My Teaching Philosophy
Education is the movement from darkness to light - Allan Bloom​
Working towards the National Professional Standards for teachers........
1. Know students and how they learn
The first step to becoming a professional teacher is to know students and how they learn. Please view an essay that I wrote titled what it means to be an effective teacher. ​By researching different theories I was able to grasp knowledge and understanding on what it takes to be an effective teacher.
Another step towards knowing students and how they learn is through a research report conducted to learn about Jean Piaget's concepts and theories.
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​3. Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning
I am begining to learn how to plan, structure and sequence learning programmes. Please have a look at an integrated planning matrix that I have developed as a part of an integrated learning assisgnment​. The plan begins with a flowchart of the big issues in a fictional school scenario, then a lesson plan matrix of a series of six lessons and finally a report on how and why the lessons had been developed. The lessons are all linked to the National Australian Curriculum and the NSW Board of Studies Syllabus.
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​5. Assess, provide feedback and report on student learning
I am working towards gaining experience in assessing work, providing feedback and reporting on student learning. My very first Curtin University subject was on assessment. I am very proud my results from an assignement based on assessments. Please click here to view the document with my marks.
In regards to assessment, I have recently designed a rubric that is useful to assess online educational resources for the purpos of use in the classroom. I reguarly provide feedback to my fellow classmates on work that is submitted to our online discussion board. I have also been a critical friend and provided feedback to fellow students on assessments tasks.
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I will continue to take every opportunity I can throughout my studies to practise in the areas of assessment, providing feedback and reporting as it is a critical part of education that is required by students to enhance their learning. Please click here to hear a recorded reflection on feedback
2. Know the content and how to teach it
Through my studies at Curtin University and my work experiencce in the finance industry I have learnt many value things about content and how to teach it​. Here is a visual representation of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that I use everyday and how that will be useful in the classroom. Not only am I profficient in the use of Microsoft Word, but I am also a profficient user of Microsoft Excel and Powerpoint.
Recently I have also learnt how to use other software that will be useful in the classroom including SMART Notebook​ and PhotoStory3.​
I have also recently completed a research assignment on curriculum development which has been very useful in discovering the content of the Australian Curriculum and how it is used to teach students.
I cannot wait to use all these applications when I begin to teach my own students and to learn about more during my studies.
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​4. Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments
I It is important that teachers create and maintain learning environments that are supportive and safe. I have recently written an essay on the duty of care that teachers owe to students and learnt a tremendous amount about what a teachers responsibility is to the students they teach.
I have also completed a research task on 'Why computers should be used in K-12 classroom' and discovered teachers responsibilities in regards to teaching students in computer safety. I feel it is an important part of teaching to ensure that we teach our students responsibilities and protection online in this digitial age. Please refer to the ISTE NETS website for further details.
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6. Engage in professional learning
My son currently attends a local pre-school. When I enrolled into the Bachelor of Education degree I made this known to the staff at the pre-school. Since then I attend the staff development courses. I have attended one on behavioural management which was very useful. I have also subscribed to The Australian Teacher Magazine to ensure I keep up to date with the latest information and news within the education industry,
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7. Engage professionally with collegues, parents/carers and the community
In my current finance role it is part of my role to report to the executive and the Board. I must always conduct myself professionally in this environment, both in the way that I speak and in the way that I present information.
It is my goal as a professional teacher to ensure that I engage with fellow collegues in this same way. I also intend to engage with parents, carers and the community as much as possible and with just as much respect and cooperation as possible