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

Introduction to AERO's model of learning and teaching

Teaching practices that are aligned with how students learn are the most effective in improving education outcomes for all. There is strong evidence about the processes that occur during learning. These processes explain why some teaching practices are more effective than others. AERO has developed a model that identifies the most effective and efficient teaching practices aligned with how students learn.

An explanation of the model

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

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.
To align with the evidence that students process limited amounts of new information, teachers manage the cognitive load of learning tasks.
To align with the evidence on how students develop and demonstrate mastery, teachers maximise retention, consolidation and application of learning.
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 this paper 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.

AERO is developing further resources for teachers and school leaders that expand on the practices discussed in this model. These resources will build on our existing Tried and Tested series, which covers education practices that have been proven to make a difference to learning outcomes for children and students. AERO has also partnered with Ochre Education to provide teachers with hundreds of free curriculum resources created by teachers for teachers. Ochre lesson resources support effective, evidence-based practices and address the learning expected in the Australian Curriculum.

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.

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

For an expanded version of this model, please download the PDF version.

How students learn

Teaching that aligns with how students learn

Attention and focus

Students are actively engaged when learning

Sensing, thinking and memory
Readiness for learning
Self-regulation
Safety and belonging

Enabling

Foster the conditions of a learning‑focused environment

Rules and routines
Respectful interactions
Self-regulated learning
Cultural safety
Family engagement

Knowledge and memory

Learning is a change in long-term memory

Novice learners
The developing brain
Working and long-term memory
Consolidation

Planning

Develop a teaching and learning plan for the knowledge students will acquire

Define knowledge
Chunk content
Sequence instruction
Plan to assess

Retention and recall

Students process limited amounts of new information

Cognitive load
Recall and retention
Additional learning needs

Instruction

Manage the cognitive load of learning tasks

Explain learning objectives
Teach explicitly
Scaffold practice
Monitor progress
Support tiered interventions

Mastery and application

Students develop and demonstrate mastery of their learning

Application of knowledge
Mental models
Problem solving, critical and creative thinking
Generative learning

Gradual release

Maximise retention, consolidation, and application of learning

Revisit and review
Vary practice
Organise knowledge
Extend and challenge