Impact on Student Learning

Even by course's end, a very high proportion of our learners report that their participation has already paid dividends for their students. Teachers observe increased student engagement and greater student understanding of the purposes of a unit, leading to students' taking greater initiative and producing better quality work. Also, our respondents often find that their students pay closer attention in class; ask more insightful questions; and understand the material more deeply.

In May 2007, 222 teachers completed a WIDE World final course evaluation. The survey was designed to help WIDE World understand the impact of its six-session 2007 courses on the participating teachers as well as their students.

Below, we have included our findings, which suggest that WIDE World courses provide teachers with strategies to enhance student engagement, increase student confidence, boost student motivation, and ultimately improve the overall quality of student learning.

Engagement

Of the 222 classroom teachers completing a WIDE World end-of-course evaluation in May 2007, 85% agreed or strongly agreed that their course resulted in greater student engagement in class, and 70% felt that students had become more interested in their learning.

'My students have become so much more engaged in their work. For those students that were reluctant to participate in many assignments, they now volunteer to participate!!'
- Middle school teacher, Louisiana, USA

Confidence

70% of survey respondents felt that the course had already resulted in more confident students.

'My students learned a great deal about themselves as learners and as co-operative builders in a big undertaking. They have the confidence to present a piece of history to a public audience.'
- History teacher, Saskatchewan, Canada

'[...] They are invested, and excited, and working in a realm that feels right for them. A beautiful thing to watch!'
- Teacher from Massachusetts, USA

Seeing and steering their course

Teachers have reported that WIDE World courses give them tools to boost student motivation. On the May 2007 survey, 74% felt that it had increased student motivation to take on challenging work. Coupled with this increased motivation is often a greater sense among students that they understand the goals of their courses. Teachers' application of Teaching for Understanding tends to help students see why they are studying what they are, and where their work will lead them next. Teachers have told us,

'When I assessed their progress I realized that the strategy was extremely effective. Thanks to the course my students are enjoying the class more. Many of my students have blossomed into independent learners and those who need help are now brave enough to seek it in either from me, their peers or the resources that are made available. This strategy has revealed and developed a lot of talent in my class!'
- Teacher from New York State, USA

Enhanced learning

Engagement, interest, confidence, motivation, and responsibility are all prerequisites to learning; what about the quality of student learning itself? Again, just three months into their WIDE World experience, 64% of educators reported that because of the course students were producing higher quality work. And 95% found that the course had in one respect or another led to improvements in student learning and understanding.