Professional Skills
Using data smartly in your classroom
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Schools collect a plethora of data on their pupils, but how can we use this effectively to support teaching and learning? What are the differences between assorted sets of data? This course explores these issues, looking at the range of data available to schoolteachers (mainly in England), and how it is derived and used. It also introduces key statistical measures used in data analysis. You’ll apply the principles and ideas to data for your own pupils – exploring activities like pupil target setting and pupil mentoring. You’ll be encouraged throughout to share your ideas and experiences with other students and colleagues.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | GE021 |
| Credit points | This is a non-credit bearing course. |
Register for the course
This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees may vary by country.
What you will study
This course is part of a suite of Continuing Professional Development courses (see our website) for school practitioners that link directly to their professional practice in the classroom.
You will learn to
- identify different data sets and their uses in supporting pupil progress
- use common statistical measures for location and dispersion
- analyse sets of data for your own pupils and suggest conclusions for your teaching
- identify and comment on issues associated with setting pupil targets
- critically comment on a number of different methods to feedback performance to pupils
- know the differences between different sets of pupil data, such as cognitive ability and prior attainment analysis, and the relative merits of each
- describe ways in which data can be used to support pupils in reaching targets
- plan, carry out and disseminate a small-scale activity exploring one use of data to enhance your teaching and your pupils’ learning.
The strong link between course learning and your work practice creates relevant, enduring and transferable outcomes. The course will take 30 hours to study and includes web text, collaborative activities, self-assessment questions and activities. Register online today and start tomorrow – no need to wait!
The course features the distinctive strengths of The Open University (OU) from its years of expertise in work-based learning:
- The convenience of accessing its clearly presented and sequenced materials, activities and support whenever suits you and wherever you have access to the dedicated website – if you prefer, you can print key materials to work on them offline.
- The support of an expert learning adviser who can clarify study materials, answer questions and help you relate the course to your specific needs.
- A work-based activity helps you to connect the course to your individual and organisational context and needs. At the end of the course you send this to the learning adviser, who provides personal feedback.
- Certification of completion from the OU for those who complete the course. You can use this to demonstrate your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity to your employer and/or professional body. (N.B. The course does not carry academic credit points.)
Entry
Although there are no formal academic requirements to study any of our CPD courses, you are expected to be working in an educational environment and the course assumes a familiarity with educational terminology. This course is particularly suited to practitioners working in primary and secondary schools in England.
For each course you can register and begin at any time during the life of the course. You can study at your own pace and submit your work-based activity at any date before the final submission date for the course. Information about the final submission date is available when you register for the course.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
The study materials are delivered online. Learners who use screen readers or who cannot use a mouse will not be able to access some materials or some activities without assistance. Written transcripts of the audio interviews are available on the website. If you are a new learner with the OU, make sure that you have our publication Meeting Your Needs.
Study materials
What's included
All learning materials, exercises, study support and work-based activity are delivered entirely online.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new computer since 2005 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual.
Learner support
Expert, confidential learner support is available when you need it from a learning adviser, who will respond to you direct within 24 hours. Other support is available via the GE021 forum, library, StudentHome website and computing helpdesk.
Work-based activity
The work-based activity for this course is a written report or presentation and has been designed as an integrated ongoing activity that you submit at the end of your study. It will allow you to reflect on your learning and how to use it in your professional work.
Professional recognition
Successful completion of the course enables us to recognise your achievement of the course learning by issuing an OU certificate. You can use the certificate to document your commitment to continuing professional development in your personal portfolio, or to provide evidence to employers or a professional body.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | GE021 |
| Credit points | This is a non-credit bearing course. |
Study explained
- Special fee arrangements
- - the OU has relationships with many professional bodies, and as part of those relationships members may be entitled to special fee arrangements.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about distance learning with the OU.
Your questions
We may have already answered it in our frequently asked questions.
Or contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90+44(0) 845 366 60 35
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