The Lean Education Manifesto: A Synthesis of 900+ Systematic Reviews for Visible Learning in Developing Countries

The global expansion of education is a great success, but 250 million+ children in developing countries are still not in school and 600 million+ attend but get little out of it. Arran Hamilton and John Hattie suggest that we need to start thinking Lean and look for ways of unlocking more from less, such as shortening pre-service initial teacher training programs, reducing teachers' degree-level qualifications, reducing the hours per week and years of schooling, teaching more effectively and less resource intensively in mixed-age classrooms, and using different approaches to curriculum, instruction, and the length of the school day. They also identify initiatives that are worth starting, such as the Leaning to G.O.L.D. methodology to support school and system leaders in selecting, implementing, and scaling those high-probability initiatives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The remarkable expansion of education across the globe stands as one of the most significant achievements of the modern era. A greater number of children now have access to formal schooling, and their levels of learning have reached unprecedented heights. Nevertheless, a concerning reality persists: approximately 250 million+ children in developing countries remain outside the classroom, while an additional 600 million+ attend schools but fail to derive meaningful benefits from their education. This situation has been further exacerbated by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the face of stagnant and even declining education funding, Arran Hamilton and John Hattie propose a novel approach. They advocate for a "Lean" mindset, emphasizing the need to maximize efficiency and impact from limited resources. Drawing on extensive data from over 900 systematic reviews encompassing 53,000+ research studies, they make controversial suggestions for low- and middle-income countries.

One such suggestion is the potential reduction or elimination of pre-service initial teacher training programs. These programs often involve extensive training periods, which could be shortened or even discontinued, according to Hamilton and Hattie. They argue that teachers may not necessarily require degree-level qualifications in the subjects they teach, and degrees may not be essential for effective teaching.

Furthermore, the authors propose a reconsideration of the hours per week and years of schooling that each child receives. They suggest that significant reductions in these parameters could be feasible without compromising the quality of education. Mixed-age classrooms, where peers tutor one another, are proposed as a potential solution to enhance learning efficiency and reduce resource consumption.

Different approaches to curriculum, instruction, and the length of the school day are also explored as potential cost-effective means of improving student achievement. These include alternative teaching methods, such as project-based learning, that can be more engaging and effective than traditional classroom approaches.

Furthermore, the authors question the effectiveness of traditional approaches to school-based management, public-private partnerships, and performance-related pay in influencing teacher behavior and classroom outcomes. They argue that these mechanisms may have limited influence or impact on the actual teaching practices in schools.

In conclusion, the global expansion of education has brought about significant progress, yet there remains a significant gap in access and quality of education for millions of children worldwide. Arran Hamilton and John Hattie's "Lean" approach offers a fresh perspective on resource allocation in education, challenging the status quo and suggesting innovative solutions to optimize efficiency and impact. While their suggestions may provoke debate, they highlight the need for a reimagining of education systems to ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367762971