As a teacher, I love learning. I see it as my duty to model a love of learning to my students. That is why I completed my part time MEd, have weekly French lessons and eagerly attend open lectures on various topics at the local university. It has also driven me to study my EdD.
This page is of recommendations for teachers looking for useful resources to support their continued professional development with evidence informed research.
We welcome your comments and discussion below.
A note of Caution…
Dylan Wiliam discusses some of the issues with educational research.
Great watching for anyone embarking on Masters/Doctoral level study in education.
General Teaching
Rosenshine’s Principles in Action
by Tom Sherrington
In this remarkably concise and easy-to-read short book, Tom puts forward a simple model for effective teaching and instruction.
This book is perfect for teachers of any level and specialism.
Rosenshine’s original paper has been attached below as well.
Putting Students on the Path to Learning
The Case for Fully Guided Instruction
This short summary discusses why explicit instruction is always more effective than discovery based learning (or less guided instruction of any form).
Clarke, Kirschnew and Sweller are three of the heavy weights in cognitive psychology, and they have summarised their results in an easy to read fashion.
Willingham, in his typically accessible writing style, discusses the nature of critical thinking. He talks about the issues of transfer in education, and how this impacts teaching and learning.
Interesting stuff!
Learning Versus Performance
This excellent paper reviews how immediate performance from formative assessment can be misleading, and a poor proxy for long term learning.
The first sentence is a great definition of learning:
The primary goal of instruction should be to facilitate long-term learning—that is, to create relatively permanent changes in comprehension, understanding, and skills of the types that will support long-term retention and transfer.
Maths Teaching
Research Papers for Maths Teachers
This page is my library of thought-provoking and insightful research which has inspired my teaching journey.
I also have a specific page on Conceptual Understanding, which is the focus of my current research.
How I wish I’d Taught Maths
by Craig Barton
This was my first book which I read as a trainee teacher. It was transformative, and drastically improved my practice with inspiration for my practice straight away.
Craig’s podcast is also a brilliant resource for easy listening for Maths teachers. He interviews some impressive guests and has helped develop my thinking around effective pedagogy.
Cognitive Load Theory in Action
by Oliver Lovell
Cognitive Load Theory is a model for how the human brain gains knowledge and skills. This is useful in education, because that’s effectively the entire point of education.
In this book, Lovell explains how this rigorous, and proven model can be implemented in the classroom to promote learning. Well worth a read.
Progressively Incorrect Podcast
by Zach Groshell
Another accessible podcast from Dr Zach Groshell, an instructional coach. Zach interviews experts in the field of educational research, and discusses the implications for classroom practice. Great for listening while at the gym or the morning commute.
Addvance Maths 