The learning discussion: A strategy to support better progress for underperforming groups in science

The Autumn 2008 learning discussion materials for the science subject leader meetings are now available to download. 

The materials contain resources to support the learning discussion in your school.

Video clips of interviews with pupils and subject leader, with transcripts

There are two interviews, each about five minutes duration, which have been split into sections, each lasting just over a minute long. One of the interviews features mainly British-born pupils of high mobility; the pupils describe the effect that the learning discussion programme had on their learning and their confidence in science. The other interview, with the subject leader from a Torbay school, describes the effect on pupil progress and the structure of the programme in the school.

There are transcripts of both these interviews which are available as downloads.

Audio clips of learning discussions, with transcripts

There are two sets of edited dialogue provided as clips that show the structure of a learning discussion with Year 10 pupils of high mobility, all EAL, in a Croydon school.

The transcripts of these discussions can be used sequentially, without the audio clips, to demonstrate the pattern of questioning and pupils' responses which result in the learning of science concepts and terminology.

Transcripts of learning discussions conducted by Secondary National Strategy consultants

There are 15 transcripts of learning discussions led by consultants in six regions of England. The discussions include questioning and pupil learning in Scientific Enquiry, Sc2, Sc3, Sc4 and Earth Sciences.

Tutor's notes for the subject leader, with presentation slides

There are tutor's notes for the subject leader to deliver together with presentation slides. The notes and the presentation include activities for developing the learning discussion with your science department as part of an intervention programme in your school.