Exploring Teacher-Led Micro-RCTs

WhatWorked Education is working with the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) on a new research study exploring whether primary school teachers can run their own classroom-based mini-trials using an online platform.

This is a feasibility study - a short project designed to test whether something is practical and useful in real schools. We’re looking at whether primary school teachers can use a platform called WhatWorked Teachers to run micro-RCTs (micro-randomised controlled trials) to find out what works best for their pupils. Micro-RCTs are short, focused trials embedded in classroom practice.

Participating teachers will test a 6-week spelling intervention, enter anonymised pre- and post-test scores, and instantly receive an automated impact report showing the results in their classroom.

Contribute to national research, trial a structured intervention, and build your confidence as a teacher-researcher.

• Choose a short, 10-minute structured spelling intervention (based on the 'Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check' method) to run over 6 weeks.
• Decide how you want to deliver it – either to a whole class (class-level randomisation) or a small group of pupils (pupil-level randomisation). If you only have one class, or a mixed-year-group class, you’ll need to use the small-group option.
• Run a short spelling test (20 words) before and after the intervention, entering anonymised scores into the platform.
• Receive an instant report showing the impact of the intervention on your class.

• Teach in a mainstream primary school in England
• Have at least one class in Year 2, 3, 4 or 5
• Be able to deliver the intervention and enter test scores between October and December 2025, respond to surveys and attend an interview/focus group between November 2025-January 2026
• Not already be involved in another EEF literacy trial during that time with the same year groups

• Trial a spelling strategy in your classroom
• Get an instant, personalised report to show impact on your students
• Experience what it's like to run your own mini research project
• Help build a teacher-led evidence base for literacy
• receive all materials, videos, and support at no cost
• Minimal disruption: 10 minutes per session, over 6 weeks

1. Register your interest via the short online form: https://forms.gle/TzvyvR2fNWcVf5uP6
2. You’ll receive a Setting Information Sheet, demo video, and an optional invitation to book a 1:1 call with the research team
3. You’ll be sent a unique access code to the WhatWorked Teachers platform
4. Create an account, select an intervention and the platform’s Trial Wizard will guide you through: choosing your trial design, randomising pupils or classes, uploading anonymised pre-test and post-test scores
5. After uploading post-test scores, you’ll instantly receive a summary report showing the impact for your students
6. After the trial, you’ll be invited to complete a short survey or join an interview/focus group to share your experience (optional)

1. Register your interest via our form: https://forms.gle/CWTsK4zd1snFXPYR8
2. Receive your Setting Information Sheet, a short demo video, MOU and optional link to arrange a meeting with the research team for any further information
3. Sign a short participation agreement (MOU)
4. Start your classroom trial!

• Visit our FAQs page
• Visit our EEF Project Page
• Contact the WhatWorked Education team at support@whatworkedteachers.com.