Our focus is on identifying the learning needs of our students and working together to
create learning goals in each subject.. At the start of Term 1, in our classrooms, teachers are working on setting learning goals with students and classes to ensure steady and achievable improvement throughout the year.At home this would be an ideal time to review, report and talk about setting goals that 'stretch' your daughter's abilities but are also realistic in the pursuit of excellence. It is important that our goals are set in the “Goldilocks" zone: not too simple and not too difficult. Too simple and there is no effort required; too challenging and it is frustrating.
The question we ask in the classroom is - what is the next level for this student and how can we help them to achieve it? In our classrooms teachers will be talking to students about strategies that help them learn and what they identify as their challenges. Learning should provide challenge, it does require effort. These discussions help the teacher choose which combination of strategies will best suit the needs of the students in their classroom to provide the right amount of challenge and support.
Research on learning effectiveness (Hattie, 2017 ) states that two of the most effective impacts on student improvement are: the teacher's estimate of the student's achievement potential; and the self-reported grade prediction from the student. This is a powerful combination so it is vital that we start the year in alignment. If we strengthen this with support from home, we have already begun to achieve our college theme for the year: Seeking Connectedness by working together towards clearly defined and achievable learning goals.
Looking forward, the end of the year should bring a wonderful opportunity to celebrate not only progress, but the effort it takes to make it happen. Proud moments for our students are earned through hard work. We can celebrate the effort and guide through the challenges when we have a shared understanding of what progressing through learning looks like for each student.
Mrs Cara Robinson-Taylor Academic Leader: Learning and Teaching