Element One

I believe...

I believe that teachers have the responsibility of providing all students access to information, content and social experiences available in the classroom. In order for this to occur, teachers need to know the content they teach, be willing to learn more about it, and constantly be observing ways and means of presenting that content to students. I believe, in the theoretical constructivist view, that teachers are not static transmitters of information, rather, the facilitators of learning activities which should allow students to research, explore and understand content in a way which is most meaningful to them.

I have, through examination of the NSW syllabus, quality teaching frameworks and learning through university programs, come to understand the varied and extensive content that students are required to know. I have been exposed to and trialled various teaching methods that can be used to allow students equal access and success in their endeavours (Appendix). Similarly, I have created lessons which successfully achieve syllabus and quality teaching outcomes (Appendix). I have successfully developed ways of getting to know students through questioning, looking at previous work samples and ensuring that teacher analysis of students is taken into account, but doesn’t completely determine how I teach while I am with them. In the classroom I have also integrated ICT in consolidating student knowledge of major topics and as a teaching tool with ESL students (Appendix).

I will...

While I have begun to achieve the graduate standards, in the upcoming professional experiences there are a number of things I will strive to improve. I will work towards creating units of work and linked lesson sequences which fulfil syllabus requirements and that engage students towards meaningful learning. I will endeavour to find ways to develop my own knowledge of quality teaching practices and productive pedagogy, and try to keep up with current research which provides new and innovative ways of interacting within the classroom. As a part of this I will try to better understand how technology can be utilised to significantly benefit learning rather than simply using it because it is available and expected.

I need...

In order to fulfil these objectives I need to have more experience within the classroom. As a part of this, there are specific things I hope to engage in and achieve while I am a part of the school community. Firstly, I need to engage in observation and critical discussion of both my own supervising teacher and other teachers within the school. Similarly, I need to participate in stage planning meetings to see how terms are organised, content covered and meaningful lessons are created. While I believe that I have learnt a great deal at uni, there is nothing more valuable than the opinions, expertise and experiences of practicing teachers. I also need to engage in wider reading and subscribe to publications such as PETA which provide excellent resources and teaching ideas. As an integrated part of all the above, I need to engage smart-board training and utilisation and find ICT resources that I can directly implement in the classroom.