A blog for students on the FDLT and BALT courses at the University of Northampton

at Leicester and UN

June 12, 2017
by Jean
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Stop motion animation

Last week Sophie Burrows, from Into Film, came to work with the FDLT year 1 groups to introduce stop motion animation as a technique for engaging learners. Sophie introduced the group to the basic principles that underpin stop motion animation: … Continue reading

June 1, 2017
by Jean
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30 days wild!

Its June, its Spring and its half term: the perfect time to start a new challenge! The 30 days wild challenge asks us to make room for nature. You can sign up here to receive a wallchart and ideas pack. … Continue reading

May 23, 2017
by Jean
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Supporting and talking to your pupils about difficult issues

After events in Manchester you might find yourself needing to support children by talking with them and answering their questions. Here is some advice from the organisation Professional Association for Childcare and the Early Years (PACEY). There is more detail … Continue reading

April 5, 2017
by Jean
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DLAB Erasmus free online course

Some of us who teach on FDLT, BALT and other education courses along with students and local teachers are part of an Erasmus+ project called Digital learning Across Boundaries – DLAB for short. We are working with educators in Belgium, … Continue reading

March 31, 2017
by Jean
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Recruiting for HLTA

Do you or a colleague want to join our next cohort preparing for assessment of HLTA standards? We are currently recruiting for the summer cohort in Northampton which starts on 28th April. Contact hlta@northampton.ac.uk  or call the HLTA office on … Continue reading

March 27, 2017
by Jean
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International ‘Mystery Skype’ Conversations

Last week two Foundation Degree Learning and Teaching (FDLT) groups took part in conversations with students in Mexico and UN alumni in Brazil. The first part of the conversation was focused around asking and answering yes/no questions to find out … Continue reading

March 23, 2017
by Jean
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Using a greenscreen app to take pupils to other times and places!

As part of their PDT 2016 module focused on enriching learning beyond the classroom and school site the FDLT Y2 (UN) group investigated using ipads and apps to create the experience of visiting other times and places. The students worked … Continue reading

March 2, 2017
by Jean
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Gallery visits for FDLT Y2

This week each of the FDLT Year 2 visited art galleries to explore how learning can be inspired and developed in locations other than the classroom. The UN group travelled to Avenue Campus to look at the exhibition ‘Under Construction’. … Continue reading

January 29, 2017
by Jean
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Making our own digital books

This week in Year 2 of the FDLT course we have been exploring the making of digital books by educators to use with their pupils or by pupils supported by their teachers and TAs. Exploring some examples was a useful … Continue reading

December 12, 2016
by Jean
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OFSTED and marking

In a blog post on November 28th I discussed the recent School Inspection Update as regards deployment of teaching assistants. Also in that document was some discussion of marking: “The last three school inspection updates have included information about our … Continue reading