About ClassTested

ClassTested is an open library of practical classroom techniques. Each one is a specific move you can usually rehearse in about five minutes and try in your next lesson, not a broad strategy or teaching philosophy.

The library is organised around the problems teachers face. At 9 p.m., a tired teacher is more likely to search for “the same five hands go up every time” than the name of a teaching theory. ClassTested is designed to meet them there.

What makes it different

Every page explains the trade-offs. Most education writing focuses on the benefits of a technique. Our “Weigh it up” section gives equal attention to its costs, limitations and risks, and explains when it may not be the right fit. Even a technique supported by strong research will not suit every classroom.

The evidence is described clearly and honestly. We use three labels: Strong research, Promising research and Teacher craft. Many excellent classroom practices have never been formally trialled. We say so plainly instead of presenting experience as science. When a claim is based on research, we link to the original source.

Ratings come from teachers who have tried the technique. Members rate a technique after using it and share the phase and subject they teach. This means you can compare the overall rating with ratings from groups that are more relevant to you, such as secondary or maths teachers. We only show an average after at least five teachers have submitted ratings, because smaller samples can be misleading.

The discussion is where teachers report back. Under every technique, teachers can share what worked, what they changed and where things fell apart. Honest criticism is welcome; the site depends on it.

Where the write-ups come from

Every write-up is created specifically for ClassTested, drawing on published research, established teaching traditions and classroom experience. We name and link to our sources, and credit the people who first documented or popularised a technique.

The techniques themselves belong to no one. Teachers were cold-calling long before anyone wrote a book about it.

Who is behind it

ClassTested is built and moderated by a practising teacher and teaching and learning coordinator. It is also shaped by the teachers who use it.

The site is free while it grows. There are no adverts, and its analytics use no cookies or personal data.

If something does not look right, or you would like to get involved, email hello@classtested.com.