As the saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” This idea is used in modelling, which is essentially allowing teachers to see key skills in practice. And recent research suggests that tapping into this strategy may be key to accelerating professional development.
What are models?
Models involve directly portraying specific techniques to teachers. Some examples include live demonstrations and video-based models. They essentially help create a mental “image” of the teaching technique in your head, so you can understand the most important aspects of the skill and use it effectively in your teaching.
What does the research say?
In a fascinating study, researchers investigated whether video models could help improve the teaching skill of using Retrieval Practice. Specifically, they wanted to see if modelling led to better skill improvement than simply reading information about the theory of Retrieval Practice.
After giving early-career teachers instructions on the use of Retrieval Practice in the classrooms, the teachers either re-read the material or watched a video modelling the technique in a classroom setting.
What did the researchers find? The teachers who read the theory and then saw the model had a larger improvement in the teaching skill of Retrieval Practice use than the re-reading group. This suggests that using models in teacher training can help trainees pick up and apply the skills more effectively than other methods.
We were inspired by this research
For a long time, we at InnerDrive have worked hard to translate and illuminate Teaching & Learning research. We believe that there is gold in the research, and if we can effectively communicate it to teachers, then it can help the profession become more evidence-informed. But one thing was always missing: a deep dive into what it actually looks like in action.
Until now.
We are proud to announce a new series as part of our partnership with Teach Like a Champion. We are calling it Teaching Unpacked. Each video features live classroom demonstrations, alongside commentary from Doug Lemov. Plus, some of the videos are split into two parts. In part one, Bradley Busch from InnerDrive will look at a fascinating study from Cognitive Science, before Doug Lemov analyses, reflects, and unpacks an example of it in action from a real classroom lesson.
By combining both research and application, we believe that teachers can help build a better understanding of what the theory says and what it looks like in action.
Our series includes topics such as Retrieval Practice, Elaboration and Cognitive Load Theory. Here are two clips from videos from the series; the first looks at Positive and Inclusive Cold-Calling, and the second at Hick’s Law.
How Teaching Unpacked works
Talking about the new partnership, Edward Watson, founder of InnerDrive said:
“For me, this is a total game changer. We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with TLAC on this Teaching Unpacked series. Schools and colleges who use our Teacher CPD Academy series will be able to access it straight away as part of their subscription. We at InnerDrive pride ourselves on illuminating cognitive science research. By partnering with TLAC on this series, teachers can now see what this may look like in action.”
Doug Lemov also noted:
“I am really excited about the partnership between TLAC and InnerDrive. I’ve always admired how InnerDrive was able to explain research and make it visible so it’s understandable and accessible to teachers. Combining that with TLAC’s library of videos and my team’s passion for translating research makes for a perfect partnership. We’ve collaborated on blog posts and data visualisations together in the past, and I joined them at their Teaching & Learning Summit last year, so this feels like a great natural next step. I can’t wait for teachers and educators to have this evidence-informed and practical resource at their fingertips. We are hoping it will be a real game changer in professional development.”
See it for yourself
Members of InnerDrive’s Teacher CPD Academy can already access this new Teaching Unpacked series. It is ready and waiting for you on the platform. And for all professional development leads at new schools and colleges who want to find out more about joining, please send us an email to unpacked@innerdrive.co.uk and we can start you on a free two-week trial.
