The 8 Mind Frames of Teachers Who Impact Student Learning

In 2008 Professor John Hattie undertook the largest ever meta-analysis on the effect of different factors on educational outcomes. The results of this study formed the basis for his hugely popular book Visible Learning and the educator focused Visible Learning for Teachers. A fascinating study with many practical applications, Hattie was able to show that school leaders who develop the below 8 mind frames were more likely to have a major impact on student learning.

1. Educators believe that their fundamental task is to evaluate the effect of their teaching on students’ learning

Teachers believe that the “best” teaching does not mean employing the top teaching methods, rather it involves altering instruction “on the fly” based on feedback about the effects they are having on students.

2. Educators believe that success and failure in student learning is about what they as educators did or did not do

Teachers see themselves as “change agents” who take responsibility for enhancing student learning and setting high expectations.

3. Educators should talk more about the learning than the teaching

Teachers need to recognize that they mostly talk about teaching and instead they need to learn how to discuss student learning.

4. Educators see assessment as feedback about their impact

Of course assessment is about the student, but teachers need to begin to see classroom assessment as feedback for the teacher as well – Who did you teach well and who not so well? What did you teach well and not so well?

5. Educators engage in dialogue not just monologue

Currently, classrooms are dominated by teacher talk. There is a major need for teachers to see their role as listeners – they should listen to students’ questions, their ideas, their struggles, their strategies of learning, their successes, their interactions with peers, etc.

6. Educators enjoy the challenge

The teacher’s role is not to decide on a challenge and break it into small pieces for the student, but rather to engage the student in the challenge.

7. Educators believe it is their role to develop positive relationships in classrooms and staffrooms

Many teachers create warm relationships, but this is different. Teachers must create a climate such that students believe they can make errors without getting snide looks and comments from peers. Learning requires these errors. Leaders must do this for staff as well.

8. Educators inform families about the language of learning

In order to enhance the engagement of students in their learning, educators must bring parents into the experience as well.

 

Feature image courtesy of Flickr, neil conway.

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