Evaluation of Intensive Training and Practice in Initial Teacher Training
Client: National Institute of Teaching
Duration: 2022 - 2023
Geography: England
Solutions: Evaluation
From 2024, all initial teacher training (ITT) programmes in England must include an “intensive training and practice element”, designed to provide trainees teachers with opportunities to practise and receive feedback on pivotal aspects of teaching. Intensive practice has been identified as an approach to connecting the theory and practice of teaching and there is emerging evidence indicating that intensive practice could improve initial teacher training. However, this evidence based is limited and ITT providers have highlighted some of the challenges that might arise as they adapt to introducing intensive training and practice (ITP).
The National Institute of Teaching funded a pilot to support future delivery of high-quality intensive training and practice (ITP) within ITT in the autumn term of 2022/23. The pilot tested four different delivery models, with two developed and delivered by the NIoT and partners (Harris Federation and Star Teachers SCITT) and two by external providers (Huddersfield Horizon and Liverpool Hope University). All four piloted models focused on questioning, which has been identified as a foundational aspect of ITT.
NIoT asked Oxford MeasurEd to carry out a formative evaluation of the pilot to investigate the design, implementation, feasibility, promise and scalability of the four piloted models and particular elements within them. Our evaluation contributes to the evidence base on the role of intensive practice in ITT by providing learning on different elements of intensive practice that might best support trainee teachers and how potential challenges can be overcome.
Key Activities:
Literature review of the policy and evidence-base on ITP
Design and learning workshops with the four ITT providers participating in this pilot
Observations of ITP delivery
Online surveys with trainee teachers
Qualitative interviews with trainee teachers, teacher educators and ITT providers
