Visible Learning

We believe that it’s vital that our students are able to confidently talk about themselves as active, self-aware learners and that they are armed with a ‘toolkit’ of strategies to help them learn.

With this in mind,  we having taken on the approach of Visible Learning.

Visible Learning is based on the principles which been developed from Professor John Hattie’s extensive research into what factors have the biggest impact on student learning.

Visible Teaching and Learning occurs when teachers see learning through the eyes of students and helps them become their own teachers.

A visible learner is a student who:

  • Can articulate what they are learning and why
  • Can talk about how they are learning and the strategies they are using
  • Can articulate their next learning step
  • Understands assessment tools used and what the results mean
  • Asks questions and clarifies
  • Sees errors as learning opportunities
  • Actively seeks feedback
  • Sets learning goals.

Students need to know what they are learning, and what is needed in the task to make them successful. These are known as :

Learning Intentions  or WALT (We are learning to….)

and

Success Criteria   or WILF  (What I’m looking for…)

Visible Learning evidence in our school: Students did a whole school audit. Here is the video they created.

https://littlehamptonps.sa.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/UDOH9744.mov

Video Diary

This video below has been made to allow us to document our progress. In March 2017 we randomly selected two students from each class and asked them, “What makes a good learner?” We found that students at this stage spoke about their learning in a very passive manner and they focussed on mainly on ‘good’ behaviour.

We have since focussed on time building a language of learning (see below) and supporting children in understanding the characteristics of an effective learner.

We developed our Effective Learner Profile to support this. In June of 2018, we asked the same students the same question. Take a look!

The Effective Learner Profile

Our students use the Effective Learner Profile to assist them in talking about themselves as learners and to articulate their progress.

Our development of the Effective Learner Profile was a community effort! Staff, students and parents all contributed to identify the essential characteristics of an effective, life-long learner. Parents, we ask that you also use this language at home!

Brave

-Resilient
-Risk Taking
-Challenge-seeking

Gritty

-Persistent
-Doing your best
-Growth-minded

Engaged

-Mindful
-Curious
-Questioning

Creative

-Thinking
-Flexible
-Resourceful

Connected

– Collaborative
– Open minded
– Communicating

Self-aware

-Organised
-Reflective
-Goal setting

While we fully recognise the role LPS staff and students play in the development and embodiment of these learner characteristics, we also recognize the tremendous value in inviting parents into understanding and using this language at home too. 

A shared language of learning is our goal as a community!

See the wonderful characters that help bring the Effective Learner Profile alive for our younger children.

These symbols, that represent the Effective Learner Profile were inspired by our middle and upper primary students.

A Growth Mindset

We have developed a Growth Mindset culture where we focus on changing our words to change our mindset; “ I can’t do this” becomes “I can’t do this yet.”

Fixed students believe their basic abilities, their intelligence, their talents, are just fixed traits. They have a certain amount and that’s that.

With a growth mindset, students understand that their talents and abilities can be developed through effort and persistence.

At Littlehampton Primary School, we are encouraging all learners to have a Growth Mindset.

Challenge

We believe that challenge and struggle are necessary parts of the learning journey. Great break through and growth come after students tackle The Learning Pit 

Learning Pit is used at Littlehampton to promote challenge, dialogue and a growth mindset. Check out this video about The Learning Pit!