‘Core business’ PD that’s making a difference: Quality Teaching Rounds in the spotlight
Written by Michelle Ware, Senior Quality Teaching Adviser, University of Newcastle
At a time when schools and educators are feeling the strain on so many fronts, one form of PD is breathing new life into teachers’ everyday practice: Quality Teaching (QT) Rounds. Distinguished Laureate Professor Jenny Gore AM and her research team at the University of Newcastle continue to produce evidence that this practical, rigorously-tested PD makes a positive difference for students, teachers and schooling more broadly.
QT Rounds utilises the Quality Teaching (QT) Model as the basis of respectful, analytical discussions of practice. The turn-taking protocols embedded in QT Rounds ensure a confidential and de-personalised approach that builds trust and strong professional relationships.
The research behind QT Rounds
More than 20 years of research underpins QT Rounds PD. Recent large-scale trials in NSW and QLD (2018-2023) found students whose teachers did QT Rounds experienced up to an additional two months’ growth in maths and up to three additional months’ growth in reading (compared to students whose teachers did “business as usual” PD) over an 8 month period.
Longer-term partnerships have resulted in one school’s HSC results improving by 50% over four years and NAPLAN valued-add being the highest in the Hunter Region and 11th highest in NSW. Teacher morale, sense of belonging, and student attendance also increased, along with a significant reduction in student suspensions.
The Strengthening Induction through Quality Teaching Rounds federally funded research project is currently supporting early career teachers and their experienced colleagues in all Australian States and Territories. At the mid-point of the study, we are already seeing teacher burn out dropping and sense of confidence, efficacy and collaboration rising for both groups of teachers.
The Thriving Schools project is currently partnering with 20 NSW low-ICSEA primary and central schools over three years to:
Support teacher wellbeing
Build positive school culture
Lift student academic outcomes
Improve equity
What do teachers say about QT Rounds?
Teachers throughout Australia say it’s the best professional development they’ve ever done because it focuses on the core business of teachers and honours the complexity of teaching. It doesn’t require adoption of particular teaching approaches or strategies, but rather, provides a lens to analyse the quality of lessons, tasks and units of work – whether it’s direct, explicit instruction through to project-based learning approaches, Foundation or Year 12, maths or music.
High quality pedagogy at the heart of teaching and learning
The QT Model of pedagogy is centred on three key concepts:
Intellectual Quality – developing deep understanding of important knowledge
Quality Learning Environment – ensuring positive classrooms that boost student learning
Significance- connecting learning to students’ lives and the wider world
How to access QT Rounds and other QT PD?
Based at the University of Newcastle, the Quality Teaching (QT) Academy provides the well-respected and sought after PD that supports teachers and school leaders to engage with QT Rounds, QT Assessment and QT in learning design. Interactive workshops are held in person and online, and many schools partner with us to create tailored PD to meet their specific needs.
Talk to us about how your school could benefit from Federal government funding for QT Rounds training or visit qtacademy.edu.au
Quality Teaching Rounds - an approach to professional development that connects and empowers teachers.
The QT Academy is exhibiting at the National Education Summit in Melbourne on 28-29 August (stand B21) and presenting a free session in the Knowledge Centre on Thursday 27 August at 12:45pm. We are offering NES delegates a limited number of complimentary spots at our upcoming workshops – come and say hi at the NES Melbourne QT Academy stand B21.
Contact: michelle.ware@newcastle.edu.au