In Episode 24 of Podclass, we are joined by the legendary Professor John Hattie to explore what it truly means for educators to know their impact. Hosted by Skye Hughes, Amanda Marshall, and Will Masara, this episode dives deep into how teachers' thought processes, expectations, and classroom climates shape learning outcomes. As one of the world’s foremost educational researchers, Hattie shares powerful insights from his Visible Learning work, offering practical strategies to help educators maximise their effectiveness.
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Who is John Hattie?
John Hattie, the renowned researcher behind Visible Learning, has revolutionised our understanding of what truly works in education. Synthesising over 2,100 meta-analyses, his work draws from the experiences of more than 400 million students globally. In this episode, John shares how his journey has been driven by curiosity and the pursuit of understanding the "why" behind impactful teaching.
"This has not been my career—it’s been a hobby that’s taken over." – John Hattie
Evaluative Thinking and Classroom Impact
The conversation focuses on the importance of evaluative thinking in shaping effective teaching practices. John discusses how teachers’ mindsets, rather than specific actions, drive high-impact outcomes. He highlights the importance of fostering safe, trust-filled classrooms where students are encouraged to embrace struggle and develop confidence in their learning.
"Struggle should be the most powerful, positive word in the classroom." – John Hattie
Rethinking Differentiation and Teacher Expectations
John challenges traditional approaches to differentiation, advocating for shared success criteria and diverse pathways for students to achieve them. The episode also delves into how high expectations from teachers create transformative classroom environments, enabling all students to grow and succeed.
"Teachers with high expectations have dramatically different classrooms than those with low expectations—because of the way they think." – John Hattie
Conclusion
In this episode, we unpacked the profound impact of teachers’ thought processes on student learning. From creating trusting classroom climates to reimagining differentiation and setting high expectations, John Hattie’s insights encourage educators to reflect on their practices and embrace their ability to make a difference.
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