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The Oakhill College Learning Framework

21st Century Learning at Oakhill

The Learning Framework is the basis for teaching and learning at Oakhill College and is based on the best evidence and best research regarding effective learning and 21st Century Learning Outcomes (www.21p.org).

The Oakhill College Learning Framework, which is visible and accessible, provides access to the teaching and learning in classrooms for both the students and parents. Data from school assessments, NAPLAN, Minimum Standards and Allwell is used to inform teaching to ensure we teach to students' needs in what is known as 'targeted teaching' or differentiated learning, minimizing the 'cognitive load' that hinders learning. Data also allows us to provide an extension to those more able, thus keeping all learners motivated.

The Oakhill College Learning Framework is not a whole new pedagogy but a pedagogy that includes the old such as practice, repetition and homework, with the new such as higher-order thinking, analytical discourse, independence, relevance and ownership of learning. But as we know, all students, boys in particular, still need much guidance, supervision, explicit teaching, and short-term goals in their learning process.
 
Celia Lashlie, in her work on boy's education, once said, "boys overestimate their ability and underestimate the effort required to achieve it".

Teaching and learning are very much a partnership, which is very much part of the custom and culture at Oakhill College. I would like to share with you a resource from 'Education World' that may be helpful for parents as the suggestions are very practical and enhance learning at school. The ideas follow the alphabet. I will share here just three suggestions. You may wish to read the other suggestions by visiting 
www.edicationworld.com.

A - Attendance is a critical factor in any child's school success. Children should attend school every day, except when ill. It is impossible to replace the learning that happens on any school day with make-up work. Regular attendance and promptness are good habits that are expected and appreciated at all levels of school and the workplace.

B - Bedtime. On average, children need 8-10 hours of sleep each night. Sleep is essential for many reasons. Lack of sleep can cause children to be hyperactive, impatient, or cranky. It is more difficult for children to concentrate and learn when they are tired. Encouraging activities such as quiet reading just prior to bed is a great transition and helps children relax. It is most important the mobile devices are off and preferably out of the bedroom at night as many hours can be spent during the night unknown to parents when everyone should be sleeping.
 
C - Choices. According to Jim Fay, author of 'Becoming a Logic Parent', giving children choices is more effective than making demands. He suggests (i) never give choices if it causes a problem for you or someone else; (ii) give only two choices both equally OK with you. For example, Would you like peas or carrots? Or, Do you want to do our homework now or in 15 minutes? If your child does not answer within ten seconds, make the choice for them.

D - Determination. Children need to hear parents say that making an effort, working hard, and planning ahead are important. We need to encourage children to set reasonable expectations and celebrate with them when they make progress toward their goals. Children need to learn that sometimes they need to make sacrifices to achieve their goals. Struggling with learning tasks from time to time is part of a student's job. In the end, the feeling of accomplishment they will get will lead to bigger and better accomplishments in the future.

 

Author: Br Steve Hogan, Principal, Oakhill College Castle Hill