Top marks

Sir Andrew Carter OBE, chair of the independent review of the quality and effectiveness of initial teacher training (ITT) courses, this week published a review of how the system is performing.As part of his review, Sir Andrew visited the School of Education and met trainee teachers, former trainees, head teachers and staff. He later asked the school to prepare a case study about how digital technologies are used to support trainee progress and development.The case study explained how the university had developed an e-portfolio tailored for each ITT route as well as individuals’ training needs. It allows trainees to evaluate their progress and collate evidence drawn from university and school-based training against the Teachers’ Standards.

As an online learning space, it enables all those involved, including mentors and tutors, to interact and view the materials remotely and monitor and track trainee progress.

Lorraine Harrison, Head of the School, said: “It strengthens dialogue between partners and is useful for early tracking and intervention strategies that support trainee development. Trainees have found this a really effective way of storing evidence of meeting the Teachers’ Standards electronically, without creating excessive amounts of paperwork. By uploading work to their e-portfolio, trainees always have access to their work and the file, as well as staff, despite being miles apart.

“Web technology has also allowed the university to communicate using webcams and chat tools which can be used to create trainee-led peer support groups and monitor attendance. Trainees have found this an incredibly useful interactive resource which has supported their development. “

Ms Harrison said she was delighted the school’s technologies were being highlighted nationally as good practice: “This is an accolade shared by everyone at the school. All have worked incredibly hard to make this work and to make it the success that it is.”

The school’s case study forms part of Sir Andrew’s recommendations. You can read a copy of the full report here.