How we prepared the CEPNET training modules

Across our four schools, some 40 teachers were directly involved in the implementation of the approach within their classrooms. In some instances, they were supported by an external facilitator over the 12 session programme of activities. In other instances, they were provided with resources and materials and they implemented the approach independently making use of the handbooks and guides. A blended approach took place in some classrooms where the external facilitators participated at certain milestones in the programme implementation.

In each classroom following the completion of two separate cycles of the full CEPNET approach, evaluations were carried out with over 400 participants. These evaluations included the full school community, from students, teachers, principals, parents and school board members. The results of these evaluations have been analysed and a series of evaluation reports produced. See here for full details. These reports highlight important lessons when it comes to the training of future teachers and facilitators.

In parallel to these implementation cycles, teachers were involved in a series of training sessions where they reviewed the CEPNET resources and materials. These sessions allowed for an appraisal of the implementation process and elicited the following key learning points that now inform this document:

• Resources must be practical, straightforward and easy to apply in the classroom
• The approach must allow for flexibility and room for manoeuvre within a pressurised timetable
• While the students must be placed at the centre of the learning experience, the materials must be scaffolded around the teacher’s needs
• The training must be interactive and include testimonials and feedback

These parallel processes of implementation, evaluation and pilot testing of the training resources were carried out between the research team and schools, with a specific focus on the Dublin-based school for the final refinement of the training materials contained here in our modules, as well as pulled together into an overarching document available here. Through a series of multiplier events and associated dissemination activities, teachers from other schools were also involved in piloting these training modules and linked resources. Their feedback has helped to shape the content of this document.

This background information serves to let you know that much work and thought went into the preparation of these modules. We hope that they can help to bring clarity to how best to bring our approach into your classroom. As with all our work, please feel free to dip and dive through these modules. You will find some insights and ideas that may be of use to you as teachers and facilitators in other aspects of your classroom activities when you are looking to get your students engaged with new subject matter. You are also encouraged to reflect on your learning at the final stage of each module with the idea of consolidating your learning points.

Before letting you start into our training modules, have a listen to one of our Italian teachers describe how CEPNET has changed her teaching practice.