Given the narrow scope of primary teachers' knowledge and use of children's literature identified in Phase I of Teachers as Readers (2006Readers ( -2007, the core goal of the Phase II project was to improve teachers' knowledge and experience of such literature in order to help them increase children's motivation and enthusiasm for reading, especially those less successful in literacy.The year-long Phase II project, Teachers as Readers: Building Communities of Readers, which was undertaken in five Local Authorities (LAs) in England, also sought to build new relationships with parents and families and to explore the concept of a ''Reading Teacher (RT): a teacher who reads and a reader who teaches'' (Commeyras and colleagues). The research design was multilayered; involving data collection at individual, school and LA levels, and using a range of quantitative and qualitative data research methods and tools. This paper provides an overview of the Phase II research. It suggests that teachers need support if they are to develop children's reading for pleasure, and enhance their involvement as socially engaged and self-motivated readers.
This research identifies and examines the challenges of blending digital distance and vocational learning for non‐traditional and low‐socio‐economic status students who are new to university education. A survey of students in vocational primary education and early years qualifications in a distance university is illuminated by interviews with individual students and video diaries recorded by them during module study. Barriers to study include where and when to go online, finding support for digital study, navigating virtual learning environments and knowing what is relevant, variable or no technologies in the workplace, making connections between workplace technologies and ICT for study, and storing and organising digital information. As university education goes increasingly online, the research aims to improve institutional awareness and provision for widening participation. The research findings suggest practical changes to ameliorate experiences of digital distance vocational learning and by these means to improve student retention, progression and completion.
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