Next Generation Teaching, Education and Learning for Life (NEXT-TELL)

Abstract:

NEXT-TELL will provide, through research and development, computational and methodological support to teachers and students so that they have available nuanced information about learning when it is needed and in a format that is supportive of pedagogical decision making, thus optimizing the level of stimulation, challenge, and feedback density.Methods and software will be developed that cover the modelling of all stages of ICT-embedded classroom assessment design, thus empowering teachers to contribute to the development of formative e-assessment for 21st Century learning skills. Integration of e-assessment methods into classroom ICT will be partially automatized by modelling lesson design and access to innovative computer-based learning and assessment services. NEXT-TELL will provide methods to capture process and product aspects of students' learning as it takes place in the classroom and at home and will make this information available various formats for reflection, appraisal, and negotiation, based on methods for data-mining, process visualisation, e-portfolio appraisal, and (open) student modelling. In order to foster participation in particular of parents, a managed communication and negotiation framework will be implemented that connects all stakeholders.Further, NEXT-TELL will support teachers' research into student learning with a team-oriented inquiry methodology and with access to computational data analysis services. To connect this form of knowledge creation and professional development to school leadership and strategic planning, a strategic planning method and corresponding software support will be provided for principals. The NEXT-TELL set of integrated methods and tools will be developed in an incremental, participatory manner in a large-scale pilot studies program involving 60-80 classrooms across Europe. Both researcher-led and teacher-led design-based research will be employed to allow for intensive, yet scalable classroom research.