Inquiry-based Approach

Gráinne Hughes is sharing how she has used this approach to improve pupil outcomes.

Key Learning

• The School Development Plan is a priority in all schools and improving pupils’ outcomes is at its core

• Research what methods have worked for others in improving pupils’ outcomes

• Try the inquiry-based approach as it is time bound and measurable

• The inquiry-based approach allows you to disregard strategies that do not improve pupils’ outcomes and focus on strategies that yield positive results

Gráinne's Tips

• Identify barrier/s to learning

• Select a group of pupils

• Decide on a strategy

• Specify a time for the trial

• Reflect on what went well and what was ineffective

• Evaluation – draw conclusions that can feed into future classroom strategies

On reflecting on her classroom practice and her approach to CPD, Gráinne carried out extensive research. Including: -

• Putting Staff First: A Blueprint for Revitalising our Schools: A blueprint for a revitalised profession by John Tomsett and Jonny Uttley published 2020

• Perfect Teacher-Led CPD by Shaun Allison published 2014

• The CPD Curriculum: Creating Conditions for Growth by Zoe Enser & Mark Enser published 2021

• A Quiet Education: Challenging the Extrovert Ideal in our Schools by Jamie Thom published 2020

• Stop Talking About Wellbeing: A Pragmatic Approach to Teacher Workload by Kat Howard published 2020

To Recap

• What are you doing to improve pupils’ outcomes?

• Can you measure the outcome of the strategies you are using to improve outcomes?

• Can you identify pupils in your class that have specific barriers to learning?

• What strategy could you use?