The University of Bucharest will grant, during a ceremony organized Thursday, October 24th 2024, the distinction of Doctor Honoris Causa to professor John Hattie, reputed specialist in the field of education and learning. The event will take place starting 2:30 PM in the Senate Hall of the University of Bucharest (90 Panduri Street, Bucharest).
Emeritus Professor of the University of Melbourne, Australia, John Hattie authored 62 books and numerous articles that serve as foundational texts for educators and policymakers alike. Visible Learning for Teachers and Visible Learning into Action are just a few of the works that have translated complex research into practical strategies that can be implemented in classrooms. His book The Politics of Distraction delves into how political forces can divert attention from evidence-based practices in education, another testament to his commitment to ensuring that learning remains at the heart of educational policy.
Professor John Hattie also stands out for his firm engagement in popularizing research results; every year, he gives hundreds of interviews to media outlets worldwide, ensuring that his findings inform not just researchers but educators, policymakers, and the public. This outreach has earned him well-deserved recognition, including the New Zealand Order of Merit and honorary doctorates from the Institute of Education in London and the University of Augsburg in Germany.
The most influential work of professor John Hattie concerns the area of feedback in education. His research has demonstrated that feedback is among the most powerful influences on student achievement, a key insight that has reshaped classroom practices across the world. His work has given us a roadmap for improving student achievement, from class size to the role of feedback. It’s not just about engaging in academic debates but ensuring these insights are reflected in classrooms worldwide. That is why he wrote Visible Learning for Teachers, turning research into practical guidelines that educators can apply.
Among the eight mind frames for effective teaching that he proposes, two stand out: that teaching is more about learning than simply delivering content, and that educators must continually evaluate their own impact on student outcomes. As he often says, educators must move from transferring knowledge to co-producing learning. His research underpins the Visible Learning program, which is now implemented in over 10,000 schools across the globe.
Granting the title of Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Bucharest to professor John Hattie is a sign of recognition of his prestigious scientific activity at international level.