Teaching and Learning Framework
Program Goals
Provide a Research-Based Framework for Effective Teaching: Establish a framework that integrates key educational theories, supporting effective teaching and learning practices across all grade levels.
Facilitate Knowledge Retention and Skill Development: Design instructional methods that enable students to retain core knowledge, develop complex skills, and achieve academic success.
Promote an Inclusive and Inspiring Curriculum: Ensure that the curriculum fosters lifelong learning and accommodates the needs of all students, including those who are disadvantaged or have special learning requirements.
Align Teaching Practices with Evidence-Based Theories: Utilize established educational theories—such as Cognitive Load Theory, Schema Theory, and Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction—to guide curriculum design, sequencing, and classroom instruction.
Framework Structure
- Core Educational Theories:
Cognitive Load Theory (John Sweller): Focuses on managing cognitive load to ensure students can effectively absorb and retain essential information.
Schema Theory (Jean Piaget): Guides students in constructing knowledge frameworks (schemas) by linking new information with existing knowledge, enhancing understanding and recall.
Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction: Emphasizes evidence-based teaching strategies, such as reviewing previous knowledge, questioning, scaffolding, and independent practice, to reinforce learning.
- Curriculum Vision and Core Values:
Inspiration: Encourages a passion for learning through a curriculum that fosters curiosity, independence, and critical thinking.
Inclusion: Ensures all students have access to a relevant and challenging curriculum, with adaptations for disadvantaged and special needs students.
Innovation: Applies current research to continually improve teaching strategies, supporting long-term knowledge retention and critical skill development.
Integrity and Impact: Cultivates responsible, respectful citizens and assesses success through academic performance, skill acquisition, and personal growth.
- Structured Curriculum Sequencing and Design:
Knowledge-Rich Curriculum Planning: Emphasizes essential knowledge acquisition, structured to build upon previous learning through systematic review and reinforcement.
Complex Task Structuring: Breaks down complex tasks into manageable components, ensuring students have a foundational understanding before progressing to advanced concepts.
Reinforcement and Practice: Sequenced assessments and review activities enable students to retain and recall core knowledge effectively, supporting long-term memory retention and mastery.
Outcomes
Enhanced Student Learning and Retention: The structured framework promotes effective learning by reducing cognitive overload, enabling students to retain and apply knowledge over the long term.
Informed and Effective Teaching Practices: Teachers adopt evidence-based instructional techniques, fostering a more efficient, engaging, and supportive learning environment.
Inclusive and Impactful Education: The framework ensures that all students, regardless of background or ability, benefit from a rigorous and supportive curriculum, achieving both academic and personal growth.
Improved Academic Performance and Lifelong Skills: Students acquire essential skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and resilience, preparing them for academic success and responsible citizenship.