Overview of Visible Learning Conference - what works in schools to improve learning?

A group of ADSB administrators attended the Visible Learning Conference held in Toronto in early February (2015). It featured the work of Professor John Hattie of the University of Melbourne. Hattie is the author of the ground-breaking book “Visible Learning,” which synthesized the results of more than 15 years’ research involving millions of students and represented the biggest ever collection of evidence-based research into what actually works in schools to improve learning.

Conference attendees focused on topics such as creating visible learners, seeking out student voice and applying the Visible Learning research meta-analysis to classroom practice. When teachers see learning through the eyes of their students and students see themselves as their own teachers – this is what is meant by Visible Learning.

A major message within the book “Visible Learning” is that what works best for students is similar to what works best for teachers. This includes an attention to setting challenging learning intentions, being clear about what success means, and an attention to learning strategies for developing conceptual understanding about what teachers and students know and understand.

Michael Fullan, co-author of “A Rich Seam”, said this of the book: “Visible Learning is the definitive book on sorting out the effectiveness of teaching strategies – a must read for those who want to improve teaching and learning.”

The thinking and research behind "Visible Learning" aligns with and links to “A Rich Seam” and in turn to Algoma District School Board’s Board Improvement Plan for Student Achievement. Information about the Visible Learning Conference was shared with Principals at their February meeting to take back to their schools.