OTLA phase 8 – action research for English, ESOL and Essential Digital Skills teachers in the Further Education and Training sector

Description

A contract has been awarded for the programme, Outstanding Teaching Learning and Assessment (OTLA) phase 8 – action research for English teachers in the Further Education and Training (FE) sector. OTLA is one of the Education and Training Foundation's (ETF) longest running programmes of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The nature and format of the programme have evolved over time, but it continues to be based around a set of central principles: There is an overall focus on improving outcomes for learners There is collaboration within and across providers Activity is research informed and draws on appropriate expertise It takes place over a sustained period of time Activity is evaluated to assess the impact on learners Lot 1: A contract has been awarded for the programme, Outstanding Teaching Learning and Assessment (OTLA) phase 8 – action research for English teachers in the Further Education and Training (FE) sector. OTLA is one of the ETF’s longest running programmes of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The nature and format of the programme have evolved over time, but it continues to be based around a set of central principles: There is an overall focus on improving outcomes for learners There is collaboration within and across providers Activity is research informed and draws on appropriate expertise It takes place over a sustained period of time Activity is evaluated to assess the impact on learners This programme is funded through our grant from the Department for Education (DfE). This year the focus of OTLA will enable participants to take charge of their own CPD through undertaking collaborative action research projects. This CPD programme has previously achieved high levels of participation and positive feedback from participants across the country. The ETF sought one delivery partner to deliver both strands and develop and expand the programme further. The two strands of activity making up this requirement are set out in further detail below: 1. The development and delivery of a national programme of CPD to enable English, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Essential Digital Skills (EDS) teachers to undertake collaborative action research projects. 2. The design and pilot of two FutureLearn courses: one on how to conduct action research in Further Education and one on how to lead or support research projects in Further Education settings.