Clever Lands

This week my school (The King Alfred School in London) were pleased to welcome Lucy Crehan, author of Clever Lands, to speak to us about different education systems around the world. Lucy has visited some of the 'top performing' schools around the world (based on PISA results). Lucy visited Finland, Japan, Singapore, Shanghai (China) and Canada. It was incredibly interesting to listen to Lucy's findings, which challenged many of the stereotypes associated with the education systems in the countries she visited and researched. For example, in Finland much of the curriculum is delivered through text books. These text books are of high quality and developed by experienced teachers and based on research of what works best in terms of helping children understand concepts or learn the skills being delivered.

Lucy shared three key commonalities between the education systems she researched that she believed could lead to improved teaching and learning and increased pupil performance:

Teacher Collaboration
Strong teacher collaboration was evident in four of the countries Lucy visited and included such things as: weekly timetabled planning, Lesson Study and shifting the responsibility for curriculum design to more experienced teachers (textbooks, teacher guides, schemes of work etc.).

Mastery Curricula Approach
A mastery approach involves focussing on fewer topics but in greater depth. Students generally progress through the content at the same pace. There are opportunities to explore content in more depth for the students that are able to do so and those that need support are given the necessary support to reach a basic standard before the class moves on.

Additional Support (for those that need it)
In 4 out of the 5 education systems Lucy visited, they do not lower their expectations for the students who are struggling by giving them easier work. They give them the extra support they need. In some countries additional qualified teachers are employed to support students in small flexible groups during class and after class. In other countries, extra support is given by the class teacher during, between and after class. Parental and tutor support is also common place in some countries such as Japan, Singapore and Shanghai (China).

The talk was certainly thought provoking and I was delighted I had the opportunity to meet Lucy. It's fundamental to explore the topic of education and Lucy has done this not only by looking at data and policies but also by speaking to the people that know what is really going on in our classrooms around the world - the teachers and students.

There is so much more in the book than what Lucy was able to share in her one hour presentation. I thoroughly recommend getting your hands on a copy.

Click here to purchase Clever Lands on Amazon.