As educators, we constantly seek ways to improve student outcomes and foster meaningful growth in our classrooms. For me, this journey led to creating and implementing Student Success Pedagogy—a framework that has transformed not only my teaching practices but also my students’ learning experiences.
My framework is built on other peoples’ research and I don’t claim to be the expert – but this is what has worked for me and this is what I’m calling it. You can read the research, and what sets my approach apart from other similar approaches HERE.
My journey began with my introduction to the Clarity framework by Lyn Sharrat. The school I was teaching in began a trial of the approach, including data walls and learning walks and talks. One of the first elements that we were introduced to was the ‘bump it up wall’. At that time we created our own ‘levelled samples’, which was a learning curve all of its own. We introduced Learning Intentions/Goals and Success Criteria to the students, implemented self and peer feedback – even with our youngest students – and helped students to document their own learning journey through learning walls. These were some of my most satisfying years in teaching.
I spent three years refining my own teaching and learning cycle that incorporated the following six-step framework. This included finding supporting research and implementing high-impact teaching strategies. The latter was introduced during 2020 – that crazy Covid year when all I wanted to do was reduce my workload (somehow) but maintain or increase my teacher impact. There was also a lot of overlap between these strategies, Visible Learning, and the Clarity framework. I put everything together in a ‘way that worked’ for me and I saw phenomenal results in my own students.
In today’s blog, I want to share the six-step framework that underpins this approach, so you too can bring its benefits into your classroom.
The Six-Step Framework for Student Success Pedagogy
Learning Goals and Success Criteria The first step is to establish clear, specific learning goals that align with curriculum standards. Students need to understand what they are learning and why it matters. Defining success criteria provides a roadmap for success by outlining what achieving the goals looks like. When goals and criteria are presented in simple, student-friendly language, students gain a sense of clarity and focus that empowers them to take ownership of their learning journey.
Active Learning and Formative Assessment Active learning is about creating opportunities for students to engage deeply with the material through interactive, student-centered activities. Instead of passively receiving information, students are encouraged to collaborate, question, and explore concepts in real time. At the same time, formative assessment—such as quick quizzes, polls, or think-pair-share—helps teachers monitor understanding and adjust instruction as needed. This combination fosters participation while giving educators valuable, real-time insights into student progress.
Feedback (Self, Peer, and Teacher) Providing meaningful feedback is essential to helping students improve. Feedback should be timely, constructive, and actionable so that students know exactly where and how to make improvements. Encouraging self-assessment and peer feedback adds another layer of ownership and responsibility to the learning process. By balancing positive reinforcement with clear, specific suggestions for growth, feedback becomes a tool for building confidence and fostering a growth mindset.
Revision and Editing Revision teaches students that learning is an iterative process. By revising and editing their work, students gain a deeper understanding of the content while improving their skills in areas like structure, clarity, and creativity. Simple tools, like revision checklists, help students focus on specific areas for improvement, making the process more manageable. This step reinforces the idea that growth comes through practice, persistence, and reflection.
Reflection and Individual Goal-Setting Reflection gives students the space to pause, evaluate their progress, and consider where they want to go next. By reflecting on their achievements and areas for growth, students develop self-awareness and a stronger understanding of their learning journey. This step naturally leads to individual goal-setting, where students can identify personal targets and actionable steps to achieve them. Dedicate a few minutes each week to encourage reflection and goal-setting—it promotes motivation, metacognition, and continuous improvement.
Overcoming Common Pitfalls Even with the best plans in place, challenges are inevitable. Common pitfalls like low student engagement, lack of clarity, or time constraints can disrupt progress. Anticipating these obstacles and remaining flexible allows teachers to adapt their approach and find solutions that keep students on track. Student feedback is an invaluable resource in identifying issues and making adjustments to improve engagement and outcomes. By staying proactive and responsive, teachers can ensure a smoother path to success.
Why This Framework Works
The six-step framework for Student Success Pedagogy ensures that every learner receives the support they need to thrive. By focusing on clear goals, active participation, and continuous reflection, you create a classroom where all students feel empowered to succeed.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
In our January 2025 podcast episode, I share more about Student Success Pedagogy and the impact it’s had on my teaching.
Let’s commit to a year of growth, empowerment, and success for every student!
