Designing for Learning: Defining the Pedagogical Vision
The ‘Designing for Learning’ series of articles has been designed as a resource and guide for educators undertaking or wishing to undertake capital works projects on their campus. Our aim is to provide a base understanding of the intersection between pedagogy and architecture - bridging the gap between architects, educators, and community stakeholders. These are not scholarly articles but we do endeavour to reference relevant experts in this field. It is written by Audrey Whisker, an architect based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia with extensive experience working with the Department of Education, Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) and as registered architects on the Construction Supplier Register (CSR).
This article is most useful in the Pre-Design or Asset Management Plan 1 (AMP1) Stage.
Pedagogy, or the method and practice of teaching, is a vital component of any educational institution. A school's pedagogical vision refers to the overarching philosophy and approach to teaching and learning that guides its educational practices. The school's mission, values, goals, and stakeholders shape this vision. It influences the design of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development. In this article, we will explore the concept of pedagogical vision, the factors that influence it, and the ways in which it can be defined and communicated at a school.
The Importance of the Architects Brief
As a client, it is important to thoroughly brief your architect before beginning a construction project. A clear and concise briefing will help your architect understand your vision and goals for the project, allowing them to come up with the best design solution.
Briefing your architect also helps to ensure that the project stays within budget and is completed on time. By providing them with detailed information about your budget and timeline, your architect can make informed decisions about materials and design elements that will help keep the project on track.
Additionally, briefing your architect allows you to clearly communicate any specific needs or requirements you may have. This could include accessibility considerations, energy efficiency goals, or special design requests. By providing this information upfront, your architect can better tailor their design to meet your needs.
A clear brief to the architect is crucial to the success of your construction project. It helps to ensure that your vision is realised, the project stays on track, and all of your specific needs are met. By investing the time and effort into briefing your architect, you can be confident that your project will turn out exactly as you envision it.
Part of that brief when talking to an education architect is providing a clear pedagogical vision.
The Importance of Pedagogical Vision
Pedagogical vision plays a crucial role in shaping the educational experiences and outcomes of students. It determines the goals and objectives of instruction, the methods and strategies used to achieve those goals, and the ways in which students are assessed and evaluated. It also influences the professional development and support provided to teachers, and the resources and materials used in the classroom.
A strong pedagogical vision aligns with the school's mission and values and reflects the needs and interests of its students, teachers, and community. It also considers current research and best practices in education, and considers the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and learning styles of its students. By clearly defining and communicating its pedagogical vision, a school can create a cohesive and coherent educational experience for its students and teachers and ensure that all stakeholders are working towards the same goals.
To ensure that students are receiving the best education possible, it is essential to define a pedagogical vision.
This vision should be based on the school’s values and the objectives they hope to achieve through teaching. To ensure this step is as engaging as possible with the school’s community, involvement from leadership and stakeholders is encouraged.
Stakeholders should be consulted through activities such as school council and P&C meetings, surveys, workshops, and exercises. Alumni should also be surveyed depending on the age of the students. Engaging with the broader community can also have a positive impact on the pedagogical vision of the school. Examples include high schools connecting with businesses or tertiary education sectors, and primary school students connecting with aged care facilities.
It is important to consider cultural groups in the area, particularly the local Aboriginal community. Acknowledging their elders and history is a responsibility we all share, and this should be reflected in the educational vision of the school. Through these considerations, schools can create pedagogical visions that will best serve their students.
“Can schools be designed both physically and pedagogically to allow enough learning variations and settings to suit all students? What are the implications for school designers? Ideally, the school design needs to accommodate the pedagogy rather than visa versa.”
Factors Influencing Pedagogical Vision
A school's pedagogical vision is influenced by a variety of factors, including its mission and values, the needs and interests of its students and community, and current research and best practices in education.
Mission and Values
A school's mission and values are the guiding principles that shape its educational goals and practices. They reflect the school's purpose and purpose and inform its approach to teaching and learning. For example, a school that values diversity and inclusion may have a pedagogical vision that emphasises equity and social justice, while a school that values academic excellence may have a vision that emphasises rigorous and challenging curriculum and assessment.
Needs and Interests of Students and Community
The needs and interests of a school's students and community also play a role in shaping its pedagogical vision. A school may consider the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and learning styles of its students, and design its instruction and assessment to meet their needs. It may also consider the interests and goals of its community and incorporate these into its curriculum and instruction.
Current Research and Best Practices
A school's pedagogical vision should also be informed by current research and best practices in education. This may include research on effective teaching and learning strategies, the use of technology in education, and the impact of different instructional approaches on student outcomes. By staying up-to-date on research and best practices, a school can ensure that its pedagogical vision reflects the most current and evidence-based practices in education.
Defining and Communicating Pedagogical Vision
Defining and communicating a school's pedagogical vision involves several steps, including the development of a vision statement, the integration of the vision into the school's policies and practices, and the communication of the vision to all stakeholders.
A vision statement is a concise and clear statement that outlines a school's pedagogical vision. It should be based on the school's mission and values, the needs and interests of its students and community, and current research and best practices in education. A vision statement should also be specific and measurable and should outline the school's goals and objectives for teaching and learning.
The educational vision of a school is a critical factor in determining the overall success of that establishment. This vision typically includes values such as teamwork, understanding, and empathy, which inform the selection of pedagogical methods used to instil those values in both staff and students. It is essential to create a balanced learning diet to support the health and wellbeing of the cohort. Research demonstrates that high math skills and higher social skills are determinant factors in the career trajectory of today's students, which suggests that teaching methods should provide a combination of didactic instruction and collaborative activities.
Integrating the Vision into Policies and Practices
The implementation of a pedagogical vision into a school's policies and procedures is essential for ensuring that students are receiving a quality education. To successfully implement a pedagogical vision, schools should consider the following key components:
1. Develop an overall pedagogical vision - A pedagogical vision should be used to guide all decisions about curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development within a school. Schools should work with educators to develop a shared understanding of what effective teaching and learning look like in their school. This vision should be used to inform decisions about how to improve teaching and learning.
2. Develop a set of core values - Core values provide a foundation for all policies and procedures in a school. They reflect the beliefs and values of the school community and can help guide decisions related to teaching and learning. Schools should identify core values and use them to create policies and procedures that support the school’s pedagogical vision.
3. Create a comprehensive curriculum – Curriculum serves as a roadmap for teaching and learning at a school. It outlines the topics and ideas that will be taught to students, as well as the goals and expectations for student learning. Schools should collaborate with teachers to create a comprehensive curriculum that aligns with the school’s pedagogical vision.
4. Establish clear policies and procedures – Clear policies and procedures are essential for making sure that teaching and learning is consistent across the school. Schools should work with educators to develop policies and procedures that ensure that the school’s pedagogical vision is being implemented effectively. These policies and procedures should include guidelines for teacher evaluation and professional development, as well as expectations for student learning.
5. Utilise data to monitor progress – Data can be used to monitor the effectiveness of a school’s pedagogical vision. Schools should work with teachers to collect data on student learning, teacher practices, and other factors that could impact the success of the school’s pedagogical vision. This data can then be used to adjust policies, procedures, and instruction as needed. By implementing these steps, schools can ensure that their pedagogical vision is being implemented effectively and that all students are receiving a high-quality education.
It is vital to remember that schools and their communities are made up of individual people. Stakeholder engagement workshops will be invaluable for bringing the community together and rowing in the same direction during any transition period.
