The Study
Developed by the International Academy of Education, this booklet is the first in a series on education practices that improve learning. Written by MSU Distinguished Professor Jere Brophy, the booklet is a synthesis of principles of effective teaching that have emerged from research in classrooms. It addresses aspects of curriculum, instruction and assessment, as well as classroom organization and management practices that support effective instruction. Brophy spells out 12 universal principles of effective teaching practices.

The Findings
Brophy addresses the environment, methods, content, strategies and assessment that are fundamental to effective teaching. The ideal classroom starts with creating a supportive climate in which students feel comfortable asking questions and contributing to lessons without embarrassment or fear of ridicule. Teachers who emphasize this type of environment tend to be more effective than those who emphasize their roles as disciplinarians. Brophy writes that effective teachers do not promote a curriculum as an end to itself, but rather strive to accomplish overall instructional purposes and goals with a variety of teaching aids. Other critical components to effective teaching include providing both an introduction and conclusion to units of instruction. This gives students a clear understanding of the unit's purpose and what the class is expected to learn. During lessons, the effective teacher will organize content with reference to what students already know about the topic and progress in a sequence that is easy to follow. Finally, teachers who offer thoughtful discussion, ample practice, learning strategies modeled by the teacher, collaborative work, and comprehensive assessment give students the greatest opportunities to learn.

What It Means to You
These 12 principles cut across grade level and school subjects, and focus on the basics of formal schooling. As educators, though, it is important to keep in mind that all 12 are meant to be understood as a comprehensive approach to teaching. Applied as a whole, these principles are a means of helping students attain intended outcomes. The principles can serve as a useful guide for novice or seasoned teachers.

More Information
To read this booklet in its entirety, you can find it on the World Wide Web at www.ibe.unesco.org/publications/practice/practice.htm

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