Quality Teaching and Learning at Hillcrest Christian College
Over the past 12 months we have been working to develop a clear, research-based teaching and learning framework that identify key standards for our teachers. Our Layers of Learning Framework is a set of broad guidelines relating to quality teacher practices and represents the way we teach at Hillcrest Christian College. The framework reflects our College cornerstones and our commitment to a consistent and effective teaching approach so that all students have the best opportunity to learn and reach their full potential.
ENGAGEMENT IN LEARNING
Quality teaching occurs when quality learning is the goal of the teacher. It is not just about delivering content, but planning and facilitating a rigorous, engaging program that encompasses understanding, skills, thinking processes, attitudes and behaviours. Robert Marzano, a well-known educational researcher and author of the book The Art and Science of Teaching”, states
“[Teaching is] a dynamic mixture of expertise in a vast array of instructional strategies combined with a profound understanding of the individual students in their class and their needs at particular points in time.” (Marzano, 2007)
As Hillcrest Christian College teachers we aim to:
| E1 | ensure expected learning outcomes are made explicit to students. |
| E2 | provide engaging learning opportunities including: rigorous investigations and complex exchanges of ideas. |
| E3 | differentiate learning experiences, giving support and having high expectations for all students. |
| E4 | ensure students practise, question, imagine, critically think, reflect and create. |
| E5 | develop learning experiences that are purposeful and relevant to students’ lives in a technology rich society. |
The ways these practices may look in the classroom vary from year level to year level and from subject to subject. Our teachings are currently involved in twilight Professional Development Sessions as we continue to hone and improve our teaching skills.