Targeted Teaching
The Grattan Institute has some great research that they have done in schools and I feel that the report they have done on Targeted Teaching has some fantastic insight and resources on cultural change in schools. This report is on how better use of data can improve student learning. The major things that I took away from this report are:
All teachers should target teaching in their classroom, with schools providing the time, tools and training needed to embed targeted teaching and track progress.
To ensure effective implementation, school leaders should identify priorities, set clear expectations and recognise that change takes time.
That greater student progress should be the goal and targeted teaching is the key to this
Targeted teaching means changing attitudes and practice
Targeted teaching requires robust evidence of learning
Teachers do not have the evidence they need and the tools used to track learning are often not appropriate
All schools collect data but many do not use it appropriately
It identifies three teaching stategies based on Hattie's research that are really key- frequent formative assessment, teacher-student feedback, and formative evaluation of teaching programs
Teachers need the right evidence and need to use it well and that teachers cannot do this alone
Changing practice is hard but possible
The case studies in the report identified that change required persistent implementation
Some issues they identified - were don't create the wrong incentives such as moving from an improvement focus to an accountability focus too quickly; and don't underestimate the challenges of implementation - Change is hard. Integrating evidence of learning into teaching in every classroom requires action across the school;
Where to for teachers - develop a plan to collect and use robust evidence of learning, target teaching in every classroom, steer changes in teaching and school practice effectively
