Teaching for how students learn: A model of learning and teaching

Introduction to AERO's model of learning and teaching

Strong evidence about the processes that occur during learning helps to explain which teaching practices will be most effective as students acquire, consolidate and apply their learning.

Our collection of practice guides and videos describe and demonstrate how these practices work together to maximise learning. 

Where to start

1. Learn more about how students learn and the implications for teaching.
2. Read our practice guides for evidence-based practices and techniques to use in your practice. These guides are also linked in the model below.
3. See video examples of evidence-based teaching practices in Australian schools.
4. Download the model of learning and teaching (PDF, 230 KB).

An explanation of the model

This model links elements of student learning processes to associated teaching practices in 4 key areas: 

1. To align with the evidence that learning is a change in long-term memory, teachers develop a teaching and learning plan for the knowledge students will acquire.
2. To align with the evidence that students process limited amounts of new information, teachers manage the cognitive load of learning tasks.
3. To align with the evidence on how students develop and demonstrate mastery, teachers maximise retention, consolidation and application of learning.
4. To align with the evidence that students are actively engaged when learning, teachers foster the conditions of a learning-focused environment. 

This fourth essential element wraps around the other elements of the model, recognising that: 

• engagement and learning have a reciprocal relationship
• students learn best in safe and supportive learning environments. 

The model recognises that:  

• all students benefit from evidence-based practices that align with the mechanisms of memory that allow for acquiring, retaining, retrieving and consolidating learning
• the frequency, intensity and duration of scaffolding and guidance provided may differ to meet students’ needs. 

This model aligns with Australian Professional Standards for Teachers 1.2: Understand how students learn. Teachers at all career stages can use this model and the related overview of how students learn to affirm, extend or improve their current practice by: 

• developing their understanding and use of research into how students learn
• reviewing the structure of their teaching programs using research evidence
• evaluating the effectiveness of teaching practices in their schools to identify opportunities to have a greater impact for all of their students. 

Leaders can also use the learning and teaching model to develop a common language and shared understanding of how students learn, and to ensure policies and programs are aligned with this evidence to maximise learning for all students. 

Feedback

If you have any feedback on these resources on how to better understand student learning and the implications for teaching, please let us know via our feedback survey.

Keywords: science of learning