Understanding students and learning helps teachers design student-centred learning experiences. Learning takes place within the cultural context of the school and classroom and specific psychological processes are activated during learning. To support planning and enactment of effective lessons, teachers need to understand the developmental milestones, motivational orientations and individual differences between students.

The knowledge base of students and learning found in the Singapore Teaching Practice (STP) provides teachers with an understanding of the theory behind learners’ developmental milestones, motivational orientations and individual differences. This knowledge base allows teachers to identify when their students are ready to learn specific knowledge in specific ways. It guides teachers to select appropriate resources and assessment methods to better support their students.