Master Trainer Training Programme Overview

Overview of the Training Programme and Modules

This training programme comprises 10 modules including pre and post tasks, designed to provide a comprehensive look at the Science Inquiry levels.

• Module 1: Introduction to the training and a discussion of scientific method.
• Modules 2 – 9: Focusing on the skills areas that make up scientific method and their assessment ladders.
• Module 10: Evaluation and next steps.

Expectations

The training modules are designed to help you to develop your understanding regarding the assessment of scientific inquiry across grades 5 to 11. The pre and post module tasks are an important part of your training as they have been specifically developed to help you reflect upon both scientific method, its assessment and your role in supporting other teachers.

Supporting Features

This training platform has the following three features to support you in this role:

• Online Chats and Clinics: Where you can ask questions and reflect upon your growing understanding of the assessment of Scientific Inquiry.
• A Shared Drive/Library: This space allows you to collaborate and network with other Master Trainers, sharing examples to illustrate scientific method and the assessment of the levels.
• A Resource Bank: A collection of all the resources available for use in schools.

Your Training Structure 

Your training will take place through a series of ten modules, each of which follows a similar basic pattern to maximize learning and retention:

1. Pre-module tasks to prepare, focus and orientate.
2. An introduction to the specific area of Scientific Method in question and how this relates to the assessment levels.
3. What progression looks like across the levels.
4. What assessment evidence looks like.
5. Application across a range of classroom contexts and settings.
6. Consideration of possible barriers and mitigations.
7. Review of training and action planning.
8. Post-module tasks to help you reflect upon and capture your learning.
9. Post-module on-line forum to share examples and ideas.

During each module, you will spend time in breakout rooms discussing ideas with your colleagues. This is essential for reaching a consensus as to what the levels look like in your specific context and will provide you with a smaller support group.

All resources will be clearly signposted on the training platform.

The Learning Journal & Private Drive

A key feature of the training will be the Learning Journal for it is here where you will record your journey into Scientific Method and track your developing understanding of the assessment of scientific inquiry and your role as Master Trainer. The pre and post tasks should all be completed in your learning journal, which is a private record of your progress.

Your answers will only be seen by tutors as they will be used to develop the final set of resources ready for wider use. You will be expected to share your responses to the questions and tasks during the training modules.