There's been a big push to get classroom practice shaped by evidence of 'what works'. This has been largely inspired by advances in healthcare, where the use of research trials and national guidelines to improve patient care and outcomes is more established. This approach has not gone uncontested in education (or health) and 'evidence-informed practice' is still to be firmly embedded across all schools. Why is this, and do we even have a shared understanding of what we're aiming for when it comes to teachers' engagement with and use of research? In this debate we heard from leading commentators about whether, in their view, this is the correct agenda for education and, if so, what evidence-informed practice should look like and the steps needed to realise that vision across all schools.

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12/5/2019

We've accepted that teaching may no longer be a lifelong vocation, and even made a virtue of that. We're in the midst of trying to reduce teacher workloads, and there's been talk of using technology to work around teacher shortages. But this is defeatist and piecemeal. Is it time for a more radical rethink of what the teacher's role and remit should be in order to make the most of this vital profession? How can we combat the continuous challenge surrounding teacher retention? Let's explore how technology and best practice from other professions can be used to transform teaching. Speakers • Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers • Jonathan Simons, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Varkey Foundation • Lucy Crehan, International Education Consultant at the Education Development Trust; • Martin Mills, incoming Director of the Centre for Research on Teachers & Teaching • Chair: Professor Becky Francis, Director of the IOE

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12/5/2019

Why has the differential status of academic and vocational education been so intractable, and is there any real prospect of overcoming it? What if we were really determined to level the playing field - what would it take? It's time to address the latest issues surrounding the stubborn academic-vocational divide. Come along and join us in the debate. Speakers: • Mary Curnock Cook, former Chief Executive of UCAS; chair, Kensington and Chelsea College. • Tony Little, Chief Academic Officer at Global Education Management Systems (GEMS) and former Head Master of Eton. • Sir Michael Wilshaw, former Chief Inspector of Schools In England and Head of Ofsted • Alison Fuller, Professor of Vocational Education and Work and Pro-Director for Research and Development at the UCL Institute of Education (IOE) • Chair: Professor Becky Francis, Director of the IOE #IOEDebates

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12/5/2019

It's a cause that's generated reams of policy wonkery, as well as a far-reaching education reforms - most recently the drive to provide 'powerful knowledge' for all in schools, through to the removal of the cap on university student numbers. But is any of this really going to bring about the meritocracy that many say we should aspire to, and any time soon? What if we wanted quicker results? Speakers • Kate Pickett, Professor of Epidemiology in the Department of Health Sciences at the University of York; co-author, 'The Spirit Level: Why Equality is Better for Everyone'. • Lord David Willetts, the Executive Chair of the Resolution Foundation • Diane Reay, Professor of Education at Cambridge University • James Croft, Chair of the Centre for Education Economics (CfEE) Chair: Professor Becky Francis, Director of the UCL Institute of Education (IOE) #IOEDebates

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12/4/2019