Visible Learning John Hattie

Visible Learning by John Hattie is a comprehensive synthesis of more than 800 meta-analyses covering millions of students and decades of educational research. The book aims to answer the critical question: “What actually works in schools to improve learning?” Hattie evaluates the effectiveness of various teaching strategies, interventions, and influences on student achievement, ranking them based on effect size. His findings emphasize that it’s not just what teachers do, but how they think about teaching and learning that makes the greatest impact.

One of the key takeaways from Visible Learning is the importance of teachers viewing learning through the eyes of their students and helping students become their own teachers. Hattie identifies high-impact strategies such as formative assessment, feedback, teacher-student relationships, and clear learning intentions. He stresses that surface-level interventions (like reducing class sizes or increasing school funding) have far less impact than instructional practices that promote deep learning, self-regulation, and visible progress.

Ultimately, Hattie’s research challenges many common assumptions in education and urges educators to focus on evidence-based practices. Visible Learning promotes a mindset of reflective teaching, where decisions are guided by data and a commitment to understanding what truly enhances student learning. The book serves as a powerful tool for educators, school leaders, and policymakers seeking to make meaningful, measurable improvements in educational outcomes.