Explicit teaching at Vasse Primary School is informed by the Department of Education’s Teaching for Impact strategy and Cognitive Load Theory. Explicit Teaching develops mastery by connecting students to what they already know, what is expected of them, and how to do it. Explicit Teaching is a major feature of the school’s teaching in Literacy and Numeracy.
The Vasse Explicit Teaching Playbook highlights the following essential characteristics as features of Explicit Teaching:
- Clear learning intentions and success criteria (Introduction)
- Teacher modelling of new learning (Lesson Body)
- Supported practice (Lesson Body)
- Opportunities to independently apply learning (Independent Learning)
- Timely feedback (Conclusion)
When delivering effective explicit instruction at Vasse the teacher focuses on what enhances quality instruction and what can impact quality instruction. Teachers carefully consider the physical learning environment (eg. Seating arrangements focal points, displays that enhance instruction, reduction of distractions). Teachers use engagement norms that create well-paced daily reviews and explicit instruction and practice.
