Measuring classroom literacy practice

February 2005 – February 2007
Judy Parr, School of Education, University of Auckland

Project Aims

This project aims to develop and trial classroom observation instruments for examining literacy practice in Years 1 – 8 in partnership with two clusters of schools. Observation and subsequent feedback and reflection around classroom practice are key factors in improving practice. Quality teaching impacts most on student outcomes, particularly for underachieving students.

The project further seeks to investigate the utility of the instrument by applying it in a research setting involving peer feedback. One cluster of schools would be involved in the first phase involving the development and trial of the instrument and another in the second phase of application in classrooms.

Research questions: What are the observable indicators of effective literacy practice in classrooms? Are there practices that are associated with improved achievement of low achieving groups? How does engaging in observation, providing and receiving feedback with regard to literacy practices improve practice?

Project Plan

Phase 1: Design and develop the tool (in partnership with two schools)
This involves the design and development of the observation tool with two schools as partners. The tool will be trialled in a range of classroom levels and composition types beyond the partner’s schools (approximately10-12 classrooms).

Phase 2: Using instrument in research study (New, additional school partners in 2006)
This phase is designed to investigate the application in classrooms and the use of the instrument to provide informative peer feedback that is associated with improved literacy practices.

Partnerships involved

• University of Auckland of Auckland Dr Judy Parr, Dr Helen Timperley, Margaret Aikman
• New Market Primary School, Wendy Koefed
• Mangere Central School, Maria Heron, Rebecca KauKau and Lorraine Makutu
• Learning Media Lois Thompson
• Education Associates, Dunedin Cherry Bertanees

Expected outcomes

Project will provide an instrument to help identify effective practice, specifically for underachieving students and a tool for use in peer feedback within a school’s professional learning community.

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