What research do you need to make evidence-informed decisions about edtech?

Every year at BETT I play a little game: I go up to stalls and ask how they know whether their product makes a difference to what or how well children learn. In the past, I have been met with blank stares or told that "children just love it". This year was different, though: I was impressed by the number of companies that could talk about how resea...

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A beginner’s guide to Doctor Gary Jones

Best known for: Jones is an advocate of evidence-based educational leadership and management. His blog, Evidence Based Educational Leadership, explores how educators can use research more in their practice, and the pedagogical implications in doing so. In 2016 he published an online handbook for teachers and school leaders on the best uses of evide...

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A beginner’s guide to Professor Sugata Mitra

Best known for: In 1999 Mitra carried out a series of Hole in the Wall (HIW) experiments about children's learning. The first experiment involved children being given free access to a computer embedded in a wall between his office and a Delhi slum. The experiment aimed to prove that children could easily learn from computers without any formal trai...

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A beginner’s guide to Doug Lemov

Best known for: Lemov has become something of a household name in teaching circles following the success of his 2010 book Teach Like a Champion. Based on best practices from experienced teachers, the book provides practical knowledge and proven techniques to help teachers teach better. Now in its second edition, Lemov's guide to '62 techniques that...

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A beginner’s guide to Professor Andy Hargreaves

Best known for: In January 2015, Hargreaves was ranked the number six scholar with the most influence on US policy. He consults with organisations and governments all over the world and has authored or edited over 30 books, several of which have gained awards. He currently serves as adviser in education to the Premier of Ontario. He is also foundin...

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