ABSTRACT
Powerful learning does not occur by accident. It is usually the product of an effective learning situation created by a skilful teacher. Such learning and teaching engagements are commonplace in schools that have an ethos characterised by high expectations, collaboration and innovativeness. These schools, powerful schools, are designed and organised to support powerful teaching and learning. For, as Bruce Joyce and Beverley Showers (1991: 10) note:
Effective learners draw information, ideas, and wisdom from their teachers and use learning resources effectively. Thus a major role in teaching is to create powerful learners. The same principle applies to schools. Outstanding schools teach their students ways of learning. Thus, teaching becomes more effective as the students progress through those schools because, year by year, the students have been taught to be stronger learners.
