Toolkit helps teachers identify effective didactic methods

The independent knowledge centre Leerpunt launched a website and a toolkit on Tuesday to support Flemish primary and secondary teachers. The tool will provide scientific evidence on the effectiveness of 30 didactic methods.

Leerpunt was set up in late 2022 as an attempt to counter the declining quality of education in Flanders. It aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and the classroom.

"We want to give teachers more guidance so they know which teaching methods have proven to be effective"

Schools are currently trying out new teaching methods, such as doing away with homework. But these experiments are not always effective, says Flemish Education minister Ben Weyts: "We want to give teachers more guidance so they know which teaching methods have proven to be effective."

International support

Similar bodies in the UK (EEF) and the Netherlands were consulted during development, said pedagogue Pedro De Bruyckere, head of Leerpunt. His team adapted an EEF toolkit to the Flemish educational context.

The website shows teachers at a glance the cost of a didactic method, the strength of the scientific evidence and its potential benefits.

The aim is to launch a similar toolkit for pre-school education early next year. Leerpunt is also working on guides to help teachers put particular methods into practice.

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