Micro-randomised controlled trials (micro-RCTs) represent a new frontier in educational research, offering a way for teachers and schools to identify what works within their unique contexts. Rather than relying solely on large-scale, top-down studies, micro-RCTs empower educators to test interventions rapidly, gather reliable data, and make informed adjustments on the ground. In this session, we will trace the development of these in education and how a teacher-driven micro-RCT approach fits into the educational evaluation landscape. We will showcase our collaboration with the North East Combined Authority and local schools, where teachers are running micro-RCTs to refine interventions, improve pedagogy, and foster evidence-informed decision-making. By highlighting the potential of these small but rigorous experiments, attendees will gain a clear blueprint for adopting micro-RCTs in their own schools, ultimately creating a more responsive, impactful, and data-rich learning environment.
Micro-randomised controlled trials (micro-RCTs) represent a new frontier in educational research, offering a way for teachers and schools to identify what works within their unique contexts. Rather than relying solely on large-scale, top-down studies, micro-RCTs empower educators to test interventions rapidly, gather reliable data, and make informed adjustments on the ground. In this session, we will trace the development of these in education and how a teacher-driven micro-RCT approach fits into the educational evaluation landscape. We will showcase our collaboration with the North East Combined Authority and local schools, where teachers are running micro-RCTs to refine interventions, improve pedagogy, and foster evidence-informed decision-making. By highlighting the potential of these small but rigorous experiments, attendees will gain a clear blueprint for adopting micro-RCTs in their own schools, ultimately creating a more responsive, impactful, and data-rich learning environment.
Wayne is the co-founder of WhatWorked Education and started his career as a secondary science teacher in the North East of England. He completed an ESRC funded MA in research methods and PhD at Durham University, developing the use of small scale RCTs and cumulative meta-analyses.