Twinkl partners with researchers at University of Cambridge on SEND and oracy projects
Educational resource publisher Twinkl has partnered with Cambridge Teacher Research Exchange (Camtree) and the Digital Education Futures Initiative (DEFI), two research centres at the University of Cambridge, to form teacher-led research initiatives.
The partnerships aim to uncover new insights and approaches to teaching using practitioner-led research and improved professional development.
Two initial projects have been announced. One explores ways to drive better oracy outcomes using effective professional development, and the other focuses on practitioner use of inclusive digital tools to support diverse learners.
“Education in this country is undergoing significant reform - from curriculum updates and a government inquiry into SEND standards, to increased focus on EdTech and teacher workload reduction,” explains Jonathan Seaton, Co-founder and CEO at Twinkl.
“Against this backdrop, the need for trusted, research-informed advice to help educators tackle key challenges - such as enhancing inclusion and oracy levels - has never been greater. This imperative is at the heart of the partnership being announced today.”
Research on SEND and emerging technologies
On the SEND-focused research project, Twinkl will work with DEFI to review how existing accessibility and inclusion tools are used in primary school teaching and assessment. It will also anticipate how emerging technologies, such as AI, augmented reality, and adaptive learning, can shape more inclusive and equitable education.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Twinkl to co-create evidence-based resources that empower teachers to use AI as a means to advance inclusion,” adds Dr Kevin Martin, Managing Director at DEFI.
Professional development and oracy
On the professional development-focused project, Twinkl will work with Camtree to facilitate research into oracy focussed teacher professional development progams. It aims to support the understanding and embedding of advanced oracy methods in education.
“Oracy transforms people's ability to communicate effectively, articulately and with impact. It enables us to think, reason and imagine - silently when alone and aloud when thinking together, developing knowledge, solving problems, or passionately persuading,” explains Dr Pete Dudley, CEO at Camtree.
“Oracy is the missing link in our education system with proven potential to raise achievement for all, in all aspects of learning and life. But it also closes attainment gaps and creates confident, assured young people able to engage successfully with the world.”
Over a 12-month period, research participants will be supported through a series of online ‘TeachMeets’ and given an accompanying online oracy toolkit. The sessions aim to share innovative strategies that can effectively embed oracy practice with both teachers and learners.
Camtree and Twinkl will jointly publish a report on the findings and examples revealed by the program.
The news comes shortly after Twinkl announced that all primary schools in the UK will receive 12 months of free access to Natterhub, its award-winning digital safety education platform.
