ResearchED’s Bennett on how to improve the classroom post-COVID-19

The landscape of education has undergone a radical transformation with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, propelling the need for innovative solutions to adapt to the new normal. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Tom Bennett, the Director and Founder of ResearchED, shed light on how the organization is maneuvering to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic and reshape the future of education. ResearchED, a grassroots teacher-led project, focuses on making teachers research literate and pseudo-science proof, advocating for evidence-based practices in the classroom. Bennett emphasized the importance of striking a balance between leveraging technology for remote learning and retaining effective traditional teaching methods. Bennett cautioned against over-reliance on technology as a panacea for educational challenges, highlighting the critical role of in-person interactions between teachers and students. He emphasized the need to incorporate insights from cognitive psychology and learning sciences to enhance classroom practices. Bennett noted that while technology can be a valuable tool, it should not overshadow the fundamental principles of teaching knowledge and core curriculum content. He underscored the significance of avoiding the trap of prioritizing creativity and cooperation over essential knowledge acquisition. One key aspect of ResearchED's mission is to bridge the gap between educational research and classroom implementation by hosting face-to-face conferences. By bringing together educators, teachers, academics, and researchers, ResearchED aims to facilitate knowledge-sharing and dissemination of best practices. Bennett highlighted the organization's efforts to challenge existing educational paradigms and encourage the adoption of evidence-based strategies in teaching. While the past year has posed challenges for in-person events, Bennett expressed optimism about the resumption of face-to-face conferences in the near future. Discussing ResearchED's collaboration with the UK government, Bennett shared insights into the initiative to enhance behavior in schools. Acknowledging the profound impact of student behavior on learning outcomes, Bennett underscored the importance of fostering a conducive environment for student engagement and motivation. Through the behavior hubs program, ResearchED aims to pair schools with exemplary behavior practices with those seeking support and guidance. The initiative, backed by a 10 million pounds investment over three years, seeks to improve behavior in schools and enhance overall learning experiences for students. Addressing the challenges posed by virtual classrooms amid the pandemic, Bennett emphasized the need for clear and specific behavioral expectations for students. The shift to virtual learning environments revealed that children were not inherently adept at navigating digital platforms, necessitating explicit guidance from teachers. Bennett emphasized the role of teachers in outlining clear expectations and reinforcing desired behaviors to facilitate a smooth transition to online learning. He highlighted the importance of collaboration with parents to support students in developing self-regulation skills and meeting academic deadlines. As the education sector grapples with the long-term implications of the pandemic, organizations like ResearchED are at the forefront of driving innovation and fostering evidence-based practices in teaching. By emphasizing the importance of striking a balance between technology and traditional teaching methods, ResearchED is leading the charge in reshaping the future of education post-COVID-19.