Teaching Training and Support Packages

We want every school to get the best out of their investment in Moti-Lab and most of all we want the kids to get the most out of their learning.  Delivering amazing maths and science in this new way might need a little extra help.  For this we have developed teacher training packages that can be tailored to meet the needs of the individual setting.

The actual package depends on the size of the school and how much tailored support is required.  Here is an example: 6 day training package for a two form entry primary with EYFS and Y1-6 with approximately 460 pupils, 40 teachers and TA’s.

• 1 Full (or 2 half day) introductory session
• 3 Days assisted teaching in school with children (first term)
• 1 Day (or 2 half days) follow up assisted teaching in school with children (second term)
• 1 day offsite bespoke support for integrating Moti-Lab into the school (ongoing throughout the first year).

6 Day training and support package £1,800 + VAT

Session 1 Contents

1 : Introduction to Moti-Lab

a) General Usage, Philosophy and Scope

This is a quick overview of the kit and contents and how children interact with the equipment at different levels.  How this style of learning can benefit all learners and the breadth of learning that can be brought about using Moti-Lab. The basics of scientific thinking and scientific inquiry are covered and how they relate to learning exercises on Moti-Lab.

b) Combining Maths and Science

To integrate Moti-Lab to its fullest, emphasis should be placed on the ability to use Moti-Lab to learn and demonstrate knowledge of mathematical concepts in a practical way.  Here we help teachers get away from the idea that science and maths can only be taught as separate subjects and how integration of maths in all experiments is key to success.

c) Building Moti-Lab into Topic Work

This section shows teachers some of the more creative ways Moti-Lab can be used and how through lateral thinking standard experiments can be adapted directly into topic work to fit in with termly planning.

d) Further learning (Language, PSHE, Resilience etc)

Highlighting further learning that can be encouraged and observed whilst using Moti-Lab.  Emphasis can be placed on scientific thinking and inquiry, how improving language and vocabulary can be fostered, PSHE benefits, problem solving skills and other learning highlighted.

e) Assessment

End of experiment assessments.  How to draw out the learning during the experiments and re emphasise it at the end of the experiments through active participation from the children, discussion and evidencing on the board.  Photographing / filming and vox pops as assessment.

Post experiment exercises to bring in writing skills.  Using other resources (existing worksheets, schemes of work) as evidence.  

f) Risks (removing fear) and benefits for teachers and children

General Health and safety risks.  Behavioural risks with children and averting these.  Changing styles of learning / teaching and removing fear for teachers.

How Moti-Lab can deliver more time to teachers through less planning.  How Moti-Lab can benefit all learning styles and particularly those not suited to class based learning.  Immersive learning and deepening understanding.

2: Demonstration

a) Setting up the equipment

How to set up Moti-Lab ready for the class.

b) General features and safety

Overview of the main features of Moti-Lab, the magnetic modules, using the whiteboard for results, vocabulary and assessment, using the reservoir itself.

c) Introductory lesson with teachers

With teachers acting as the class we will run through a simple experiment this is a great way to give teachers a better idea of how children will interact with Moti-Lab and tips on recognising and drawing out different learning outcomes.

3: Digital Help

a) Website, login and lesson plans

An overview of the website, accessing the teaching resources and where to find lessons for particular learning outcomes or topics.

b) Video, social media and email support

Looking at further support provided by for teachers through social media and email, not just Moti-Lab related support but links to other useful resources.  A brief look at the lessons we have filmed and how they can help planning.

c) Questionnaire (optional)

5 minute questionnaire on attitudes towards teaching science and practical maths in primary. This gives us a baseline assessment that we can look at again after a year of using Moti-Lab to see if we have been able to improve teacher confidence with science and practical maths to get an idea of the impact Moti-Lab has on provision.

4: Suggested Assignment

Task each class teacher to run at least one taster session with their class on Moti-Lab over the next 2-3 weeks.

1 : Guided Teaching

a) Feedback from the first taught lesson

The Moti-Lab trainer will get feedback from each teacher on their first experience of teaching using Moti-Lab and help with ideas on strategies to overcome any barriers they faced.

b) Guided / Shadowed teaching

This is an excellent opportunity for each teacher to work alongside a Moti-Lab trainer with their own class.  These sessions would be used to go through a more complex experiment on Moti-Lab – either led by the teacher or demonstrated by the trainer (depending on how confident the teacher feels).  

c) Curriculum integration

This provides an opportunity for further feedback from teachers and time allowed to explore how they are able to integrate Moti-Lab into their individual maths / science or topic work.

All these sessions can be arranged to suit the school timetable.

The trainer will arrange a structured timetable with the school beforehand.  This can either take the form of individual consultations with teachers that book, and can include more guided lessons depending on the needs of the staff.

This session will ensure that all teachers are comfortable with getting the maximum learning benefits that Moti-Lab can help provide.