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The P-BLOT is the outcome of doctoral level research (Aiono, 2020) investigating the the gap between knowing about child-centred practices and their practical implementation by classroom teachers. Traditional teaching models position the teacher as the expert, but the P-BLOT supports teachers to notice, recognise and respond to student interest and inquiry with confidence in their classrooms.
The P-BLOT is a resource that includes teacher professional development on four key practice areas: Cultural Connection and Practices; The Learning Environment; Teacher Behaviour and Overall Teacher Practices. In each practice area, there are observable, measurable practice indicators described in a 5-point Likert scale, enabling school leaders and professional development coaches to gather observational data of strengths and opportunities for further teacher practice growth. A fifth section identifies counter-productive practices implemented in the classroom that may limit the opportunity for student agency and child-centred learning experiences to occur. Supplementary resources include self-reflection tools and teaching resources. In combination these enable a teacher to identify what they are doing well and what areas they need further support in, to ensure they are providing an opportunity for child-led learning that aligns with relevant principles and evidence.
We have been implementing the P-BLOT professional development approach across New Zealand in over 100 schools, and reaching over 2000 teachers since 2018. In 2023, we undertook a 2-year research project to review the P-BLOT in relation to indigenous models of play, and are in the final stages of creating a culturally responsive P-BLOT model that supports indigenous play in New Zealand. In 2024-2025 we have begun supporting schools in South Australia, Queensland, and school divisions in British Columbia and Saskatchewan, Canada. We are partnering in a 2-year project with The Opentree Foundation to train their play practitioner team in the use of an Adapted P-BLOT framework across 95 schools (400+ teachers) in Mumbai, India and exploring research opportunities in Ghana and Nigeria in 2025.
Contact us at Longworth Education to discuss how we can train and contexutalise the P-BLOT to your setting! The P-BLOT is adaptable across school curriculums and contexts, and we have professional development and support available to assist schools, districts, government to implement the resources in order to raise the quality of teaching practices in child-centred learning environments.
