Written by Michelle Ware, Quality Teaching Academy, University of Newcastle.
Teacher agency in learning design is becoming a hot topic in an age where AI-generated resources and centrally designed lessons, assessments and units of work are the rule rather than the exception. An over-reliance on “ready-made” resources risks a dependence on these rather than the curriculum documents themselves, as the source of what needs to be taught and when. Teachers are questioning just how well out-sourced teaching materials are meeting the unique learning needs and interests of the students in their classrooms. Are scripted lessons engaging enough for the students (and teachers)? Is the prevalence of lesson delivery via pre-fab PowerPoint slides allowing teachers’ passion, interests and expertise to shine through? Is the profession shifting towards technical delivery rather than nuanced teaching? And are ready-made lessons really saving teachers time? We know that levels of burnout are rising in the profession and it’s little wonder, given the pressure to keep up with new curriculum roll out schedules, deliver prioritised teaching approaches and absorb ever-increasing amounts of system-mandated initiatives.
While this may seem to paint a picture of doom and gloom, a powerful, tried-and-tested approach to professional development is rejuvenating teachers and school leaders around the world: Quality Teaching (QT) Rounds. Distinguished Laureate Professor Jenny Gore AM and her research team at the University of Newcastle continue to produce ground-breaking evidence that this practical, rigorously-tested PD makes a positive difference for students, teachers and schooling more broadly.
QT Rounds utilises the Quality Teaching (QT) Model as the basis of respectful, analytical discussions of practice. The turn-taking protocols embedded in QT Rounds ensure a confidential and de-personalised approach that builds trust and strong professional relationships.
The research behind QT Rounds
- More than 20 years of research underpins QT Rounds PD. Recent large-scale trials in NSW and QLD (2018-2023) found students whose teachers did QT Rounds experienced up to an additional two months’ growth in maths and up to three additional months’ growth in reading (compared to students whose teachers did “business as usual” PD) over an 8 month period.
- Longer-term partnerships have resulted in one school’s HSC results improving by 50% over four years and NAPLAN valued-add being the highest in the Hunter Region and 7th highest in NSW. Teacher morale, sense of belonging, and student attendance also increased, along with a significant reduction in student suspensions.
- The Strengthening Induction through Quality Teaching Rounds federally-funded research project is currently supporting early career teachers and their experienced colleagues in all Australian States and Territories. As the study reaches it’s final year, we are already seeing teacher burn out dropping and sense of confidence, efficacy and collaboration rising for both groups of teachers.
- The Thriving Schools project is currently partnering with 20 NSW low-ICSEA primary and central schools over three years to:
o Support teacher wellbeing
o Build positive school culture
o Lift student academic outcomes
o Improve equity
What do teachers say about QT Rounds?
Teachers throughout Australia say it’s the best professional development they’ve ever done because it focuses on the core business of teachers and honours the complexity of teaching. It doesn’t require adoption of particular teaching approaches or strategies, but rather, provides a lens to analyse the quality of lessons, tasks and units of work – whether it’s direct, explicit instruction through to project-based learning approaches, Foundation or Year 12, maths or music.
High quality pedagogy at the heart of teaching and learning
The QT Model of pedagogy is centred on three key concepts:
- Intellectual Quality – developing deep understanding of important knowledge
- Quality Learning Environment – ensuring positive classrooms that boost student learning
- Significance- connecting learning to students’ lives and the wider world
How to access QT Rounds and other QT PD?
Based at the University of Newcastle, the Quality Teaching (QT) Academy provides well-respected and sought after PD that supports teachers and school leaders to engage with QT Rounds, QT Assessment and QT in learning design. Interactive workshops are held in person and online, and many schools partner with us to create tailored PD to meet their specific needs.
Talk to us about how your school could benefit from Federal government funding for QT Rounds training or visit qtacademy.edu.au
Quality Teaching Rounds – an approach to professional development that connects and empowers teachers.
The QT Academy is exhibiting at the National Education Summit in Melbourne on 3-4 September (stand B21) and presenting a free session in the Knowledge Centre on Thursday 3 September at 12:45pm: Teacher or technician? Choosing a collaborative path to stronger practice in the age of GenAI
We are offering NES delegates a limited number of complimentary spots at our upcoming workshops – come and say hi at the NES Melbourne QT Academy stand B21.
Contact: michelle.ware@newcastle.edu.au
+61 0412 480 633