The Teaching and Learning Cycle
Paige Parsons • December 7, 2023

All About the Teaching and Learning Cycle

A well-structured teaching and learning cycle is essential for fostering student success in the ever-evolving field of education. HARKE Recruitment recognises the significance of this cycle, which comprises four crucial phases: analysis for decision-making, planning and programming, classroom practice, assessment, feedback, and reporting


Let’s explore each phase in detail and shed light on how you, as a teacher and educator, can help provide the best learning experience and environment for your students!


1. Analysis for Decision Making:

The first phase of the teaching and learning cycle involves a comprehensive analysis for decision-making. At HARKE Recruitment, we suggest teachers and educators focus on understanding where students currently stand in their academic journey. This phase prompts crucial questions such as: Where are my students now? What are their strengths and challenges? At HARKE Recruitment, we recommend systematically analysing student data, so teachers and educators can make informed decisions that lay the groundwork for personalised and effective teaching strategies.


2. Planning and Programming:

Collaborative curriculum planning is at the core of the second phase. We emphasise this process's importance in shaping students' educational experience. 


Questions to answer for teachers and educators include: What do I want my students to learn? How can collaborative curriculum planning be leveraged to address individual learning needs? This phase is about setting clear learning objectives, selecting outcomes, and devising a roadmap that aligns with the goals of both educators and students.


3. Classroom Practice:

The classroom practice phase is where the planned strategies come to life. Teachers and educators implement the program using effective procedures, processes, resources, and organisation. 


The questions guiding this phase include: How can I present new material engagingly? How do I support students in developing an organisational framework for unique content? The emphasis is on creating an inclusive and dynamic learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of students.


4. Assessment, Feedback, and Reporting:

The final phase of the teaching and learning cycle revolves around assessment, feedback, and reporting. We understand the importance of the evaluation embedded throughout the entire process. 


Teachers and educators should ask: How can I gather evidence to judge students' learning? What adjustments are needed to ensure equitable access to assessment opportunities? This phase not only evaluates student progress but also provides valuable feedback to inform future directions for learning.


Continuous Improvement:

It is essential for teachers and educators to constantly reflect on their practices and engage in discussions with colleagues to share ideas and identify areas for improvement. The teaching and learning cycle is not linear but dynamic and iterative, allowing continuous refinement.


Conclusion:

The four teaching and learning cycle phases - analysis for decision-making, planning and programming, classroom practice, assessment, feedback, and reporting - collectively form a robust framework for effective education. At HARKE Recruitment, we love providing our teachers with valuable resources and information that will help foster a learning environment that will promote success and growth.

Contact our team for more information and help find your next teaching role!

Children in red school uniforms with hands raised, classroom setting. Teacher in the background.
By Lauren H February 23, 2026
School leaders: How to address Term 1 staffing gaps and plan strategically for mid-year recruitment. HARKE's leadership guide.
Children in green and yellow school uniforms sit on a wooden bench, facing away from the camera, at a school.
By Lauren H February 9, 2026
Thinking about a mid-year teaching move? HARKE's guide to when and how to plan Term 2/3 transitions strategically.
Students and a teacher looking at laptops in a classroom, focused on the screens.
By Lauren H January 26, 2026
Starting Term 1 2026 at a new school? HARKE's practical guide to surviving and thriving in your first week.
Black tape dispenser in focus on table; blue toolbox with supplies, and people in background.
By Lauren H January 19, 2026
NZ teachers considering Australia: what's still available for Term 1 2026 and why mid-year recruitment might be your sweet spot.
Teacher reading to children seated on cushions. White wall with alphabet chart.
By Lauren H January 12, 2026
Term 1 2026 starts in 2 weeks. HARKE's urgent guide for schools with unfilled positions and last-minute staffing needs.
Five people posing on a modern staircase; neutral tones; well-dressed; looking at the camera.
By Lauren H January 4, 2026
HARKE Recruitment's vision for 2026: what's new, what opportunities are coming, and how we're supporting teachers across Australia.
Woman sipping from a mug, working on a laptop at a wooden table in a bright room.
By Lauren H December 28, 2025
Practical wellbeing strategies for teachers to genuinely recharge during the Christmas break. HARKE's guide to rest, recovery, and returning refreshed.
Woman in green sequin dress smiles at laptop at decorated Christmas table.
By Lauren H December 21, 2025
Planning to explore new teaching opportunities in 2026? Here's how to use your Christmas break for smart, low-pressure job search preparation.
Child and teacher at a table, working on a project. A colorful block is in the foreground.
By Lauren H December 8, 2025
Planning to teach in Australia? HARKE Recruitment explains how and when NZ teachers should apply for 2026/2027 roles.
Teacher pointing at world map, student raising hand in classroom.
By Lauren H December 1, 2025
Is it worth applying for teaching roles in December? Here's what actually happens with school hiring at the end of the year.