Program Overview

Introduction to the T-REX Digital Badge Program

The T-REX Digital Badge is a short professional development course focused on the topic of "Using Evidence to Address Educational Disadvantage." The primary aim of this course is to enhance understanding of educational disadvantage and develop research skills that support evidence-informed decisions and practices. This is achieved by equipping educators with the tools necessary to better meet the needs of pupils who face socio-economic barriers to educational opportunities.

Program Overview

The T-REX Digital Badge program is designed for educators, including teachers, leaders, student teachers, higher education researchers, and support professionals, from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The program has been developed by working teachers in Ireland, academics from Mary Immaculate College and the University of Limerick, with support from Stranmillis University College, Belfast, and in collaboration with the Teaching Council and the NCCA.

Program Delivery

The course is delivered fully online, comprising three live webinars hosted via Microsoft Teams, with recordings made available for later access. These webinars are scheduled in the evening. All other course content is self-directed, provided through a bespoke online platform.

Time Commitment and Cost

The program runs over nine weeks, with an approximate time commitment of 2.5 hours per week. Notably, this course is offered free of charge to participating educators.

Assessment and Coursework

There is no formal assessment or coursework for this program. The focus is on sharpening research and evidence evaluation skills through a "light touch" approach, emphasizing process alongside product. Participants are required to engage with weekly content and activities, as well as participate fully in a peer group that meets at least three times over the nine-week period. The ultimate goal is the development of an evidence-informed Action Plan aimed at addressing a challenge related to educational disadvantage within the participant's own educational setting.

Learning Outcomes

The T-REX Digital Badge course is designed to achieve four key learning outcomes:

• Gain a better understanding of 'educational disadvantage' and its impact on school experiences and educational outcomes.
• Develop a solid understanding of the research process and the value of using evidence in an educational context.
• Acquire the skills needed to be a critical reader of research evidence, including searching, reviewing, and critiquing.
• Provide space for reflection on current practice, leading to the development of an evidence-informed action plan for addressing identified aspects of educational disadvantage.

Course Structure

The program is structured over nine weeks, divided into three main phases:

Weeks 1 and 2: Understanding the Topic (Educational Disadvantage)

• Week 1: Introduction to educational disadvantage, including a live online webinar and self-directed individual reflection and activity.
• Week 2: Exploring the evidence of educational disadvantage, featuring another live online webinar and individual reflection and activity.

Weeks 3-6: Building Research Skills

• Week 3: Introduction to research, involving online self-directed learning with pre-recorded lecture content and activities.
• Week 4: Developing a research question, through online self-directed learning with pre-recorded lecture content, activities, and engagement with the peer group.
• Week 5: Reading and critically reviewing research evidence, using online self-directed learning with pre-recorded lecture content and activities.
• Week 6: Reading research papers, with online self-directed learning, pre-recorded lecture content, activities, and peer group engagement.

Weeks 7-9: Expert Evening and Developing Your Action Plan

• Week 7: Live online webinar with an invited guest speaker, plus preparations for developing a bespoke Action Plan targeted at addressing a challenge related to educational disadvantage.
• Week 8: Independent working on the Action Plan, with a drop-in support session available.
• Week 9: Finalization of the Action Plan, independent working, and peer verification/course completion.

Conclusion

The T-REX Digital Badge program offers a comprehensive and structured approach to addressing educational disadvantage, equipping educators with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to make a positive impact on the educational outcomes of disadvantaged pupils. Through its innovative online delivery and focus on evidence-informed practice, this program represents a significant step forward in professional development for educators in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.