Research School Network: Take part in trials All schools should take part in trials of high potential programmes, says Thomas Martell

How effective is lesson study? Does running breakfast clubs improve pupils’ learning? Will paying students for working hard lead to better results? Can we actually get formative assessment to live up to its promise? Is project based learning the way forward?

These are just some of the questions that been subjected to an independent evaluation by the Education Endowment Foundation. While you may feel you already know the answers to some of these questions, they have all been the subject of genuine professional uncertainty and debate. Wherever there is such professional disagreement, I firmly believe that trials are the best thing to do.

Randomised controlled trials are not perfect; they have many limitations. However – in my view – they are the best way we have of answering the question is ​‘this better than that’. Ultimately, these are the types of questions that teachers and school leaders are faced with everyday. While single trials seldom definitely answers these questions, they can reduce our uncertainty and guide us towards best bets.

There are currently lots of opportunities to participate in trials of high potential programmes funded by the Education Endowment Foundation. There are at least three reasons why all school should give these some serious consideration.

• Trial a high potential programme – which has the potential to benefit your pupils learning directly.
  
  
• Create a legacy of knowledge – everyday teachers and school leaders make countless decisions. Participating in a trial will create a legacy of knowledge that will help guide future generations of teachers and school leaders to make better choices.
  
  
• Engage your colleagues – and sometimes pupils – in a professional discussion about the choices we make in schools. Getting involved a trial is a great way of deepening your school’s engagement with evidence-informed practice.

Find out more about the latest opportunities through the Education Endowment Foundation’s website. If you want to talk through the latest trials, then do not hesitate to get in touch.

The answers to the opening questions are: not very, yes, no, yes, and definitely not. I recommend reading the full reports for more comprehensive answers.