At Badger Creek Primary school the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM) 2.0, an evidence-based framework designed to improve student outcomes across Victorian government schools, is implemented. It centres on explicit teaching and cognitive science to foster deeper learning and mastery.
The model is built on four elements of learning: Attention/Focus, Knowledge/Memory, Retention/Recall, and Mastery/Application. It emphasises clear, scaffolded instruction and structured practice rather than solely student-led discovery, using shared and consistently high-quality curriculum materials. Developed in collaboration with the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO), it streamlines previous frameworks to focus on what science shows works best.
The VTLM 2.0 elements of teaching incorporate: Planning, Enabling learning, Explicit teaching and supported application, assisting teachers to create consistent, high-impact learning experiences by connecting evidence-based pedagogy with classroom practice.
At Badger Creek Primary, our ‘Explicit teaching’ utilises our Instructional Model, which is designed to transfer independence to students as they become more confident with new skills and concepts. Each lesson has a clearly defined learning focus and follows the structure below:
- Tune In – Students are energised with a game or activity that sets the tone for the lesson and familiarises them with the learning focus.
- I Do – Teacher explicitly teaches the skills and strategies needed for the learning focus.
- We Do – Teachers work with students to explore these skills and strategies together. Checking-in to clarify uncertainties or misconceptions from the shared skills practise.
- You Do – Students apply their skills and strategies independently or collaboratively, with teacher support.
- Reflection – Students reflect on whether their learning goals have been achieved and determine their next step.
