What is the research project about?

This project is part of a wider school research programme about ‘dialogic teaching and learning’ (how talking to each other helps us to learn). We are investigating how homework can contribute to dialogic teaching and learning.

We will be asking your parents and carers to get involved in the project. They have been invited to a meeting on Friday 11^th March to discuss this. You can involve them as much or as little as you want to.

We will be asking you to complete some short surveys about your experiences at various points throughout the project. We will also give you the opportunity to record your thoughts and feelings using a video diary room.

Please ask Dr Hutchinson or Dr Wells if you have any questions about the project.

An introduction to the project

Your task is to investigate the similarities and differences between people and places in Africa. This will help you to decide whether it is possible to speak of ‘Africa’ as a meaningful identity.

You will work in a group to complete this task. It will be completed as a homework project over the course of half a term. This time will be divided between collecting, presenting and analysing the data and drawing conclusions. Your group will make a final presentation. You will have access to a projector and screen for this. You must also produce a report showing how you tackled the task and outlining your key findings.

You will use statistical techniques that you have learnt in your maths lessons to help you present the information that you have collected. You will also need to analyse the data that you collect using your geographical knowledge.

Your group will be provided with a variety of materials. Some of these are printed and some are electronic (online resources). To reach the highest National Curriculum levels you will need to include some additional information that you have found yourself.

This homework task is part of a wider project about homework at Chesterton and we will be collecting your opinions (and your parents’ opinions) about the task throughout the half term.

What resources are available to you?

An atlas

Blank outline maps of Africa, both in printed and electronic form

Level descriptors – Geography and Maths

Graph paper

A web page with suggested links

A chatroom to share information and ideas

Your parents and carers (and the parents and carers of other people in your group)

A ‘Thinking Space’ to record your ideas

Your parents will be given a set of envelopes containing hints and tips to help you think through the investigation.