AREIAC Conference: “RE and Change ” July 4th 2006 ‘Developing teacher confidence through new website materials’ – a workshop ©Linda Rudge, University of East Anglia, Norwich

Aims of the session To provide a working introduction to the Teacher Training Resource Bank and to RE- Net To explain the purpose and uses of the sites in developing teacher confidence To trial site features such as the E-librarian

Teacher Training Resource Bank It is a portal developed through a Teacher Development Agency partnership - based at Canterbury Christchurch University – Easy access to research and development materials in ITE and CPD for teachers (and teacher educators/advisers) - try the e-librarian! Includes reviews of resources by practitioners/professionals in the field Provides links to specialist sites e.g. RE-Net

Introducing RE-Net’s Subject Induction section (home) net.ac.uk/viewArticle.aspx?contentId=11449& menuId=14563 (sub-net) net.ac.uk/viewArticle.aspx?contentId=11449& menuId= net.ac.uk/viewArticle.aspx?contentId=11716 (Introductory pack) net.ac.uk/viewArticle.aspx?contentId=11716

RE-Net (sub-net) describes the packs (or units) ‘In line with the direction of the non statutory National Framework for RE (QCA/DFES 2004) the packs aim to support tutors give student teachers in ITE access to a conceptual framework, a set of ….skills and substantial subject knowledge whilst connecting these with evidence based practice.’ ‘The induction pack will provide 23 different units. The units will each deal with a different aspect of RE in relation to ITE and are divided into 5 sections…..’

Five sections are: Introductory material Teaching ITE processes Research Support – links with and resources from faith communities; from RE-Net; from professional and secular organisations

Aims of the Induction Packs to provide a resource for tutors that will support the education of student teachers to link and locate those resources within a major RE website to access the resources within a programme for mentor support for new tutors of RE

AREIAC workshop activity: Teacher confidence in RE – some key issues resulting from group discussions Subject knowledge AT2! Bigger questions Classroom ethos Non-theistic faiths Assessment – what/why/how/when Fear of getting it wrong/causing offence Less-experienced teachers i/c RE Lack of SM support Low aspirations PPA time – TAs taking subject Non-recognition of transferable skills Own beliefs/faith Losing control Not having the answers…. Own experience of RE in schools Curriculum position/policy Own spiritual development – tears in the classroom ‘Authentic’ voices…..

Two packs for development and review - ongoing (LR) Developing subject knowledge in RE Using research in RE to develop reflective practice

Developing Subject Knowledge in RE – induction pack aims to summarise pedagogical issues facing students and their tutors in ITE settings; to provide an analysis of requirements for ITE standards of subject knowledge in RE; to introduce tutors and students to a range of resources and activities to support the development of subject knowledge in RE during ITE and beyond.

Aim 1: Pedagogical issues in Subject Knowledge (AREIAC responses) Curriculum time for RE in ITE/CPD Starting points – the field of enquiry Appropriate t/l styles – shared learning Metaphors of teacher ‘selves’ – how to celebrate them or transform them

Aim 2: Standards and subject knowledge Workshop activity – what are the standards related to subject knowledge? (Individual web access and analysis……) Go to andards.aspx andards.aspx New standards will be published this summer (2006)

Using Research in RE – aims of the induction pack To summarise what is meant by educational research (in RE) To provide an analysis of relevant requirements related to QTS standards To introduce tutors and students to a range of resources and activities to support the development of reflective professional practice through published material disseminating research (in RE)

Aim 1. Defining research in RE (AREIAC response) Workshop activity – group/paired discussion on what is understood by ‘research in RE’ University based research Farmington Fellowships Sponsorship issues Government agendas and imperatives to research v. teacher/academic interests TDA/DfES teacher research opportunities

Aim 2. Research and ITE standards Workshop activity: individual on-line analysis of research implications of the standards and/or where educational research appears Go to andards.aspx andards.aspx New standards will be published this summer (2006)

Aim 3: Research resources Workshop activity: group or paired discussion on resources to support research in RE Enrolment on research degree programmes Distance learning Face/face meetings and tuition Collaborative research groups in RE (and beyond) Try the following sites: Or ask Linda for further ideas on

Summarising the discussion: Teacher confidence in RE is affected by a wide range of issues Website materials have their own limitations Adviser/teacher educator confidence is a key factor in developing the teacher – who is the ‘key to successful RE’