Global Classroom

Student Research concept

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Student Research concept
The concept – contributing to school self evaluation…

Since 1999 the partnership of schools has enabled a senior student from each of the schools to join together as a small international team of student researchers led by two Graduate Co ordinators to research aspects of learning and teaching in each school. With advice from Professor John MacBeath, Head of Leadership Education at Cambridge University this student research known as The Learning School also includes schools in Malmo Sweden and Canberra Australia in addition to the Global Classroom schools partnership.

Schools and education ought to keep abreast of rapid changes in our dynamic world. Acquiring the ability to learn may be seen as a virtual attribute in view of these circumstances; a so-called key to the door of effective and lifelong learning. However, the notion that "learning to learn" is valuable and crucial should not apply to individuals. If schools can "learn to learn" there is surely significant potential for continual improvement in education.

The Learning School project is one school self-evaluation model, which in line with current social developments that have seen young people become more active and participative in contributing to debate about matters which affect them, engages students as the evaluators of learning. School self-evaluation which engages students redresses outdated democratic imbalances in evaluation, encourages students to be participative and active contributors to learning evaluation and to be more responsible learners.

The project has a uniquely international dimension, as the members which make up the research group represent the schools of an international partnership of schools known as the Global Classroom. Those nominated to become Learning School participants are typically either current or recent high school students. Over the course of ten months, the group conducts research into learning issues in each partnership school - taking them to a diverse range of countries and social, cultural and economic situations.This translates to a rich social, cultural, personal and academic learning experience for group members in particular, but also for students in participant schools, host families, wider communities and experts.