Harnessing Technology to Support Research-Based Teaching Practices
Over the past eight years, education investments have shed light on the challenges faced by teachers and students. The education field has undergone a significant shift, moving from a focus on managing student behavior to fostering supportive environments that prioritize holistic student development. This evolution highlights the importance of relationships, belonging, and emotional safety in education. While progress has been made in this direction, there is still a gap between promising resources and their implementation in classrooms. This article explores how technology can bridge this divide and support the adoption of research-based teaching practices.
The Need for Concrete and Accessible Solutions
Despite considerable investment in implementing solutions in select schools or districts, the dissemination of these learnings remains limited. Academic research often remains theoretical or time-consuming to implement, hindering its adoption by educators and the edtech industry. Additionally, the decentralized nature of the education system poses challenges to widespread adoption of evidence-based practices. However, these barriers are not insurmountable, and valuable lessons can be learned from successful partnerships with educators.
The Role of Technology in Education
Technology plays a crucial role in making research-based practices tangible and immediately implementable for teachers. Rather than being confined to research reports, well-designed tools can put these practices at teachers’ fingertips, enhancing their ability to utilize them effectively. To ensure the tools meet educators’ needs, they must be developed in collaboration with teachers and students. This collaborative approach combines the expertise of learning scientists, experts, and technologists to create accessible products that improve outcomes for students.
Moving Forward: Research to Product
Taking these lessons into account, efforts are underway to develop products that make research-based teaching practices more accessible. Previously, grantmaking focused on translating research findings into classroom practices. Now, the focus is on supporting the development of research-based tools that can accelerate progress. This shift from research to product aims to partner with educators, researchers, and students to build tech-enabled tools that support the adoption of high-quality research and content.
A Commitment to Learning and Partnership
Recognizing the complexity of the education system, philanthropies like CZI approach this work with humility. They acknowledge that no single organization can transform education alone. Instead, they leverage resources to make the greatest impact, foster collaborative partnerships, iterate, and share learnings. The progress made towards a whole child approach to education is a testament to the insights and feedback from grantees, supporters, funders, educators, and students. CZI remains dedicated to supporting an education system that unlocks the full potential of every student.
Conclusion:
The transformation of education requires bridging the gap between research and practice. By harnessing technology, educators can access concrete tools that facilitate the implementation of research-based teaching practices. The collaborative approach, involving educators, researchers, and students, ensures that these tools meet the needs of the classroom. Moving forward, philanthropies like CZI are committed to supporting the development of tech-enabled products that accelerate progress in areas such as whole child development, student-teacher relationships, accelerated academic instruction, and career readiness. With a commitment to learning and partnership, the goal is to unlock the full potential of every student and create an education system that prioritizes holistic student development.
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