Research

The latest from the world of education research including pedagogical studies, national school survey data and classroom case studies

Monday

16th May 2022

Do audiobooks make a difference to reading?
As audiobooks and podcasts gain popularity, teachers are wondering if there are advantages to using them in the classroom. Here, Alex Quigley explores the research
Audiobooks, reading

Monday

9th May 2022

What international evidence can teach us about inclusion
When it comes to inclusive education, reform is on its way – and policymakers would do well to learn from countries like Italy, Portugal and Finland, says Margaret Mulholland
What international evidence can teach us about inclusion

Thursday

5th May 2022

Why don’t the effects of interventions last?
The phenomenon of ‘fade-out’ – when the benefits of intervention fail to persist – is common in education research. But, as Christian Bokhove finds, this isn’t a reason to be discouraged
Why don’t the effects of interventions last?

Friday

29th Apr 2022

Streaming: what does the evidence say?
The pandemic prompted some schools to stream pupils by attainment in the hopes of better supporting those who were struggling. But does the practice work? Chris Parr looks at the evidence
Streaming, evidence, groups

Thursday

14th Apr 2022

Are we getting engagement all wrong?
While most teachers would agree that boosting engagement is a good thing, fewer are clear on exactly what it is and how to develop it, says Alex Quigley
Engagement, reading
What’s the role of phonics in secondary school?
Many secondary teachers turn to phonics when trying to improve students’ literacy, but they need to look at previous learning experience, explore alternatives and constantly evaluate, says Thomas Martell
Secondary, Phonics

Tuesday

12th Apr 2022

The key to school improvement? It’s all about relationships
For schools to be able to establish a whole-child approach to learning in the face of mounting pressures, the government needs to enact eight things, writes Margaret Mulholland
goverance, relationships

Thursday

7th Apr 2022

Autism: 5 adjustments needed in your classroom
As research shows that neurodivergent students are more likely to experience regular pain, expert Jane Green explains what additional support needs to be put in place
Neurodiversity, hypermobile

Monday

4th Apr 2022

Is it time to ditch classroom displays?
Do classroom displays lead to any discernible benefits for our pupils or do they distract them from learning? Alex Quigley looks at the research
Classroom, displays, distraction

Friday

1st Apr 2022

Is there really too much grammar teaching?
Critics claim there is too much focus on grammar in schools – but these linguists argue that teaching grammatical terms has huge benefits for learning
Grammar, too, much

Tuesday

29th Mar 2022

White Paper: Why the evidence doesn’t stack up
The Schools White Paper reads like a less effective school improvement plan, says Megan Dixon: lots of actions, but no clear evaluation strategy
Evidence, Stacked

Friday

25th Mar 2022

Ask the expert: How zoology is boosting early literacy skills
As research finds that exposing children to the language of science and the natural world in key stage 1 engages them with literacy and aids progress, Kate Parker chats to the academics to find out more
Expert, Zoology