There are many activities that occur in education. Teaching and learning are showcased as being the two most important by Hoy and Hoy. These activities require an impressive skill set to execute successfully in the classroom arena. The purpose of everything that transpires in the name of education is for the sole purpose of student learning. I agree with their assertion that student differences impact the amount and rate at which students learn. Students have great differences in race, gender, learning styles, intelligence, and emotions. Hoy and Hoy’s view of improvement as being progressive and constant, was hard for me to wrap my head around in earlier years. Constructive criticism appeared to be a means to keep me suppressed and in check. Luckily, I learned the ignorance contained within my thinking. Things like professional development, observations, and PLC’s were meant to improve my skills as a teacher. Constant collaborative and reflective analysis helps correct imperfections and oversights as we strive for higher student achievement as the school-year rolls on. As Hoy and Hoy mention, these are obtainable through principals that communicate the clear vision of the school to all involved stakeholders. The correlation between positive influences and success is discussed as well. I know first-hand that having a vested interest in my school and students improve everyone involved. The ability of teachers to effectively motivate students plays a major role
This essay seeks to critically reflect my current understanding of teaching and learning and how it has influenced my developing philosophy. This is an important concept to grasp, for any practicing educator at the beginning of their journey in becoming a qualified teacher in Physical Education (PE). To fully develop this essay it is vital to be able to define and outline a solid concept of philosophy, as this will make it easier to understand the principles that underpin practices within the teaching environment. However, the notion of understanding ones philosophy is not always a straightforward process, there are certain barriers teachers are presented with on a day-to-day basis that can sometimes restrict and prevent an all-inclusive pedagogical atmosphere. Understanding the crucial concept of philosophy will provide the essay with a strong backbone. The definition from The Oxford Dictionary describes philosophy as a “theory or attitude held by a person or organization that acts as a guiding principle for behavior,” (Oxford Dictionary, 2015). Integrating this definition into the practical setting together Lund and Tannehill (2005) argued that inside a professional teaching occupation it is critical that teachers come to terms with what they personally believe about physical education and its goals. Whilst reflecting on both definitions I found it difficult to emphasize and pinpoint exactly what my personal philosophy may include, as it seemed at first I wanted focus on
In his closing chapter, Fullan states, “It has become more obvious that the approaches that have been used so far to bring about educational change are not working and cannot work” (Fullan, 2007, p. 299). It is up to each person involved in the education of todays’ students, whether a teacher, student, parent or community member, campus principal, or district administrator to work diligently to bring about the necessary changes to improve today’s schools in order to maximize student achievement. Effective change requires leaders to take the initiative. As Dufour and Marzano state, in agreement with Michael Fullan, “Effective leaders do not look out the window waiting for someone else to improve their situation – they look in the mirror” (Dufour & Marzano, 2011, p. 58). Why change today’s schools? Change must come about because today’s students deserve an education that will effectively lead them to success as a student and future leader in society. Educational reform is not an option but necessary for effective student
This semester felt shorter than the first semester, due to the fact, that we had different things apart from our routine lessons.
Going back to what were my beliefs about experience and learning meant to me, I still feel that experience and learning has always been a part of life. We learn in different ways and process different understandings differently. But as I furthered my knowledge on how experience and learning in adulthood are understood, I have learned much more.
During my time in this class I’ve learned a few more interested things about myself education and profession wise. Far as my goals in going for my MBA after this semester was a tough choice, because I didn’t know what career I wanted to go into. However; I realize building my resume, and getting an MBA will not only make me more marketable as an employee but will not close me in a box when seeking employment or having an opportunity to possibly work for myself. This class gave great insight on giving us a chance to share our thoughts on subjects like “Leadership or what is the meaning of GRIT?” it gave a person like me a voice to express my thoughts along with my fellow classmates.
As I complete my final thoughts for this class, I have come to realize the importance of respecting others. As a future educator, its importance for me to understand the different social and culture values within the classroom. It’s my job to keep a positive environment that promotes learning for all (different ethnicities) students to success. There are plenty resources out there for teachers to utilize inside the classroom to incorporate different students’ cultures. For example, you can incorporate different books on different cultures inside your classroom library. As a teacher, it’s your job to make each child and family feel included. It’s our job to overcome those barriers and challenges that is associated with students who are immigrants. I’m willing to go the distance for my students, but first I need to understand and accept my own personal journey. It starts with understanding your own social identity; your social identity is how you establish yourself as a person.
Teachers involving students in the learning process should require them to utilize thinking skills of higher order. Teachers should also designed lesson plans that are rigorous but can be adaptable to each student (whether students are general or special education) in the class. Educators should have activities that will nurture social development and student responsibilities, as this will give them the opportunity to exercise responsibility and practice interacting with others. Due to the fact students are in high school, there are no rewards for good behavior being practice. However, punishment in the class will be dealt with immediately in order to provide a stable environment of teaching and learning; as policy and procedure is addressed for misconduct at the beginning of the year
I have learned many things over the past five weeks of this course. I have learned that when you become a teacher you must accept everyone and their differences no matter what. These are the people who will soon shape and lead our nation. As a teacher one thing you say could ruin your reputation as a teacher. During my observations I realized how diverse a classroom really is. Just spending the fifteen hours in a classroom and observing has really helped me in looking deeper into everything and how things run in school. I also have learned that there are many ways you can figure out “tips and tricks” to dealing with difficult situations. The things about being a teacher and working in a certain environment can really give you more knowledge than working in most places. As a teacher your job is supposed to be teaching your students, but more times than not you will be the one learning. Kids can teach us to open our eyes to diversity because they are not born with hatred or bad thoughts about others. They learn those things from the environment and people around them. Seeing how young children react with each other we can learn a lot from them and if we just look at their views more than our own we can learn how to become better human beings. Overall, this course has taught me a lot about the people I come into contact with every day and how my actions may or may not affect them.
A student’s academic and social -emotional skills rely greatly upon their learning environment at home and school. Many students have access to the necessary support they acquire although some students do not. For the students who do not have the appropriate support at home, they depend on school personnel for their guidance. It is crucial that all school personnel to give students the opportunity to build positive relationships, while providing a supportive environment which will assist students with becoming academically and socially emotionally successful.
Teaching is a noble profession which has been in practice for ages. Everything can be taught – from a simple way of living to teaching someone to build a house, for instance. When talking about teaching and learning, we usually tend to think about academic learning where there is a teacher in front of a class, teaching the students. The process of learning deals with acquiring alterations in the existing knowledge, abilities, and ways of life or predilections through experience, practice or exercise. Unfortunately, the teacher is not the only one concerned in the teaching and learning process; the students are part(s) and parcel of this too. Education, for me, contributes greatly to the construction of the identity of a person who is also
Education can be defined as a “system.” For some people education is a means to get a well-paid vocation and that is all. There seems to be an inequality regarding to our social statues and education. In my perspective, I think that education should be equal for everyone; and we should get the opportunity to learn. Education should be defined as something that we can all afford and are capable of achieving. To have our own ideas,
My past experience of learning to drive was extremely positive. I didn’t suffer anxiety and was able to pass my driving test. My previous driving instructor was very clear with instructions, supportive, patient and offered positive reinforcement throughout my experience. My teacher said I was a capable learner that showed courage, this feedback gave me faith and motivation to learn to drive a manual.
Teacher quality and education standards are an issue that is under constant scrutiny in Australia, and in many countries around the world. There are many factors that contribute to a good quality educational system. Curriculum, government funding, school administration, and pressures of public opinion to name a few. Teachers themselves however, are the front line when it comes to education. The teachers in the classroom are ultimately the people whose job it is to ensure that students actually gain the
For my second reflection on my observation time, I want to start by saying that the experience so far has been enlightening, exciting, and motivating. Although I aspire to teach at this grade level myself, this is the first time that have been able to officially observe a class at the 5th grade level. I was anxious to get started with my time in the classroom, mostly because I was not sure what all I should expect, but the experience has proven to be everything I could have hoped it would be. Mrs. Gowing and her students have welcomed me with opened arms, and I am grateful to say that I have been able to see some quality instruction and management in the few short hours I have been there.
This semester was my first time working with 3rd graders at an IB school. This type of school is structured much differently than all the other elementary schools in Jefferson County. The curriculum at this school is a concept driven curriculum that helps students construct meaning through improved critical thinking skills. This means that the lessons taught are inquiry based. Inquiry based instruction is centered on posing questions and establishing facts through exploration rather than simply presenting the facts to the students.