What is Visible Learning?

Visible learning is a term that refers to the process of making learning outcomes clear and observable. This concept was popularized by education researcher John Hattie. In simple terms, it means that both teachers and students can see where learning is happening and where it needs improvement. The goal is to make learning more effective by focusing on what works best.

Key Principles of Visible Learning

Visible learning is based on several key principles:

• Clarity: Learning intentions and success criteria are clearly defined.
• Feedback: Regular feedback helps students understand their progress.
• Engagement: Students are actively involved in their own learning process.

How Does Visible Learning Work?

Visible learning involves a few important steps:

1. Setting Clear Goals: Teachers and students work together to set clear, achievable learning goals.
2. Providing Feedback: Continuous feedback is provided to help students understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
3. Monitoring Progress: Both teachers and students regularly check progress against the learning goals.

Types of Visible Learning Strategies

There are various strategies that can be used in visible learning:

• Learning Intentions: Clearly stating what students are expected to learn.
• Success Criteria: Defining what success looks like so students know when they have achieved their goals.
• Peer Assessment: Encouraging students to assess each other's work fosters critical thinking.

Real-Life Examples of Visible Learning

Let’s look at how visible learning can be applied in real-life classroom settings:

• In a Math Class: A teacher might start by explaining what students will learn about fractions (learning intention). Then, they might outline what success looks like, such as being able to add and subtract fractions (success criteria). Throughout the lesson, the teacher provides feedback on student work, helping them adjust their understanding.
• In a Science Project: Students could be tasked with creating a simple experiment. The teacher sets clear objectives for the project and gives criteria for evaluation. Students work together, receiving feedback from peers and the teacher, making adjustments as they go.

Benefits of Visible Learning

Visible learning has several benefits:

• Improved Student Engagement: When students know what they are learning and why, they tend to be more engaged.
• Better Outcomes: Clear goals and regular feedback can lead to improved academic performance.
• Empowerment: Students become more responsible for their own learning, leading to a sense of ownership.

Conclusion

Visible learning is a powerful approach that can transform the educational experience for both teachers and students. By making learning visible, everyone involved can understand the process better and work towards success.