Education - Library Guide

Definition from The Oxford Review Encyclopaedia of Terms

the systematic process where-by decisions are made and actions or activities are undertaken using the best evidence available. The aim of evidence-based practice is to remove as far as possible, subjective opinion, unfounded beliefs, or bias from decisions and actions in organisations. Evidence for decisions comes from various sources:

1. Peer-reviewed research
2. Work-based trial and error testing
3. Practitioner experience & expertise
4. Feedback from practice, practitioners, customers, clients, patients or systems

Evidence based practice also involves the ability to be able to evaluate and judge the validity, reliability and veracity of the evidence and it’s applicability to the situation in question. This means that there are a series of methods and approaches for developing practice, and that evidence-based practitioners undergo continual development and training as practice develops.

• Learn more about the concept of Effectiveness from the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Education, Log in with your CUE email address and password to access this entry.

Resources about searching for and selecting evidence-based practices
Identifying and Implementing Educational Practices Supported By Rigorous Evidence: A User Friendly Guide - 2003 - US Department of Education

Australian Education Research Organization - Guides & Resources

• Produced in Australia by their national education evidence body. 
• Practical guides for searching, assessing, and applying research evidence to teaching practice.