Is our education system actually backed by research? | Matthew Courtney | TEDxGainesville
Video Overview & Insights
Beneath the surface of many educational initiatives lies a seldom-asked but crucial question: 'Does this thing even work?' Through the individual adoption of a professional responsibility to use research to inform decisions, the education profession can make the shift towards a system where crucial decisions are guided by rigorous evidence over tradition, intuition, and strong opinions. This approach will empower educators at every level to re-take ownership of their profession and accelerate student achievement like never before. Dr. Matthew B. Courtney is a passionate advocate for education and a specialist in evidence-informed school improvement. He began his career as a music educator before moving on to leadership roles within the nonprofit, higher education, and state government sectors. Dr. Courtney is a published researcher whose work focuses on school improvement.
Love this talk. For his ideas to come to fruition, educational degree programs will have to add some science/statistical/analytical components so that future teachers will be able to understand gaps in understanding (about teaching), collect valid data, and understand research results.
Administrators need to value data and research over buzzwords and clever sayings. State departments of education need to get out of the way.
As the founder of Courtney Consulting LLC, he’s advised schools on leveraging evidence-based decision-making to accelerate student achievement. His impact extends beyond students and schools, influencing state-wide educational policies. Dr. Courtney's expertise and dedication continue to bridge gaps in education, fostering progress and development in diverse communities. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
It’s encouraging to see someone so passionate about bridging the gap between research and classroom practice, definitely needed by the sounds of things
More User Perspectives
I had no idea there were so many obstacles to connecting research with practice. This was such an eye-opening talk for sure
@michealrighiniHearing about the success stories was so inspiring and really speaks to how much of a difference research can make when applied correctly!
@randipowersI love how he calls for everyone, including parents, to get involved. Education should be more of a community effort!
@kashaiqIt's frustrating that research funding is so limited and competitive. We need to prioritize education research more.
@carldupont4440It's crazy how much time and money was wasted on programs like DARE without checking if they worked. Evidence-based education seems like a pretty obvious alternative approach
@jordanjpattersonoh wow I remember going through the DARE program in school and yes later on referencing/making fun of it at parties when I was smoking weed with my friends 🫢 the shirts from it were pretty cool though
@genagarbo9548research from 1940 is still used, its shocking
@edsaxton1797The story about the instructional coach during the pandemic was really moving. Research can provide so many solutions.
@IAmAnInfluensterhis vision for an evidence-based education system feels very achievable with the right commitment. Let’s make it happen!
@rickyoheThe story about the transportation director using research to improve student safety was so inspiring. Practical applications like that make a big difference!
@hilum9397Good points and an important discussion that needs to be beyond TED...
@Tell-Us-NowThis needs to be seen by every education board!!!!
@yuvalloveThe idea of using social media to connect with researchers is great. We have so many tools at our disposal nowadays, it makes sense to make the most of all of them
@beckettthurlonIt was really cool to hear the story about teachers creating their own solutions and sharing it
@theLadyMuffinIt's so frustrating to hear that teachers don't have enough time or access to research. We need to change that!
@IAmASeaMonkeyWow, I had no idea the DARE program was such a flop! Really makes you think about how we should be using research to guide education
@oscarnotreallyawienerI get the push for evidence-based education, but is it really fair to compare it to the medical field? Teaching and medicine are fundamentally different in many ways, especially when it comes to determining the effectiveness of its results
@mervobakI love the idea of teachers having more access to research. Imagine how much more effective our education system could be!
@valeriedijkstraI appreciate the emphasis on evidence-based education. It’s shocking that such a widely implemented program like DARE wasn't properly evaluated from the start.
@jodikennedy8886Call me naive but I didn't even realize that research would be needed to back up or inform educational practices.
@immayasassI agree that evidence based practices are crucial but it's not right for teachers to have to take this burden on. Their workload is already so overwhelming.
@vladkarchenkoI'm just curious as to why anyone would have thought the Dare program was going to work? Honestly must have been dreamt up by someone who didn't have kids and had never done drugs lol
@makeitso1017He makes a great point around the 5:30 mark. It's funny how when something becomes it's own institution it just stops serving the initial thing it was set up for.
@mehdidouinineThis was great Dr. Courtney! I especially like the concept of uniting research and practice. Thank you.
@cristelojuarez5658Yeah it must be so frustrating to be a teacher and know that what they have to teach doesn't have any practical application or isn't even landing with the kids in the way whoever developed it thought it would
@andrewfarasonSurely some of that research goes towards helping train teachers and design the curriculum though?
@kexinanVery Interesting discussion showing that we need to invest time and effort into evidence-based practices to move our educational system further along. Keep the work moving!
@JamesCarrier-cj9ocI think another thing to consider with all of this is that as the generations change so should techniques and tools. I couldn't imagine trying to teach a kid of this generation in the way I was taught 30 years ago. Just completely different.
@charlie-s-angerI don't need to watch this to know the answer is no. The education system is effed. Has been for decades.
@garymacdonald5370Oh my a billion dollars a year on the dare program is kinda crazy. Drvg abuse has never been about knowledge like everyone knows how bad drugs are...
@erickjansDr. Courtney's TED Talk points out that transformation in schools is not an accident, but rather the direct result of understanding the importance of evidenced-informed decision-making. Today's educator needs to be well-versed in the educational research process. Schools cannot effectively meet the needs of their students unless they first know that the strategic interventions being deployed (often in the name of improvement) have an evidence-base demonstrating that the school's choice of intervention actually works. Thank you, Dr. Courtney, for a great TED Talk and for your efforts to challenge the status quo.
@bradoliver5284some really fantastic ideas here!
@theauthenticiamnowExcellent discussion around the importance of evidence-based decision-making in our educational system. Dr. Courtney, your passion for research and education is contagious. I have learned so much from you, and I am blessed to have you as a colleague and friend. So proud of you!
@juettwells1541Compelling discussion by Dr. Matthew Courtney that reminds all of us that it is our responsibility to use evidence-based research when making decisions in our schools and classrooms. I urge you to listen to this excellent presentation and consider partnering with Dr. Courtney!
@WanettaMorrowGreat work Dr. Courtney! Congratulations!
@KellyFoster-xc4llI am so thankful to have the opportunity to partner with Dr. Courtney to supporting educators across the state of Kentucky in using evidence-based practices!
@LeahMarcum77I’m so proud of my friend, Matthew Courtney and this amazing Ted Talk! He has helped me look at my own practice and continually grow! 🫶🏽
@noraaransey8044My good friend, Matthew Courtney is a champion of building a stronger learning system through creating evidence-based classrooms built on research. Listen to this intently and then maybe connect with Matthew to help your school with evidence-based practice.
@davidcook6409Dr. Courtney makes great points here! Analyzing data and using that analysis to drive our decisions is the best way to see substantial growth and meaningful improvement!
@backinerinblack