What provides reliable information about effective teaching strategies?

Research provides reliable information about effective teaching strategies because it is based on systematic investigation, analysis, and evaluation of teaching methods and their impact on student learning. Research studies often employ rigorous methodologies, including randomized controlled trials, longitudinal studies, and meta-analyses, to gather evidence about what works in education. This evidence-driven approach helps to ensure that conclusions drawn from research are valid and applicable across various educational contexts.

In contrast, classroom anecdotes, personal experience, and common practices among peers might provide useful insights and contribute to a teacher's understanding of their environment, but they can be subjective and may not be universally applicable or backed by empirical evidence. Personal experiences and anecdotes often reflect individual situations that may not capture broader trends or could be influenced by bias, while common practices among peers may not always be based on research or proven effectiveness. Therefore, research stands out as the most reliable source for informing effective teaching strategies.