This resource was published 4 May 2026.

Summary

This resource presents research evidence from NSW public high schools using Tell Them From Me (TTFM) survey data.¹ It explains how explicit teaching practices, including feedback, as identified in the What Works Best: 2020 update, can support students’ academic self‑concept and study behaviour.

This resource was originally published in 2024. It should be considered alongside the more recent What Works Best 2025 for the most current guidance.

In 2025, TTFM was replaced by the NSW Public School Survey suite (NPSS). For more information on NPSS, visit NSW Public School Surveys.

School leaders can assess their students’ motivation, engagement and experience of teaching practices by viewing their school’s survey results (staff only).

Key findings

• Explicit teaching and feedback are 2 of the 8 quality teaching practices identified in What Works Best.
• Explicit teaching improves learning outcomes in the short and long term.
• Explicit teaching improves learning by fostering student motivation and engagement.
• Explicit teaching’s effect on motivation and engagement is particularly strong among students with lower prior achievement.
• Explicit teaching fosters student motivation and engagement by supporting student academic self-concept and perseverance.