Elements of Learning

Element of Learning: Knowledge and Memory

At Boroondara Park Primary School, we know that strong learning happens when students can connect new knowledge to what they already know and remember it over time. Aligned with the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM) 2.0, our teaching focuses on helping students build, store and retrieve knowledge so they can confidently apply their learning in different contexts.

In classrooms, teachers support knowledge and memory through:

Explicit teaching and clear learning intentions
Revisiting and reviewing previous learning regularly
Using worked examples, modelling and guided practice
Providing opportunities for repetition and retrieval practice
Making connections between new and prior learning
Using visual supports, anchor charts and examples to strengthen understanding.

These approaches help students move learning from short-term to long-term memory, building confidence, independence and success across all curriculum areas.

Families can support knowledge and memory at home by:

Encouraging your child to explain what they learned each day
Revisiting key facts, spelling words or times tables regularly
Reading together and discussing new vocabulary
Using routines, visual reminders and games to strengthen memory
Celebrating effort and persistence when learning something new.

The VTLM 2.0 highlights the importance of knowledge-rich classrooms and purposeful teaching practices that help all students learn, remember and succeed.

Useful Links

AERO – Student Wellbeing Resources – Research and family-friendly information about wellbeing, emotional regulation and creating supportive learning environments.
Student Wellbeing
AERO – Cognitive Load Theory Explained – Explains how reducing unnecessary distractions and structuring learning effectively can improve student focus and learning success.
Cognitive Load