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Our Learning Design Methodology
Whether it’s an entire unit of work or just a single lesson, all Cool.org resources have a clear and consistent approach to teaching and learning. Following Tune In, Find Out, Take Action methodology, each resource is designed to be flexible, allowing teachers to adapt and meet student needs - no matter the topic or year level.
Our resources are…
Relevant
We examine real-world topics through our pillars of sustainability. By addressing contemporary social, environmental and economic issues in the classroom, students have meaningful opportunities to dig deeper into what matters to them.
Reliable
We create content with educators for educators, who trust our quality resources. We embed critical and creative pedagogies, combining explicit instruction and inquiry practices into a consistent methodology that supports teachers in delivering impactful learning experiences.
Researched
We are rigorous in using expertise and evidence across our learning design. We use a robust quality assurance rubric on all our resources. We also partner and consult with industry experts and trusted sources to ensure accuracy. This supports educators in navigating challenging topics with ease and confidence.
Respectful
We prioritise safe learning spaces, ensuring that relevant resources are developed in consultation with cultural or psychological experts and knowledge holders. We authentically incorporate the knowledges, histories, and perspectives of First Nations peoples. We address social and intercultural topics respectfully and thoroughly.
Tune In, Find Out, Take Action!
Our resource design revolves around the simple but powerful framework of Tune In, Find Out, and Take Action. Through this structure, educators have the tools to engage their students through three main calls to action. By digging deeper into lesson content through this approach, educators provide their students with meaningful reference points and build knowledge and skills through real-world examples and case studies. Independent research has proven that this methodology leads to significantly improved student engagement in learning. It's also the perfect complement to the Cool.org Hope & Act Framework.
Tune In
Tune In is where we create an opportunity to spark curiosity and engagement. In this phase, we set the scene, consider our preconceptions, and engage in critical thinking.
• Delivering creative hooks
• Setting clear learning intentions
• Establishing prior knowledge
• Addressing misconceptions
• Using the Cool.org Hope Framework
• Offering provocative questions
Find Out
Find Out is where we explore data, case studies, and information. In this phase, we dig deeper into a topic, learn about new concepts, and make connections.
• Applying thinking routines
• Showing worked examples
• Using the Cool.org Hope Framework
• Teaching explicitly and chunking
• Offering differentiation
• Undertaking research
• Developing inquiry approaches & formative assessment
• Using feedback loops
• Facilitating collaboration
Take Action
Take Action is when we apply new knowledge and skills in the classroom and the wider world. In this phase, we go beyond just memorising and build experiences that positively impact people and planet.
• Supporting student voice and agency
• Thinking creatively
• Conducting experiments
• Engaging with communities
• Using the Cool.org Act Framework
• Testing theories and prototypes
• Making time for reflection
Teacher and student-approved
2.5m
Aussie kids taught per year
2.31m+
lessons have been downloaded
220,000
Aussie educator members and counting...
76%
of teachers feel less overwhelmed
Go one-step further with a Cool+ subscription
Our premium subscription option, called Cool+, helps save Aussie educators 5 hours of prep time on average per week while building their knowledge and skills, all for less than the cost of a weekly coffee. ☕️🌿
✅ 86% of teachers save time with a Cool+ subscription
✅ 91% improvement in student engagement
✅ 85% of teachers feel less overwhelmed in the classroom
✅ 80% of teachers developed better teaching skills overall.
We are grateful for the work of Kath Murdoch, Bob Winters and Pat Armstrong (and others!) and their contribution to inquiry-based learning. Their important work on inquiry-based learning ideas and concepts helps all of us as we continue to shape learning experiences that encourage curiosity, critical thinking and student action.
Browse resources
Head to the Cool.org resource catalogue to find relevant resources. Remember to filter by your year-level, subject, and area of interest to find what you're looking for.