Approaches to teaching and learning

Approaches to teaching and learning at the Skylark Federation are based on research. Graham Nuthall’s seminal research carried and published in ‘The Hidden Lives of Learners’ in 2007 provides the backdrop for many of the principles outlined in this guide. It is an outstanding book and a recommended read for all engaged in the process of teaching and learning.

Rosenshine’s Principle of Instruction (see summary of research paper here: Principles of Instruction: Research-Based Strategies That All Teachers Should Know, by Barak Rosenshine; American Educator Vol.) provide teachers with a set of principles around which to frame their approach to direct instruction in the classroom.

Paul Black and Dylan William’s seminal research paper ‘Inside the Black Box: Raising Standards Through Classroom Assessment (see here: (PDF) Inside the Black Box Raising Standards Through Classroom Assessment) provides the go-to resource in terms of embedding outstanding formative assessment in every class in our federation).