David Goodwin: What does the Research say about Checking for Understanding?
David is a Trust-wide Teaching and Learning Lead at Harbour Learning Trust, in the north-east of England. He is also an occasional writer and illustrator of educational ideas and is particularly known for his one-page visual summaries of key teaching and learning concepts. David’s recent publications, in which he has been a co-author include: Organise Ideas: Thinking By Hand, Extending the Mind (with Oliver Caviglioli); The Extended Mind in Action (with Emma Turner and Oliver Caviglioli) and Year One: Lighting the Path on your First Year in Teaching (with Michael Chiles).
In this talk, David delves into the research behind Checking for Understanding and highlights why it’s essential to gauge the understanding of every student, not just a select few. He’ll explore practical, proven techniques — like hinge questions and mini whiteboards — that help identify misconceptions early on, ensuring they are addressed before they become obstacles to learning.
Join us to see how these methods make learning more visible, responsive, and impactful for all students.
Hosted by Dr Steve Murray, Trust Lead for Data Insights and Research at Trust in Learning Academies (TiLA). Steve has a MSc and PhD in Climate Science and has taught geography in a number of secondary schools in North Bristol. He also has experience in middle and senior leadership, with both pastoral and pedagogical responsibility. Steve supports TiLA in drawing insights from data for supporting school improvement, and linking educational research to classroom practice, in order to enhance teacher CPD and improve students’ academic progress. Follow Steve on X @EduResearching.
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