Principles of Learning and Teaching – Case Studies

Warrandyte Primary School - Our PoLT Journey

We have allocated time during staff meetings to address the Principles of Learning and Teacning (PoLT). Introductory sessions focussed on delivering the "big picture" about the Victorian Essential Learning Standards, familiarising ourselves with the new language, domains and dimensions and making the links with pedagogy.

Later sessions focussed on auditing our current practice against the domains, dimensions and standards contained in the Physical, Personal and Social Learning Strand. We discovered we were already covering the key elements in terms of Interpersonal Development and Personal Learning. This provided impetus to continue!

The next step involved using the Essential Learning Standards to plan units of work. All year levels have implemented these units of work this term using a variety of curriculum planners.

This term we commenced delivery of the PoLT professional development modules. We used a graphic organiser to show how PoLT fits in with the Essential Learning Standards and we saw PoLT as the pedagogy to deliver the new curriculum. Displays in the staffroom to keep staff informed and familiar with the new information have also helped.

I believe all the Principles are important and working through them will give teachers opportunities to explore, refine, share and establish some common and agreed good classroom practices. We have attempted to use 'best practice strategies' when delivering the modules - eg team learning, hands on activities, explicit teaching, graphic organisers, share time etc.

Principle 2 modules have been delivered and teachers really valued the opportunity to share and discuss the things that worked in their classrooms. Teachers of each year level also audited their current unit of work against Principle 2 and selected a strategy to trial in their classroom. Planning for next term will include specific strategies to promote independence, interdependence and self motivation.

We will be commencing Principle 1 modules at our next staff meeting and plan to use student feedback about their learning and the results of the Middle Years Attitudes to Learning Survey to reflect on and challenge our current pedagogy!

PoLT has been well received and teachers have approached this new initiative in a very professional manner. The Principal Gill Binger and team leaders Meryl Teather, Debbie Rainbow and Dee Anderson have been very supportive and keen to improve the way we deliver the curriculum.

Gail Parke (Middle Years Team Leader & PoLT Coordinator)
Warrandyte Primary School