Empowering Teachers to Build Robust Evidence in Education

May 16 / Dr Wayne Harrison
In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, the need for robust, evidence-based practices has never been more critical. At WhatWorked, we are excited to introduce our new evidence platform, a free service designed to empower teachers with the tools and knowledge they need to create strong, actionable evidence in education.

Our platform provides comprehensive support through a streamlined process, enabling educators to implement and evaluate interventions effectively. Here's how our innovative service works and how it can transform the way teachers approach educational research.

How does the platform work?

The WhatWorked teachers website is specifically designed to streamline the process of generating robust evidence for teachers. We understand time is the number one resource that is scarce in schools, so we have set up the system so that the set up time is between 30 to 60 minutes for the programmes in your school. We focus on small scale evaluations that can be delivered in schools in 6 - 8 weeks (half-term).

Step-by-Step Guidance Through Informative Video

Understanding the importance of clear, concise guidance, our platform begins with three short, yet informative videos. These videos are designed to walk teachers through the essential components of the process:

How the Platform Works
: This video explains how to use the trial wizard and the types of evaluations that we support teachers to use.
The Research Evidence:
This segment delves into the existing research evidence, helping teachers understand the theoretical underpinnings and proven effectiveness of the intervention.
Implementation in Schools:
The final video offers practical advice on how to implement the intervention within their specific school context.

Comprehensive Research Protocol Document


After watching the videos, teachers can download a detailed research protocol document. This document outlines critical elements such as:

  • Research Questions: Clearly defined questions that the trial aims to answer.
  • Sample: Information on the participants involved in the study.
  • Outcomes Measures: The metrics that will be used to evaluate the intervention's success.
  • Analysis Plan: A step-by-step guide on how the data will be analysed.

Resource Folder and Trial Wizard
Teachers then download a resource folder, which includes all necessary materials to conduct the trial. Following this, they start the Trial Wizard—a user-friendly tool that guides them through the entire research process.

  • Setting Start and End Dates: Teachers set the timeline for their trial, ensuring a structured approach.
  • Randomisation: Depending on the trial design, teachers randomise participants at either the class or individual level.
  • Pre-Assessment Data: Teachers input initial data to establish a baseline for comparison.
  • Implementation: Teachers implement the intervention in their school.
  • Post-Assessment Data: After the intervention period, teachers input the post-assessment data into the system.
  • Impact Report: Our platform then generates a comprehensive impact report, highlighting the effectiveness of the intervention and providing valuable insights.

Process Evaluation and Data Aggregation

The final step for teachers is to complete a short online process evaluation, sharing their experiences and any challenges encountered. At WhatWorked, we then aggregate the data from all individual trials, building a cumulative evidence base. This process not only helps bridge the gap between research and practice but also contributes to a broader understanding of what works in education.


Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice

Our evidence platform represents an exciting leap forward in educational research. By providing teachers with the tools and support they need to conduct rigorous trials, we are helping to build a more robust evidence base for educational practices. This, in turn, enables educators to make informed decisions that positively impact student outcomes.

At WhatWorked, we believe that empowering teachers with the ability to create and utilise strong evidence is key to improving education. Our platform is designed with this mission in mind, offering a practical, user-friendly approach to educational research. Join us in improving education and making a real difference in the lives of students and teachers alike.

Visit our new site www.whatworkedteachers.com to find out more. If you are interested in a demo of our platform, sign up to the Teacher Demo: KS2 Year 3 Multiplication and Division Peer Tutoring on the available trials section of the website.
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