Our explicit teaching approach

23 May 2025

At Mortlake Public School, our teaching practices are grounded in research about how children learn best.

What Is "Explicit Teaching" and why does cognitive load matter?

At Mortlake Public School, our teaching practices are grounded in research about how children learn best. One key approach we use is explicit teaching. But what does that mean, and how does it help our students succeed?

Explicit Teaching: Clear, structured, and supportive

Explicit teaching is a highly effective method where teachers clearly show students what they need to learn and how to do it. Lessons are carefully structured and broken down into manageable steps. Teachers model new skills or concepts, provide guided practice with immediate feedback, and gradually release responsibility to the student as their confidence grows.

This approach leaves little to guesswork. Students are not expected to “discover” key concepts on their own – instead, they are supported through clear explanations, examples, and practice. This builds strong foundational knowledge and sets students up for long-term success.

Understanding Cognitive Load Theory

Cognitive Load Theory helps explain why explicit teaching works. It’s based on the idea that our working memory – the part of our brain we use to process new information – has limited capacity. If students are overwhelmed with too much information or complex tasks all at once, learning can break down.

By understanding cognitive load, teachers can design lessons that avoid overloading students. This includes:

• Breaking down complex tasks into smaller steps
• Using visual aids and worked examples
• Reducing distractions and focusing attention on the key learning

Why it matters in primary school

For primary students, who are still developing both their academic skills and their ability to focus and manage information, this approach is especially important. By carefully managing cognitive load, explicit teaching helps students:

• Master core skills in literacy and numeracy
• Build deep understanding, not just surface knowledge
• Develop confidence and independence over time

In short, explicit teaching - backed by cognitive science - ensures every child can access learning, stay engaged, and succeed.