What is the Walker Learning Approach?
The Walker Learning Approach developed by Kathy Walker provides a truly authentic personalised learning model of teaching and learning that is effective across all cultural, economical, geographical, religious and social spectrums. The approach uses developmentally appropriate ways of helping to engage children in truly meaningful and relevant strategies that enhance not only literacy and numeracy but also motivation and self-esteem.
The Walker Learning Approach is based on rigorous research and theory; and this specific curriculum design is unique to Australia whilst utilizing many teaching and learning strategies from schools across the world in relation to student engagement and child development theory. The Walker Learning Approach is based upon brain research, child development theory and the range of cultural and social influences from family and the wider environment. It requires careful consideration and implementation by Schools in order to ensure effective teaching and learning occurs. (Extract by Kathy Walker from www.walkerlearning.com.au)
The Walker Learning Approach is based on rigorous research and theory; and this specific curriculum design is unique to Australia whilst utilizing many teaching and learning strategies from schools across the world in relation to student engagement and child development theory. The Walker Learning Approach is based upon brain research, child development theory and the range of cultural and social influences from family and the wider environment. It requires careful consideration and implementation by Schools in order to ensure effective teaching and learning occurs. (Extract by Kathy Walker from www.walkerlearning.com.au)
The core essentials of the approach...
In essence the WLA is:
- An authentic and true personalised pedagogy
- Intentional and responsive teaching
- An approach that focuses on skill acquisition and the process of skill acquisition
- Allowing children to take ownership of their learning and their skills
- About children developing positive relationships with their teachers and their peers to develop a life-long love of learning
- Not about children missing out on other subjects; as Kathy has spoken about at parent evenings, the approach is about incorporating skills relating to curriculum areas in a meaningful and personalised context and moving away from frequent whole class instruction of content for each subject (eg. Health, History etc)
“The WLA, while reflecting some elements of play, is a unique and specific pedagogy. The approach is not about old-fashioned developmental play sessions, nor what is often referred to as a language experience.”
Kathy Walker
How will the Walker Learning Approach help my child develop a love of learning?
The key components required for successful learning to be sustained and transferrable into the future form the 'core' of the WLA. These include:
- Intrinsic motivation
- Relationship building and trust between students and staff
- Empowerment and ownership of the learning
- Engagement through authentic and relevant interests of children
- Acquiring the skills of effective research, problem-solving, risk taking and resilience
- An emphasis on skills rather than knowledge
- Learning how to learn
- A positive and realistic sense of self
- Resilience
- Working independently and interdependently
“The WLA is a pedagogy and not a curriculum or a teaching tool that is overlaid on another philosophy, nor is it to be viewed as an ‘add-on’ program that needs to be squeezed into the existing overcrowded timetable.”
Walker Learning Approach fact sheets
Please click on the links to read an array of literature about the approach
WLA Key Principles
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WLA Reporter & Photographer roles
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Creating an 'open' learning environment
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Questions to help your child when they are the Reporter or photographer
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