UTSCC unleashes professional learning with innovative new approach

UTS Child Care (UTSCC) has been on a journey of professional development reform, with the Leadership Team engaging with the Unleash Learning System, a tool developed by Dr. William DeJean which is rooted in scientific research and designed to “make learning stick,” ensuring that the time and resources devoted to professional development yield tangible outcomes. 

We recently spoke with Head of UTSC Melissa Woodhouse to learn more about the system and how the provider has taken it from its traditional ‘home’ in the school system to adapt it for use in early childhood education and care (ECEC). 

The Unleash Learning System, Ms Woodhouse began, is something of a natural fit for ECEC given the requirements of the National Quality Framework (NQF) for ongoing professional development, and the regular staff and room meetings within the sector.

Initially she was drawn to this new way of working because of the promise of improving team culture and fostering a more cohesive, engaged workforce. 

“What I’ve been noticing is that people are now flooded with information (online programs, webinars, workshops, events, emails, modules and more) and in this environment, rather than helping people learn, grow and change, it can leave people overwhelmed and shutting down,” she said.  

“In this new environment people can sit through workshops or training sessions but only get short-term learning or worse they are just ticking boxes. I wanted an approach to professional learning for our team that could strengthen the culture of our organisation, ensure long-term learning took place and help lower the stress of our leaders and team members.”

Seeking an embedded approach to professional learning that would empower her teams to “lead learning in a way that would get outcomes,” and that would create a culture of continuous improvement, Ms Woodhouse sought an organisation “that would walk us through the process and would help us get impact that would endure.”

“I also needed something that was easy enough to understand, but also complex enough that we could grow into it for the long-term, she continued,” and, hopefully, would lower the cognitive load of our team.Plus, I like that they spoke directly about making learning stick for everyone as those were the kinds of outcomes I was after.”

While early childhood educators are typically great at engaging children in learning, Ms Woodhouse observed that her leaders reverted to ‘delivery style’ teaching when trying to build the skills and capacity of adults, and this is something which was proving detrimental in the long term. 

Since using the Unleash Learning System methodology, the team is moving away from this space, and taking a more holistic approach, which is designed to ensure everyone’s included and learning is sticking.  

“In a recent room meeting, you could feel the energy of everyone who was in attendance as everyone was engaged in intentional and planned-for ways,” Ms Woodhouse said.

“Our leaders have a shared language about the approach they’re using and know what it takes to make learning stick for everyone.  They remind each other of the concepts and hold each other accountable to ensure we are embedding the approaches we have committed to.  It is not a “top down” change, it’s shared by everyone.”

For UTSCC, the program is going some way to helping to alleviate the pressure leaders are feeling as a result of ‘the knowledge gap’ which has occurred as a result of both the workforce shortages being felt in ECEC and the introduction of ‘fast track’ qualifications. 

“These issues and programs often result in a lack of depth in educators’ knowledge,” Ms Woodhouse said. 

“This knowledge gap is increasingly being filled by room leaders, directors, and providers, placing additional strain on them.”

While approved providers are spending money on professional development, seminars, conferences and other opportunities, this knowledge is lost when those who attend leave the sector or change providers. 

Over time the number of highly trained and skilled professionals lowers, and the ones who are left to transmit knowledge feel more pressure. 

“Rising operational costs put significant pressure on early education providers, who must find ways to continuously develop their staff while ensuring a good return on investment (ROI),” Ms Woodhouse said. 

“The Unleash Learning System provides this ROI by driving continuous quality improvement. It ensures that the investment in professional development translates into tangible, long-term benefits for the organisation.”

To learn more about the Unleash Learning System please see here. Further information about UTSCC can be found here.