MTOP - Exploring the relationship between Outcomes, Visible Learning and Meaningful Documentation

Facilitated by Kylie Brannelly

The five outcomes in the Framework are key reference points against which children’s experiences can be documented and communicated to children, families and other professionals. In doing so, educators can reflect on children’s levels of wellbeing and engagement with learning. Due to the social nature of school age care settings, this evaluation can occur on an individual, as well as a group basis. For example, the whole group may benefit from some experiences planned to foster sportsmanship, plus there may be one or two children who are being more specifically coached and monitored in this area where a lack of skill has been noticed.

One of the biggest challenges facing school age care educators is efficient use of time and the need to document what is significant. What do you document? How do you know what is significant? You cannot possibly document everything and it tends to become meaningless if this occurs. Educators need to select the important moments. You can’t write in detail about every child, and you may not be able to do it every day! However, in time you can gather pictures and stories about all the children to give a better idea about who they are and their dispositions.

This session will explore the relationship between Outcomes, Visible Learning and Meaningful Documentation supporting educators to find techniques and strategies that are relevant, contextual and fulfil a pedagogical purpose.