Learning involves competent mediation. Learning is mediated via a person who is more competent in knowledge and skills than the learners. Therefore learning must be supported by quality teaching so that children can continue to build on their knowledge and skills, and progress with confidence.

Learning involves activity. Children make coherent sense of their world through purposeful activity, which takes place in a social context, and which allows learners to develop physically, emotionally and intellectually.

PSPs approach_to_learning_01

Learning also involves personal internalisation. Teachers create opportunities for learners to manipulate real things and encounter real situations. Thus children make meaning of the world around them and achieve understanding at a personal level.

Learning involves working towards self actualisation. This is so that the individual learner can act on his/her knowledge and skills to enhance their life experience. Therefore teaching must take into account the learners context and create meaningful opportunities to apply that knowledge.

Both children and teachers in the classroom are part of the circle of learning. At the same time as the children are learning, the teacher is also learning, about her pupils, about her own effectiveness, and about how to manage her classes.

Therefore teachers should create learning spaces where ideas and opinions are valued but are also open to constructive critique. Classroom layout has to facilitate a democratic use of space by all.

The PSP believes open-door management styles should be encouraged in schools.

WHAT TEACHERS SAY

"Yesterday I was doubting, but in the end I found that I’m lucky to be here because I always introduced fractions only in ONE way though sometimes there is a need for intervention. I used to get stuck. But now I had a break through! Thank you PSP!"

- Grade 2 Teacher from Siyazingisa Primary School, Guguletu