Maximizing Impactful Actions in Education

This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Arran Hamilton, Author, Researcher and Group Director of Education at Cognition Education. We dove deep into the concept of doing less to achieve more in education. Dr. Hamilton, who has worked closely with John Hattie and Dylan Wiliam, shared insights into the process of de-implementation in schools. Our discussion revealed that not all educational practices are equally effective, and by de-implementing, we can actually enhance student learning.

Key Quotes:

1. "The short answer is categorically yes. We do too much in schools." - Arran
2. "So few of these things are really robust drivers...that on their own seem to significantly accelerate student learning." - Arran
3. "It's really hard to unlearn. So if you've got an ingrained behavior...it's really hard to unlearn that behavior or that practice." - Arran
4. "Everything we do generally makes a positive difference...but it's how much difference is that making?" - Shane
5. "You're probably looking for no more than one to three high priority initiatives that you want to pursue in a given year." - Arran

Arran’s insights from our conversation, along with his, Hattie and Wiliam’s book "Making Room for Impact", offer valuable guidance for school leaders seeking to streamline their practices for better outcomes.

Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIN. My website is shaneleaning.com.

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About the host

Shane Leaning is a passionate organisational development coach with over 14 years of international teaching and leadership experience. His approach to coaching and professional development is all about approachability and attentiveness to the unique strengths and contexts of schools and educators. Shane believes that empowerment fosters growth and success for both educators and students alike.

Thank you for tuning in, and if you found this episode useful, please share. You can find me on LinkedIn and Bluesky.

Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. Passionate about empowering educators, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com.

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