An evalutaion of a customised resource pack for the year five English curriculum

Abstract

A customised resource pack for the Year Five English Curriculum was prepared to explore its use in the Maltese primary classroom. The different activities were graded, addressed different levels of proficiency and focused on different aspects of language acquisition. A close study of relevant literature prior to the preparation, during the implementation and evaluation of the pack enhanced the study. Five teachers teaching Year Five classes (and a pilot class) were asked to use this resource pack in their classroom by selecting which activities to implement according to the needs and abilities of their pupils. They kept a journal recording their experiences and reflections vis-à-vis the pack. Both they, and the learning support assistants, were interviewed and asked to fill in a questionnaire. The pupils? feedback was also taken into account as three pupils from each class were interviewed and all the children (eighty-six in all) were asked to complete a questionnaire. Covert and overt observations were also conducted. During the course of the study, the utility of teaching resources emerged. Their potential to increase effective teaching, encourage a differentiated approach and target the needs of both teachers and pupils emerged. This led to defining which activities are most suitable for different pupils to ensure that all pupils develop and achieve acceptable levels of proficiency in the English language.