Evidence-based practice

It’s well understood that highly effective school leaders promote the use of evidence-based teaching practices throughout their school. A new resource aims to support principals, learning leaders and teachers in thinking about their priorities and student needs in mathematics, and what the research says.

‘Implementation is a process not an event’ became a cornerstone phrase for Liam Stakelum as he led change within Marist College Canberra. With co-authors Dr Tanya Vaughan and Susannah Schoeffel he discusses the vision for change, the move from evidence to practice and the implementation process.

In order to better respond to the learning needs of students, Emmaus Christian School in Canberra has moved to a new model of classroom integration for Teaching Assistants. Here, Luke Willsmore, Dr Tanya Vaughan and Susannah Schoeffel discuss the new way of working and the research that informed the change process.

‘Feedback is identified as one of the most powerful strategies to progress student learning.’ Today’s article explores the nature and impact of high quality feedback, and shares how one school’s focus on teacher feedback on students’ writing is driving real change and improving outcomes.

A new set of resources developed by experts at the Australian Council for Educational Research aims to provide an evidence-based approach to the development of critical thinking, creative thinking and collaboration. Dr Claire Scoular shares details and examples of the frameworks in today’s article.

Literacy is a core set of skills that can help students overcome social and economic barriers and underpin success in everyday life. Tanya Vaughan and Susannah Schoeffel share recommendations for the development of good literacy skills among primary students.

‘The current New South Wales school curriculum is in need of reform. That was the clear message from state-wide consultations and submissions to my review.’ In his latest Teacher column, Professor Geoff Masters AO discusses three aspects of the curriculum identified as being in need of reform.

'The school curriculum should embody a society’s vision for its future and play a vital role in achieving that vision.' Professor Geoff Masters AO reflected on this during his review of the New South Wales curriculum and on a study visit to Estonia.

How have the COVID-19 school restrictions affected pre-service teachers and their ability to complete their professional placements while students are learning remotely? We speak to Associate Professor Miriam Tanti, from Australian Catholic University, about how pre-service teachers have used it as an opportunity to develop a unique set of skills, knowledge and undestanding so early in their careers.

All Australian schools and school leaders are currently managing change in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even under ‘normal’ circumstances, change is a difficult process to lead. How can schools implement effectively and efficiently, to support student learning in such unprecedented times?