Teachers were asked initially about their
perceptions of interactive teaching and the
effects of ICT. The pupils were all given an
initial assessment covering the topic
or topics being taught. A group of pupils
from each class was also asked about
how they participated in lessons, how they
learned from this, and how ICT helped.
After a classroom observation by two
researchers (which was recorded by two
cameras), the teacher selected a particular
section of the lesson to discuss with a
member of the research team. The group
of pupils were also asked about their
perceptions of this episode, using the
video as a prompt for recalling the activity.
A second pupil assessment, using the
same test, was carried out at the end of
each phase of teaching.
Interview data was used to determine the
common characteristics of interactive
teaching and the differences between
subjects and between Key Stages.
Observation data was explored using a
framework for analysing teaching and
learning in activity settings (see Figure 1).
Where possible, the assessment data
was used statistically to compare gains
in attainment between ICT and non-ICT
groups.
Professional development was a key
theme of the project. We expected that
teachers would change their beliefs and
practices to some extent through the
reflective aspect of the data collection,
and through the project conferences. We
held two conferences: an initial one to
induct teachers into the research and one
between phases to allow them to share
ideas with colleagues in other schools and
Key Stages. The effects of this process
were studied by means of final interviews
and a post-project evaluation conference.