Effective teaching in the context of a grade 12 high-stakes external examination in New South Wales, Australia

This study identified effective teachers of high-achieving Grade 12 students in New South Wales, Australia. Nineteen teachers, across a variety of curriculum areas, were observed teaching and then interviewed. A further six teachers were interviewed only. Despite the high-stakes end-of-schooling examination, generating interest in and understanding of the subject was their paramount concern. A key common factor was an emphasis on having students apply knowledge, rather than being 'spoon-fed' information. Although many aspects of the lessons were channelled through the teachers, frequent opportunities existed for independent learning. Classrooms were relaxed environments, but highly focused. Teachers attributed their success to four major factors: their relationships with students, their classroom practices, the students themselves and faculty cooperation. No evidence was found that the high-stakes examination inhibited best-practice teaching.