Nottingham Trent University - The Signposts to Success Consortium - Case Study - continued
Tower Hamlets College
We piloted a paper-based ILP which has its focus in IA and support, and which culminates in a CPD plan that includes vocational skills updating. This ILP is part of a holistic approach and process with a network of mechanisms to identify need and provide support so that trainees who would otherwise be unable to access teacher training, or who would fail to complete the course, can successfully achieve. Its key elements aim to:
- identify trainees’ prior attainment and experience
- record results of IA results
- record outcomes in terms of support offered
- review and record progress
- set group and individual targets
- inform a CPD plan.
The ILP was piloted with three groups of 17–25 trainees: C&G 7302 and C&G 7304 Stages One and Two. It was enhanced by the use of mentors, mainly trainees from previous years, who provided individual support for identified needs.
Streaming video: Teacher training group interview, selection and support - opens in new window (4 minutes)
An observing tutor explains why he is there and that he will be making notes through the session.
Statement strips – relevant and concerning issues that applicants may wish to respond to – are used to stimulate discussion. The first student to take a strip clearly feels at ease to state her opinion whilst others listen.
Following the group interview, tutor and observer ‘exchange notes’ to decide who will be accepted onto the course. Identifying those who might be helped to succeed if support is made available is a crucial part of this process.
A review of a trainee’s personal and professional development looks at where she has got to, where she might go and the impact of her on-course support. This support was a response to her individual needs, which were identified at IA. |
Our findings
The evidence obtained during the pilot indicates a positive impact of this initial interview, identification of support needs, ILP and subsequent support. There was a 3.8% increase in retention on the courses involved in the pilot.
Our main project output was the design and implementation of complex IA materials and support processes. Using the ‘group interview process’ requires very skilful facilitation skills, and tutors found this method challenging. However, once used, the method quickly became the favoured selection method of the ITT team.