What teaching approaches are most effective in helping pupils to pay attention, grasp new ideas, develop skill (such as writing), retain knowledge, transfer knowledge, and be motivated to learn? Why are these approaches most effective? Applied research might include, for example: how various forms of retrieval practice can help pupils retain knowledge for longer periods, or how teacher instruction, teacher questioning, and in-class reading can be used to enhance understanding, and how these effects vary across different phases or subjects.

Background

Our goal is to create a world-class school system that ensures every child is taught a broad and ambitious knowledge-rich curriculum by highly skilled teachers, so they can achieve their potential. We need to continue to develop the evidence base around effective teaching practice and curriculum design, with teaching increasingly viewed as an applied science (akin to medicine) where evidence-based approaches are widely utilised, and skilled teachers draw upon expert support and professional communities. We also need to build our understanding of how best to replicate the success of high performing schools, and how school trusts can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their schools, including through management of the school estate. A key part of this is building evidence on the most successful school approaches to improving attendance.

Next steps

If you would like to discuss previous, ongoing or potential research into any of the areas in this document, please contact research.engagement@education.gov.uk.

Source

This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:

Df E Areas of Research Interest 2024

Related UKRI funded projects