The Queensland (Australia) Department of Education s "Corporate Plan 1994-98" identifies student learning and teaching as a key issue and includes effective learning and teaching as a corporate value. This document provides information on five guiding principles that have been formulated for the development and implementation of quality learning programs in Queensland state schools. The principles are that effective learning and teaching: (1) is founded on an understanding of the learner; (2) requires active construction of meaning; (3) enhances and is enhanced by a supportive and challenging environment; (4) is enhanced through worthwhile learning partnerships; (5) shapes and responds to social and cultural contexts. These principles are based on six assumptions: every person is a learner; learning is an ongoing and lifelong process; people learn within social and cultural contexts, independently and through interaction with others; what is learned depends on the way it is learned and with whom it is learned; the vital aspects of teaching include identifying the ways others learn best and extending the ways they learn, creating learning opportunities, and evaluating learning outcomes; and principles of effective learning and teaching provide the basis for ongoing improvement of learning and teaching practices. The principles of effective learning and teaching apply to all sectors of schooling. (ND)