What does effective classroom research mean for teaching — and for schools as learning communities?

In this episode of Education Unlocked — Learn. Apply. Thrive., Marc Pietersen explores the implications of his action research findings for both classroom practice and whole-school development.

This episode examines:

•How research-informed strategies can strengthen everyday teaching

•Why scaffolding, reflection, and confidence matter — especially for EAL learners

•How action research can move from individual inquiry to collective professional growth

•Practical ways schools can embed reflective practice into CPD

Grounded in established educational research, this episode supports teachers and leaders looking to create sustainable, inclusive, and evidence-informed learning environments.

References:

•Alqahtani, S. S. (2024). A meta-analysis of technology-based interventions for
elementary students with reading difficulties. Humanities and Social Sciences
Communications, 11, Article 1629. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-04159-y

•British Educational Research Association. (2018). Ethical guidelines for
educational research (4th ed.)
https://www.bera.ac.uk/publication/ethical-guidelines-for-educational-research-20
18

•CAST. (2018). Universal Design for Learning guidelines version 2.2. CAST.
http://udlguidelines.cast.org

•CColorín Colorado. (2012). ELLs and reading fluency in English.
https://www.colorincolorado.org/article/ells-and-reading-fluency-english

•Hammond, J., & Gibbons, P. (2005). Putting scaffolding to work: The contribution
of scaffolding in articulating ESL education. Prospect: An Australian Journal of
TESOL, 20(1), 6–30.
https://neilwhitfield.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/20_1_1_hammo
nd.pdf

•Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. Sage Publications.

•Piaget, J. (1973). To understand is to invent: The future of education. Grossman
Publishers. https://archive.org/details/tounderstandisto0000piag

•Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological
processes (M. Cole, V. John-Steiner, S. Scribner, & E. Souberman, Eds.).
Harvard University Press.
https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674576292

About the Podcast

Education Unlocked supports teachers in building confidence, clarity, and classroom impact through research-informed, practical strategies. Hosted by Marc Pietersen, this podcast bridges the gap between theory and practice — helping teachers thrive, one lesson at a time.

If this episode helped you reflect or refine your practice, consider following the podcast or sharing it with a colleague.

Learn. Apply. Thrive.