Exploring the Alignment: Maths Australia’s I-CRAVE Maths® Methodology and John Hattie’s Visible Learning

Introduction

This blog post introduces a series that will delve into the powerful connections between Maths Australia’s I-CRAVE Maths® pedagogy and the insights of John Hattie’s Visible Learning research. We will explore how I-CRAVE Maths® aligns with effective teaching practices and maximises student learning outcomes.

What is Visible Learning: The Sequel?

John Hattie’s “Visible Learning” series is a landmark in educational research. “Visible Learning: The Sequel,” published in 2023, builds upon the original work by synthesising over 2,100 meta-analyses. This extensive research, drawing from more than 130,000 studies and involving more than 400 million students from all around the world.   

Hattie’s work goes beyond simply identifying “what works” in education. It aims to determine “what works best” and addresses critical questions about improving teaching and learning. Key themes in “Visible Learning: The Sequel” include:   

• • The importance of teacher mindsets and evaluative thinking   

• • The significance of intentional alignment of teaching and learning strategies   

• • The need to focus on the impact of teaching rather than just the act of teaching   

Understanding Effect Sizes

A key concept in Visible Learning is “effect size.” Effect size is a statistical measure that helps us understand the magnitude of an intervention or teaching strategy’s impact on student learning. It allows researchers to compare the effectiveness of different approaches and determine whether they have a small, medium, or large effect. In “Visible Learning: The Sequel,” Hattie uses effect sizes to demonstrate the impact of various factors on student achievement.   

Maths Australia’s I-CRAVE Maths®: A Strong Alignment

Maths Australia’s I-CRAVE Maths® pedagogy demonstrates a strong alignment with the principles of Visible Learning. I-CRAVE Maths®, like Visible Learning, emphasises the importance of intentional teaching, understanding how students learn, and creating a positive learning environment.   

Series Outline: Connecting I-CRAVE Maths® and Visible Learning Strategies

In the upcoming series of blog posts, we will explore specific teaching strategies discussed in Visible Learning: The Sequel and demonstrate their alignment with Maths Australia’s I-CRAVE Maths® pedagogy. These strategies include:

• • Jigsaw Method

• • Scaffolding and Situated Learning

• • Constructivist Teaching

• • Reciprocal Teaching   

• • Problem-Solving Teaching

• • Response to Intervention   

• • Explicit Teaching Strategies   

• • Direct Instruction