers can enhance pupil participation.

The anthology is arranged into three distinct parts, each of which describes a particular strategy for enhancing pupil participation and learning. The evidence for each strategy comes from Research for Teachers.

The strategies are:

• a pupil-centred approach, in which pupils are encouraged to take part in learning through activities such as collaborative tasks, peer teaching and pupil consultation
• interactive whole class teaching, in which pupils are engaged in higher order thinking  by means of a conversational style of discussion with their teachers; and
• engaging  specific groups of learners, such as pupils in low attaining groups, pupils with dyslexia and those with emotional and behavioural difficulties, who may suffer from low self-esteem, lack of confidence, poor levels of concentration and disaffection or lack of motivation.