Camilla Jessen
It’s not class size or school resources that make the biggest difference in learning. A top researcher reveals what really drives student success.
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What’s the real key to effective learning? Is it smaller class sizes, better resources, or advanced tech?
According to Australian education expert John Hattie, it’s none of the above.
In his upcoming book Visible Learning – The Sequel, Hattie reveals the most important factor for student success is actually a teacher’s commitment and passion.
Hattie, whose 2008 book Visible Learning became a global sensation among educators, argues that a motivated teacher who loves what they do can make all the difference.
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“It’s not about quick fixes or tricks to boost grades,” Hattie told Scimex. “It’s about transforming the learning culture so teachers love teaching, and students love learning.”
Backed by one of the most extensive research efforts in education, Hattie and his team analyzed 2,100 meta-analyses, covering 130,000 studies and data from 400 million students.
The findings are clear: the enthusiasm of a teacher plays a bigger role than class size or even school funding.
For students to thrive, they need more than just good materials or a nice classroom. They need to see the purpose in what they’re learning and feel connected to their journey. And, crucially, it’s the teacher who sparks that connection.
“All kids can learn, and all can develop a love for learning,” Hattie insists.
The key is for teachers to set high expectations and encourage students to push themselves beyond their comfort zones.
