Aims of the proposed Action Research project
The aims of the proposed Action Research project are:
· to implement the direct and explicit teaching of the productive language, symbols, text of thinking and thinking skills to ESL new arrivals
· to create a culture of thinking in the classroom for ESL new arrivals, by developing language acquisition of thinking processes, so new arrivals can articulate, verbalise and express their thinking and thinking questions
· to use, and adapt the language of thinking routines and skills using the e5 Instructional Model and PoLT, within framework of Effective Schools’ Model
· to teach a ‘thinking’ vocabulary through direct, explicit explanations of the thinking skills so students can communicate and create ‘fertile’ questions
· to use digital portfolios in the purposeful use of technology to substantiate learning of the thinking domain in the VELS Interdisciplinary Strand
· to develop a basic inquiry disposition in ESL new arrivals
· to prepare ESL new arrivals for an integrated approach (inquiry and project based learning) in the mainstream schools
· to address the strategic intent of the school’s Strategic Plan (SSP) 2011-2014 by focusing on enhancing pedagogy, incorporating the e5 Instructional Model
· to address the key improvement strategies in the SSP of reviewing and developing curriculum, (and incorporate thinking) to ensure consistent delivery of a VELS ESL program to prepare students for mainstream schooling
· to improve the effectiveness of the overall ESL NAP and be incorporated into the NAP curriculum, in a broader context.
· to implement the direct and explicit teaching of the productive language, symbols, text of thinking and thinking skills to ESL new arrivals
· to create a culture of thinking in the classroom for ESL new arrivals, by developing language acquisition of thinking processes, so new arrivals can articulate, verbalise and express their thinking and thinking questions
· to use, and adapt the language of thinking routines and skills using the e5 Instructional Model and PoLT, within framework of Effective Schools’ Model
· to teach a ‘thinking’ vocabulary through direct, explicit explanations of the thinking skills so students can communicate and create ‘fertile’ questions
· to use digital portfolios in the purposeful use of technology to substantiate learning of the thinking domain in the VELS Interdisciplinary Strand
· to develop a basic inquiry disposition in ESL new arrivals
· to prepare ESL new arrivals for an integrated approach (inquiry and project based learning) in the mainstream schools
· to address the strategic intent of the school’s Strategic Plan (SSP) 2011-2014 by focusing on enhancing pedagogy, incorporating the e5 Instructional Model
· to address the key improvement strategies in the SSP of reviewing and developing curriculum, (and incorporate thinking) to ensure consistent delivery of a VELS ESL program to prepare students for mainstream schooling
· to improve the effectiveness of the overall ESL NAP and be incorporated into the NAP curriculum, in a broader context.