Learning Partnership
This Week’s Learning Bulletin: Investigations & Educational Research Projects (ERPs)
A key focus this week is Investigations and Educational Research Projects (ERPs), both of which are grounded in a thoughtfully designed, child-centered learning environment.
The Learning Environment
While we draw inspiration from the Walker Learning Approach, we have adapted certain elements to align with our own educational philosophy and pedagogy. Careful planning goes into crafting an environment that is engaging, responsive, and meaningful for children.
An effective learning environment reflects children’s interests, encourages creativity, and offers both collaborative and independent learning opportunities. It fosters a sense of choice and ownership over learning, which is central to personalizing each child’s educational experience. The design of the space is guided by child development principles, intentional teacher planning, and the evolving interests of the children. This approach nurtures motivation, curiosity, and a strong sense of belonging.
At the heart of Investigations and ERPs is learner agency—giving children the freedom and responsibility to explore their ideas in a supportive and structured way. The environment encourages them to develop essential skills such as:
- Critical and creative thinking
- Oral communication and questioning
- Building a rich and varied vocabulary
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Making meaningful connections to real-world concepts
- Application of literacy and numeracy concepts
The accompanying video illustrates the transition from Investigations in P - 2 to ERPs in Years 3 - 6. It also explains the key roles children take on, such as Focus Child, Reporter, and Photographer, and how these roles help develop their ability to ask deep, meaningful questions. Through these sessions, children enhance their speaking and listening skills, sharing their ideas, inquiries, and discoveries with their peers in a way that builds confidence and a love for learning.
Principals