A tool for teachers. A diverse learning environment and student-based teaching and learning are important strategic objectives in the Estonian Education Strategy 2021–2035. To that end, educators must, among other things, create a learning environment and organisational culture that support development and health, are safe, and oriented towards collaboration. With the help of experts, we have prepared for teachers a framework for supporting effective learning, ie a teaching and learning framework, which is intended to help both prepare and conduct the learning process.
The teaching and learning framework covers five distinct topics
When using the Teaching and Learning Framework, you can either go through all the topics or choose the one in which you want to improve yourself. In addition to an introduction, each topic includes questions. Before looking at the answer, it is recommended to take a moment to reflect on whether and how this particular aspect has been included in the learning process.
Effective learning and motivation
Learning is a complex process, and supporting it is one of the primary duties of every teacher. In order for real learning to take place, ie for the student’s brain to go through permanent change and to internalise the subject, it is necessary to implement methods and strategies that support effective learning and student motivation.
Mental health
In order to learn, one needs to feel safe and well. Relationships with teachers and peers, as well as classroom climate, are important factors for a caring, understanding and supportive environment that promotes learning.
Physical health
Children who are physically active and in good shape tend to do better in school. Exercise breaks during the day are necessary for students of all ages.
Digital competence
An integral part of modern learning is the meaningful and purposeful use of digital technology where digital tools are not a goal in themselves. Developing digital competence is part of the learning process.
Copyright Act and GDPR
Teachers create educational materials, use the works of other creators in teaching and work with data, so it is essential to handle them properly – to know the Copyright Act and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Authors
Ingrid Maadvere (educational technologist at the Education and Youth Board and Gustav Adolf Grammar School, English teacher)
Jana Adari (Puhja School class teacher, natural science teacher)
Kadri Raudsepp (Puhja School class teacher, English teacher)
Kerli Požogina (digital competence project manager at the Education and Youth Board)
Kriste Talving (visiting lecturer at the School of Educational Sciences of Tallinn University, English teacher at Pärnu Old Town Basic School)
Marie Runnel (psychologist at Paide Hammerbeck Basic School)
Maris Pukk (Estonian language and literature teacher at Puhja School, form mistress)
Piret Lehiste (expert and trainer in digital competence at the Education and Youth Board)
Development was led by Triin Kaasik, the digital training project manager of the Education and Youth Board.
The english translation of the framework is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
We look forward to your feedback
All teachers are welcome to submit their ideas to the teaching and learning framework team to improve the framework in the future. Suggestions and feedback can be sent to digipadevus@harno.ee.