Child Centred Learning @ Coburg Special Developmental School: Empowering Student Agency Through a Transdisciplinary Approach to Learning, Rachael Harney, Speech Pathologist and Annie Seccull, Occupational Therapist, Coburg Special Developmental School

The “Child Centred Learning” (CCL) approach at Coburg Special Developmental School provides a framework for holistic and meaningful education programs for students, putting them at the centre of their education. The framework is centred around the teacher-student relationship which has proven to have the greatest impact on student learning outcomes. CCL develops learner empowerment and independence by using the students’ skills and interests to promote skill development and new learning opportunities that are meaningful and relevant. It incorporates Helen Timperley’s Teacher Inquiry Cycle within weekly team meetings to ensure every student has a voice informing what and how they are learning. Teachers, Therapy staff and Education Support Staff work collaboratively to develop and implement individual educational program goals that are the meaningful and relevant for students, based on interests and learning needs. It promotes differentiated and personalised teaching ensuring all students have a voice and choice in their learning.