Blog post 5: Reflection

Reflection about how parents and/or caregivers are important to and may assist in the educative process of their child:

Parents/caregivers are an integral part in the education process of their child as they are able to provide teachers with an insight into their child (how they learn, what they like, how they behave at homes, duties, hobbies, etc). During my practicum I was able to sit in on parent-teacher interviews and listen to how teachers and parents discuss how to further help the child’s education. Communication with parents is also important when students have behavioural issues at school as the parents need to be aware of the best possible way to change a situation for the better.

Reflection on how well you achieved the goals set in blog post 1 and the areas of further improvement that are still ahead of you:

Out of the three main goals I set for myself in blog post 1, I feel that I am confidently achieving all three of these goals:

·    Develop a deeper understanding of the range of different learning styles and methods which can be used in the classroom to enhance student understanding of the content. (Element 2 – 2.1.1., 2.1.3, 2.1.5)

From working with a variety of different classes made me aware that different levels of learning have different needs which lead to creating different worksheets and tasks based on the needs of the class. E.g. one of my Year 8 classes had poor literacy skills with a majority of the students having learning or behavioural difficulties so I created worksheets which helped build their literacy skills and were short so that students were not weighed down with loads of information (as shown in blog post 4).

·    Develop effective communication in classroom discussions to reinforce and develop areas of content. (Element 4 – 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3)

        Classroom discussion were an integral part of most of my lesson introductions or conclusions as it is a wonderful way to revise, memorise and reinforce different areas of content. Discussion between students was also encourage through the establishment of group tasks (as discussed in blog post 3).

·    Use feedback as a means of improving and developing on teaching and learning practices. (Element 6 – 6.1.5)

From listening to advice given from my colleague teacher, practicum supervisor, students and other members of staff, I have been able to adapt and change my teaching and learning practices to improve and develop the way I teach. Feedback is essential whether it be written, verbal, or just passing comments. I will continue to seek feedback throughout my teaching career.

I still have much to learn and develop ahead of me to become a professional teacher but from these goals I have achieved so far, I am willing and ready to develop these other skills through the help of study, communication and involvement.