GREAT LEARNING

The learning focus is the ‘raison d’etre’ of education and we define it as the end goal in  the learning process.  This learning focus can be for a whole subject, whole unit or a simple objective for a particular lesson.

 

At Danube we mainly use an inquiry based model of learning so that students are confronted with big questions that have life-worthy appeal instead of niche content that has to be memorised.  For example, an investigation into the effect of transmissible diseases on individuals, groups and society generally has a major impact on the future of the child and their society.  This approach clearly resonates with the idea of Great Learning.

 

Alternatively, the decision to teach Grade 6 students complicated aspects of trigonometry devoid of any authentic context is clearly a form of niche learning.  The value to the student in later life is at best questionable and the time available to the student could be used much more productively.