The best evidence syntheses (BESs) bring together research evidence about ‘what works’ for diverse (all) learners in education. Recent BESs each include a number of cases that describe actual examples of professional practice and then analyse the findings. These cases support educators to grasp the big ideas behind effective practice at the same time as they provide vivid insight into their application.
Because learning is shaped by social, emotional, and cultural processes, an emotionally and physically safe environment is key to its success. Recent international studies have shown that many New Zealand students do not feel safe at school.
The teachers in this case engaged in professional learning where they explored their own ideas, beliefs, and practices about discrimination and stereotyping while developing a trust relationship with each other and the facilitator. They then established similar trust environments in their classrooms. As a consequence, their year 12 students became more aware of sexual issues and more likely to discuss a range of safe sex topics with their partner before sex.