Learning at work

When we asked which topic subscribers would most like to see research about, appraisal topped the list. This article looks at (a) appraisal for firing - helps administrators only, and (b) appraisal for fixing - helps the teacher and the school.

Teachers engaging in “learning talk” analyse, critique and challenge their current teaching practices to find and/or create more effective ways of teaching. Using three New Zealand studies, this article examines the effectiveness of “learning talk” in facilitating changes in teacher practices and beliefs, and in student achievement. It addresses the challenges to this kind of talk, and explains the role of expert support in facilitating it.