Transforming Classrooms, Empowering Learners: VTLM 2.0

The way we teach shapes the way students learn—and Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0 (VTLM 2.0) is paving the path toward stronger, smarter, and more inclusive classrooms across Victoria’s State Schools. With full implementation scheduled for 2028, VTLM 2.0 brings clarity, consistency, and contemporary research together into a streamlined framework that reflects how students learn best.

Why VTLM 2.0?

Developed by the Victorian Department of Education in collaboration with the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) and informed by educators on the ground, VTLM 2.0 is not just an update—it’s a transformation. At its heart lies explicit teaching, a powerful, evidence-based approach that promotes clarity, structure, and active student engagement.

But this isn’t chalk-and-talk. VTLM 2.0 redefines explicit teaching as dynamic, collaborative, and student-centered—built on formative feedback, scaffolded support and structured practice. It has also streamlined previous models into two clear sections making it easier for teachers to understand and apply to their classroom practice.

Elements of Learning

The model’s four elements of learning are designed to reflect the cognitive science of how information moves from short-term to long-term memory:

1. Attention, Focus and Regulation: Establishing classrooms where students feel secure, valued, and free to engage.
2. Knowledge and Memory: Building and connecting new concepts with prior knowledge.
3. Retention and Recall: Managing cognitive load to avoid information overload and promote deep learning.
4. Mastery and Application: Repeated practice and meaningful application leads to real and lasting understanding.

Elements of Teaching

Behind every successful learner is a thoughtfully prepared teacher. The four elements of teaching in VTLM 2.0 are practical, collaborative, and grounded in what works:

1. Planning: Whole-school curriculum design and responsive classroom-level planning.
2. Enabling Learning: Creating environments of trust, inclusion, and high expectations.
3. Explicit Teaching: Scaffolding new knowledge step by step – “I do, we do, you do.”
4. Supported Application: Revisiting and extending learning to ensure mastery.

The Road Ahead

The beauty of VTLM 2.0 lies not just in its structure, but in its flexibility. It supports educators to refine their craft, ensures coherence across schools, and uplifts every student’s potential. As we edge closer to 2028, schools across the state are already embedding its principles into planning, pedagogy, and professional learning and The Song Room’s Arts Learning Team has been busily aiding primary music teachers through professional learning and mentoring opportunities.

If you’re a music educator preparing for VTLM 2.0, start small. Pick one lesson and build in clear success criteria and scaffolded practice. The impact can be immediate. Why not try with this sample music lesson from The Song Room, Exploring Rhythmic Patterns.

If you’re a music educator preparing for VTLM 2.0, The Song Room can help. We provide professional learning and mentoring to support primary music teachers. Reach out to us today to get started.