Professional Learning Resources

eLearning Association of Victoria Excellence Award

Five professional learning modules were developed and trialled in Stage One. They are unique and innovative in their format, each comprising three parts:

  • a booklet that contains a succinct explanation of the ideas and research
  • a DVD in which the skills or ideas are modelled
  • a CD-ROM in which the user can practise the skills or interact with the ideas that are developed.

The five resources are:

Inquiry-based Teaching (click images for sample content)

This module answers the simple question ‘What is inquiry-based teaching?’ In doing so it explores the different phases of an activity lesson and a variety of inquiry-based teaching strategies.

Effective Questioning (click images for sample content)

This module provides a starting point for professional discussion about classroom questioning techniques and practices. Topics covered include the purpose of questioning, types of questions, wait time, how to respond to student answers and creating a climate that encourages and supports students to share their ideas.

Assessment (click images for sample content)

This module supports teachers to consolidate and extend their assessment practice. The role of diagnostic, formative and summative assessment is explored along with a variety of useful assessment strategies and techniques.

Student Learning (click images for sample content)

This module provides a stimulus for reflection and planning around student learning in the inquiry-based classroom. The 5E learning theory, cooperative learning and the use of notebooking to enhance learning are all explored.

Leading for Change (click images for sample content)

This module focuses on the role of leadership in scaffolding change and supporting growth within an educational team. It covers a repertoire of leadership understandings, skills and competencies that help all members of a professional learning community.

While the resources may be explored by an individual teacher or school leader, they are specifically designed to support the work of teams of teachers. As such, they work best when the experience is shared amongst colleagues within, for example, a professional learning community.

As an example of the style and content of these resources the booklet for Inquiry-based Teaching is available here.