Riikka Hofmann,
University of Cambridge and Rebecca Plaskitt, Teacher, discuss Riikka's
PhD research in Rebecca's Storyline classroom, taking a fresh look
at the idea of "ownership of learning" and how it might
become possible it to pupils and teachers.
The notion of
'ownership' features in many a discussion on 'good' learning and teaching.
Rarely, however, is this notion explicitly defined or critically examined.
Learning and teaching through Storyline has been seen as a way of
enabling learner ownership. But what do we mean with 'ownership' of
learning? Traditionally, it is taken to refer to learner autonomy
and individual self-expression – a pupil creating something of
"their own", something than 'belongs' to them. Ownership
hereby is located within individual learners' 'heads'.
Based on her PhD
research in Rebecca's Storyline classroom, Riikka proposes instead
that we should look at the different ways pupils can participate in
classroom activities, the extent to which they can influence their
and their peers' learning as well as the opportunities for shared
creative experiences. This is discussed in detail in this presentation
through analysing her experiences from Rebecca's classroom. Rebecca
will provide a commentary from a teacher's perspective on the issues
discussed as well as her experiences of participating in such research.
Presentation is followed by a discussion.
Riikka
Hofmann
MA
PhD Research Student, University of Cambridge, England
Rebecca
Plaskitt
Teacher, formerly of the American Community School in Cobham, London,
now from Portland, Oregon, USA
