Introduction

Interestingly, John Hattie found that students accounted for around 50 per cent of the variance. Four of the other five factors – hoe, school, principal and peers – only accounted for about 5–10 per cent each, but teachers account for about 30 per cent of the variance. Teacher can and usually do have positive effects, but they must have exceptional effects. Many teachers have the best intentions to improve but things get in the way. For many, improvement simply means trying out new ideas that have been passed on from colleagues, the internet, social media or books. Understanding the principles and the fundamental components that make great teaching is a much more profitable route to take.