Kathy Walker began her teaching in the early childhood years of education. Kathy began her academic career at Swinburne and then at RMIT University for 15 years in early childhood, primary and adult education. During her time at RMIT, she commenced consulting with schools on how to increase student engagement and personalise learning through effective teaching and learning strategies. Kathy's areas of expertise are curriculum theory and design and child development from birth to12 years.

The Walker Learning Approach provides authentic personalised learning that is developmentally appropriate and starts from student engagement.  The success of the approach is build on the following platform:

• Evidence Based Pedagogy - Teaching methods have been developed through rigorous emphirical research using an action research model over 15 years
• Exciting and Refreshing Philosophy - Places the child at the centre of the curriculum and teaching strategies

• The Walker Learning Approach provides developmentally appropriate pedagogy for P-2 (investigative based learning) and grades 3-8 (personalised learning)

• The Walker Learning Approach - when implemented with integrity and rigor results in:
• • Higher levels of engagement and motivation
  • Higher oral language skills
  • Increased writing
  • Increased pro social skills
  • Decreased behavioural problems
  • Grater level of personal learning opportunities
  • Improved problem solving and creative thinking
  • Increased independence and interdependence

The success and widespread interest and introduction of the WLA from pre-school to year 8 across Australia is very exciting. However, one of the challenges is to ensure that schools and teaching teams have accurate information and support to assist with successful implementation.

Once the leadership and staff of a school have made a commitment to implement the Walker Learning Approach we recommend a number of key strategies during the process of implementation. It is important to recognise that implementing an actual pedagogy as opposed to a discreet program requires forward planning, time and support. 

The step by step WLA implementation plan is availble at "WLA implementation plan"

The first step to implementing the Walker Learning Approach into your school is to register your interest via our online Enquiry Form.