5x5x5 in practice

• introduction
• in the classroom
• distinctive features
• evaluation
• professional development
• AND
• refocus network
• Earlyarts

evaluation

Critical reflective evaluation is at the heart of the 5x5x5 research. Our research methodology opens and transforms the minds of both adults and children whilst building a raft of evaluation which demonstrates the case for a creative education. A continuous cycle of research starts from the first observations of the children, follows on with the exploration of possible creative provocations, to the experimentation with the children and the recording of the children's learning journeys. Through this process we learn about how to successfully foster creativity and innovation.

'We have discovered a cycle of inquiry that constantly re-emerges: an encounter between children and materials coincides with their imagination or interest, is recorded by an educator or saved in an artefact, and is retold by the children and educators, which becomes a provocation to pursue the encounter into the future. It is a continuous cycle of perching and flying. Like birds landing and taking off, children and educators survey the terrain and ascend in order to gain a new perspective.'

In the spirit of the atelier: learning from the atelier of Reggio Emilia by Gandini et al 2005

evaluation outline 2007-2008

5x5x5 evaluation is qualitative, illuminative and formative. Through our aims and philosophy we hope to create sustainable embedded practice which supports young children's creative learning. Our values are based on a view of children as creative and competent from birth. We are collecting evidence about life-wide creative capacities. We see ourselves as researchers in the process: we are researching ourselves researching children researching the world.

summary of 5x5x5 aims:

• to develop and foster creativity - creative values, environments, relationships and learning dispositions - in all participants
• to inform and influence educational policy, Initial teacher Education and the Continuing Professional Development of educators
• to explore the professional development of artists, mentors and members of cultural centres - through their work in 5x5x5 and how this influences their own practice
• to collect and disseminate insights and evidence in order to develop sustainable practice and encourage the wider adoption of creative and reflective practice
• to contribute to and influence research debates about creativity, development and learning.

objectives:

In order to achieve these aims we intend to explore the following:

• creative values, relationships and creative learning dispositions
• creative environments (emotional climate, time, space, resources) which support the creative activity and thinking of adults and children
• the impact of adults' interventions - artists, educators and cultural centres
• involvement of parents in sharing the process of learning
• the impact of 5x5x5 on the whole school
• artists' creative development within 5x5x5 and in their personal professional work
• development of reflective practice and researchful attitudes among all participants
• the role of arts organisations and cultural centres in supporting the creativity of children and of adults.

charting progress and collecting evidence: methodology

children

Through observation and documentation of learning stories we will collect evidence of children's creative behaviours and learning dispositions, e.g. curiosity, willingness to become involved, concentration, collaboration, communication. Colleagues may link their observations to the Early Years Foundation Stage profile and/or Laevers' Signals of Involvement. Case studies of individual children documenting their progress are collected.
Each triangle maintains records of their regular reflection sessions after weekly work with the artist.

environment

Mentors record/note the use of space, resource provision and use of time before the artist begins and on conclusion of their work in that year.

adults

• key issues in the practice of each adult are documented through an interview each year before their 5x5x5 work. Separate interview schedules are used for new settings, established settings and for artists
• each adult is encouraged to maintain a personal journal through the year. They may reflect on changes in their practice, children's thinking and action, their reading and deepening understanding etc.

collaboration: relationships, issues and challenges

Towards the end of the intervention the evaluation team supported by the mentors will explore:

• the impact of collaborations between artists and educators in their creative relationships and values through interviews and colleagues' journals.
• collaborations with cultural centres, using a questionnaire.

records, exhibitions, seminars and reports

• all local authority review meetings, professional development sessions and RED (reflection, exchange, dialogue) days are recorded
• through presentations, seminars and exhibitions, material from records and documentation will be made public
• the annual report draws on all the above sources of data and presents analysis and summaries of issues.