Finding the ‘Just Right’ Research-Based Teaching Approaches

In this episode of Authro Chats, Andrew Watson discusses his new book, The Goldilocks Map: A Classroom Teacher’s Quest to Evaluate ‘Brain-Based’ Teaching Advice (John Catt Educational).

Watson takes a unique approach, laying out the book as a quest that maps out research-based advice in a practical, stepped approach. The idea is to help teachers get into the “Goldilocks Zone,” the often elusive “just right” place where they can comfortably discern between which research-based practices to incorporate and which to avoid. By combining 18 years of in-classroom experience and 13 years studying neuroscience and psychology, Watson melds research with teaching practices in an approachable, informative, and exciting guide that can benefit all teachers.

Think through the following questions as you listen to the interview. How does Watson’s advice match your typical approach to research? 

• How are you finding that right balance of openness to new ideas and a respect for traditional expertise as an educator? How are you thinking critically about the information you’re receiving to ensure the research is valid and its recommendations are practical?

• In your opinion, what changes need to take place within your school to give research-based practices time to take hold?

• Research has demonstrated that practices that help students perform right away don’t always deliver long term benefits. What is your personal experience with these findings, and do you think school leadership can play a significant role in lessening the burden of immediate return in the classroom?

• What are some winning practices that opened your eyes to the benefits of educational research?

Learn more about Andrew Watson’s book, The Goldilocks Map.

Listen to more episodes of Author Chats.