Case study
Edge Hill University
"Proxima puts what we have learned into action."
How we work together
Proxima has worked with Edge Hill University since April 2023.
Edge Hill’s most recent Ofsted report (2024, Outstanding) concluded that “Across all phases, trainees benefit from meticulously designed and seamlessly integrated ITE curriculums.”
Edge Hill sought to build on this programme strength as it developed its approach to the delivery of Intensive Training and Practice, including phase- and subject-specific approximations within ITaP units focused on behaviour, explanations, questioning and scaffolding.
University staff also use scenarios related to professional behaviours and safeguarding to prepare trainees for placements, and have piloted the use of approximations within mentor training, both at in-person training days and asynchronously.
How it’s gone so far
In an article describing the impact of ITaP at the university so far, Edge Hill colleagues noted the “particular success” of approximations as both a practice and formative assessment tool:
“When the focus was on questioning for assessment, university-based tutors were able to immediately review trainee teachers who needed more or less support; consider which scenarios to explore in more depth; and model and encourage strong responses to support other trainees to self-reflect.
“Trainees highlighted that the digital approximation scenarios did replicate the classroom accurately and therefore trainees felt that it was an activity that was worthwhile, because they could then apply these strategies for questioning for assessment in their own teaching methods rather than being abstract.”
Read Karen Boardman, Katie Smith and Richard Doherty’s full article here.
What trainees say
Following an Intensive Training and Practice session focused on questioning, trainees said:
“The time to practise and analyse questions was really valuable and helped me think about my own practice.”
“I really enjoyed using Proxima to submit responses and receive instant feedback.”
“I loved Proxima - putting what we have learned into action!”