private vs state research

[pickledsiblings]

Does anyone know if there has been any research into teaching methods etc. used in prep schools vs state primary schools?

I have what I think is an interesting idea for some research. Does anyone know how and to whom I could put my idea forward?

It would be focussing on the Y2 classroom in the two different types of schools and would involved teachers swapping between the settings for a brief period.

Stupid idea?

Would love to hear your thoughts.

[Klingyston]

There is nothing state can teach private having seen both with my children

[pickledsiblings]

Sharing learning objectives and success criteria isn't widely done in the private sector, is it?

[holmessweetholmes]

I've taught in both (but secondary). I'd say that the teachers/teaching styles are the things wich are least different between state and private. What's different are the kids, class sizes, facilities, parental expectations etc. Teaching methods probably used to be different between state and private, but ime private schools have 'caught up' with the more up-to-date methods used in state schools (which is mostly, but not entirely a good thing, imho!)

[josephinebornapart]

Pickled - I don't want to argue with you either :) but having been in education for almost 40 years, in both sectors, and having a lot of contact with private schools now in a different role, I'd like to think I know a little bit about it.

To make this a truly fair piece of research you'd need to have the same children, taught by the same teacher, but in 2 different schools and following different 'methods'. But that's the point- those of us who have posted here and have taught are telling you that the 'methods' are not really any different.

[pickledsiblings]

I appreciate you sharing your experience josephine, thanks.

What about things like the structure of the day, timings of lessons, access to high quality outside play areas etc?

Everything about the state sector just feels so second rate (except the teaching), why is that? And what's more, why does it make such a difference?

[craggyhollow]

Josephine your experiences and ideas about private school are a bit wrong

I am amazed that you have genuine experience of them

[craggyhollow]

The stuff about posh hols and more pocket money but otherwise all the same as state schools sounds completely clichéd and is utterly untrue ime

[TheLeftovermonster]

I think it would be a really interesting piece of research!
I imagine you'd have to break it down and define a number of teaching methods/techniques you want to research, then see how they are used in a number of classrooms at state and private schools, and see if a pattern emerges.
You can also compare structure of the day, lesson timings, curriculum, etc.
Obviously it won't produce any definite answers such as X is better that Y because..., but it will, I imagine, provide a useful picture of methods used in the classroom. And it doesn't have to be done in a 'state vs private' way at all, the focus can be on current teaching methods.

at 'completely different children' at state and private schools.

[TheWave]

Structure of the day, timing of lessons, outside space is all so variable between schools WITHIN each sector though. Let alone all the other variables mentioned.

[josephinebornapart]

craggy are you accusing me of lying about my career ?


FWIW I am in contact with many top private schools across the UK on a daily basis as part of my current employment.

Which parts of my posts do you find 'wrong' and for that matter what is your experience of them?

[pickledsiblings]

I would hope that the research would allow for a two way exchange of knowledge/ideas between the sectors and I think teachers may be best placed to intuit the salient factors that allow for better outcomes. It could be to do with the amount of sport/physical activity that goes on throughout the day or time spent listening to improving speeches .