Chapter 9: Converging Findings on Classroom Instruction

The past 30 years have seen major advances in research on cognitive processing; in studies of teachers whose classes made the highest achievement gains compared to other classes; and in research on helping students learn and apply cognitive strategies in their learning. The research on cognitive processing underlies a major goal of education: helping students develop well-organized knowledge structures. A number of strategies have been found that consistently help students effectively acquire strong knowledge structures.

The past 30 years have seen three major advances in research on instruction and teacher behavior. These advancements are:

This report examines the impact that teacher behavior can have on the achievement of students, particularly of students living in poverty.