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♦ to use existing empirical research on teachers' collective work as a basis for the systematic deployment of teacher collaboration in support of innovative methods in science teaching.
Description of work WP 4 is led by Université Pierre Mendes-France (UPMF), WP4 is concerned with the role of teacher collaboration in the deployment of innovative methods, promotion of equity and working with diversity in science teaching. WP4 is about enhancing teacher collaboration and collective work, since inquiry-based methods introduce student cooperation, collaborative activities and uncertainty into classroom environments and teacher practices. Teachers need to work together to overcome this uncertainty and to develop new skills and practices. It is also important for teachers to collaborate in order to address issues of diversity and gender in the classroom, which have been identified as constraints on pupil attitudes to scientific literacy and science careers. Finally, projects such as SINUS have already succeeded on the basis of teacher collaboration, so there is an evidence base and a strong argument to pursue actions which encourage and support collaborative working. UPMF will liaise with IPN in WP3 regarding the collaborative aspects of SINUS. WP4 will promote the role of teacher collaboration and collective work15 in implementing science education reform through teacher education. The four partners within WP4 all have proven expertise in teacher collaboration and will hold a thematic WP meeting within the start-up conference. Drawing on its proven expertise and existing theoretical frameworks, Université Pierre Mendes-France (UPMF) as WP4 leader will work with UHB, CYCO (in WP6) and UnivStrath to produce models for the implementation of collaborative approaches, using video-aided reflection and other innovative methods.