RfT

The evidence for Montessori teaching methods

Around a hundred years ago, Maria Montessori (1870-1952) devised a method of educating children that was radically different to the traditional method of her time. Her approach continues to inspire many teachers today.   Montessori based her theory and classroom practices on observations and trial and error in her own classrooms.  But is there a more scientific evidence base to support her methods?   This TLA research summary explores the findings of a book that set out to examine recent psychological research in support of Montessori's methods.

Grouping pupils and students

Selection and ability grouping are issues that can cause heated debate amongst teachers, leaders and parents, as they can hold very different opinions about which of the alternative approaches to grouping they prefer.Those who favour streaming and setting make claims for its effectiveness in terms of pupil or student achievement; those against point to the 'unfairness' of the system and its potentially negative effects on pupils' and students' self esteem.

Raising standards through classroom assessment

For this TLA research summary, we selected, appraised and summarised a study that might be helpful to teachers wanting to find out more about using assessment 'formatively' - that is, as a teaching and learning tool in their classrooms. The study is: Black, Paul and Dylan William. Inside the Black Box. London: King's College, 1998. We have used our 'scaffolding' of questions to see what useful information the report contained for teachers.

Hattie's concept of visible teaching and learning

There is a great deal of research about what makes a difference in the classroom, but of greatest importance to teachers is knowing which teaching and learning experiences make the most difference. One study set out to find out just that:Hattie, J. (2009) Visible learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses related to achievement, Routledge, LondonHattie looked at more than 800 meta-analyses about influences on learning. Each meta-analysis had reviewed studies that gave evidence about the impact on student achievement of a particular intervention.

Carl Rogers and classroom climate

There's an old saying in teaching, 'Don't smile before Christmas' (meaning 'don't show your nice side before you've shown them who's boss'). But Carl Roger's work led him to believe passionately that teachers should do precisely the opposite. He believed that teachers should seek to create emotionally warm, supportive environments in which they worked collaboratively with their students to achieve mutual goals.   In such environments, he suggested, students came to 'love' learning.

Researching effective pedagogy in the early years

For this feature, the TLA research team selected research undertaken by the 'Researching effective pedagogy in the early years' (REPEY) project. We hope that this summary will offer all teachers the opportunity to find out about effective practice for laying the foundation for learning upon which all teachers and learners build.The early years of children's learning has traditionally been an under-researched area. The availability of this rigorous and far-reaching stream of evidence is an important step forward.

Home-school knowledge exchange

Continuing the theme of an earlier TLA research summary on parental involvement in children's learning, in this summary we look at a project* which explored exactly how children might benefit if teachers learned more about children's lives outside school and parents learned more about life in school.The 'Home-school knowledge exchange' (HSKE) project set out to answer a number of important questions thrown up by previous research: how can schools communicate better with parents? what kinds of knowledge exist in children's lives outside of school which could be used to help their learning? wha

Ways forward with ICT

For this TLA research summary we selected, appraised and summarised a study which teachers might find useful as they get to grips with information and communication technology (ICT) across the curriculum. The questions we have devised bring out the particular aspects of the study that we think are most valuable for teachers.The study is: Moseley, David, Steve Higgins et al (Newcastle University) and Lynn Newton (CEM Centre, Durham University).  Ways forward with ICT: effective pedagogy using information and communications technology for literacy and numeracy in primary schools.