Newcastle University

Work Package Leaders: Newcastle University, United Kingdom (UNEW)

Objectives

Establish the theoretical and methodological foundations of the design study by drawing on evidence based approaches to educational change with a focus on raising the achievement of students in mathematics, science and technology.

Description of Work

Set out the strategy for the project by drawing on exemplars of effective interventions which have transformed teaching practices and raised student achievement. This could include:

1.1 Map out the stages of the design study and evaluation process
1.2 A glossary of terminology used within the project, translated into the required languages
1.3 Develop a set of research protocols to support the collection of data at each stage of the study
1.4 School selection criteria – schools, teachers, students
1.5 Design professional development strategy.

Milestone 1 Inception
This is the inception meeting that will occur as soon as viably possible in Newcastle (UNEW). The target date is the end of the first month. However, due to practical constraints regarding international travel it may have to be delayed until all partners are able to acquire tickets. This meeting will be used to ensure that partners understand the general framework and management of the project which they have agreed to through the consortium agreement which will have been signed prior to the GA signature, including the rules of FP7 (WP8) such as partners’ responsibilities and reporting requirements, deliverable sign-off procedure, templates for all project documentation, among others. In addition, WP leaders will discuss all work packages in detail and the programme of activities for WPs 1-4 will be decided. Each WPL will also compile a dissemination plan for her/his WP. Intensive work on WP1 starts.

Milestone 2 Framework
At the end of Month 6, WP1 Framework will be completed. This work package will have structured the theoretical and methodological foundations of the project. This WP will form a homogeneous theoretical and methodological base for the historical and current assessments and the intervention cases in the partner countries (WPs 2-4). The work for these case studies will intensify at this point.

Description of Deliverables

D1.1 Map: Map out the stages of the design study and evaluation process

D1.2 Glossary: A glossary of terminology used within the project, translated into the required languages

D1.3 Protocols: A set of research protocols to support the collection of data at each stage of the project

D1.4 Schools: School selection criteria – schools, teachers, students

D1.5 Professional development: An agreed approach to professional development