Definition of effective learning

Definition of effective learning

We believe that effective learning incorporates the following principles:

1. Learners are at the centre of learning

• We create opportunities for learners to construct and adjust their own understandings through inquiry-based learning

• We apply a balance of guided, active and experiential approaches to learning

• We empower learners to understand their own strengths and to apply them to their own learning

• We aim to develop independent, empowered learners

2. Well-being is integral to learning

• We create a positive learning environment for all learners by developing and maintaining positive relationships

• We provide opportunities for learners to regularly experience and celebrate positive emotions

• We develop social and emotional skills needed to enable learners to understand themselves and their relationships with others

• We empower learners to develop positive, sustainable habits for ideal physical and psychological health

3. Motivation enables learners to be engaged in learning

• We set clear expectations enabling learners to know what they are doing and why they are doing it

• We provide time and frameworks for learners to reflect upon their learning

• We support learners in identifying and pursuing interests and passions

• We empower learners to feel competent with their abilities

4. Learning is a part of a collective

• We create opportunities for learning through different social interactions

• We design appropriately organised and structured opportunities which allows learning to happen autonomously and cooperatively

• We empower learners to share their ideas and understandings with a range of audiences

• We provide opportunities for learners to engage in activities which benefit others

5. Learning meets the needs of individual learners 

• We create learning opportunities which are challenging, meaningful and relevant for all learners

• We are sensitive to the backgrounds of all learners

• We adapt learning opportunities which sustainably support individual learning needs and the needs of a learning group

6. Assessment informs learning

• We build upon prior knowledge and skills

• We create opportunities for substantial and regular formative assessments

• We use assessment data to inform and shape learning, to provide feedback and to feed forward to learners

7. Learning is contemporary and fluid

• We aim to equip learners with the knowledge and skills they may need for tomorrow, not yesterday

• We provide a variety of flexible learning spaces and tools which can be manipulated and utilised by the learner

• We create opportunities for learners to be creative and adaptable

• We utilise current practices and research in education

8. Learning is a lifelong process

• We create learning opportunities which allow the development of conceptual understandings, knowledge and transdisciplinary skills

• We provide learners opportunities to apply new knowledge and skills in novel situations

• We encourage learners to develop a range of thinking strategies