EDU102

Assessment Task 4

Reflective Essay

Personal Reflection
Over the past weeks in this educational course I have developed a greater understanding of the
importance of the role of a primary school teacher and have broadened my knowledge of lifelong
concepts. I now have a greater appreciation for the importance of understanding and applying concepts
relating to the classroom environment. Applying and understanding concepts of behaviour
management, student learning, learning styles and learning abilities, cognitive development,
pedagogical practices and motivation will inspire me as a pre-service teacher for success in the future.

Behavioural management is one of many great subjects learnt during semester one. This topic like non
other is foundational and proves most difficult for primary school teachers nationwide. Behaviour
management is seen as a challenge in schools around the country and causes boundless challenges
for teachers of all ages. My initial idea of the topic behaviour management is that it was a clear set of
rules defining conduct and behaviour which students were to follow. When expectations were not met
or followed by a student, a form of punishment would be used to serve as a consequence, such as
timeout or detentions. This however, through the attendance of lectures and tutorials has been proven
that behavioural management has a deeper depth and a profound lying concept.

Behaviour management is a system used to control or amend an action or performance (Marsh, 2010).
It should be recognised to address behaviour illustrated by a student, or an attempt to understand and
relate to underlying issues and needs. Over the past weeks in this course I have learnt that it is a
reaction based on actions and the way students should act within a schooling environment. Giving clear
expectations at the start of a lesson ensures students know what is expected of them; therefore
minimising unwanted and unnecessary behaviour (Dann, 2012). Glasser proposed that there are five
basic needs that need to be addressed: need for survival, need for power, need for love and belonging,
need for freedom and the need for fun (Glasser, 1998). Glassers theory suggests that when any need
is unsatisfied there is an urge to behave in a manner to fill that need. This urge is as much as part of
human genetics as eye colour and cannot be controlled or changed (Glasser, W 1998). William
Glassers choice theory outlines that people are internally motivated to behave in a certain manner to
satisfy things that are most important to us as human beings and not just by our external motivation
people formerly expect (Glasser, 1998). To successfully demonstrate behavioural management
teachers must be consistent, establish a clear set of expectations and rules and minimise confusion
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Assessment Task 4

Reflective Essay

which will ensure children are on task and performing to their maximum potential. Teachers need to be
engaged with their students and develop a teacher- student relationship which will minimise
behavioural issues in the future.

Until recently my understanding of student learning was un-educational, however over the course of 10
weeks it has grown dramatically. My early views on student learning was that of an understanding
process that students acquire and develop knowledge. However through readings, weekly lectures and
tutorials Ive learnt that it is a theory concept that outlines how a child develops at different stages of
their life, relating to understanding and processing knowledge (Marsh, 2012). Piagets theory is
especially designed for both primary school teachers and students allowing them to be specific to the
needs of that child (Marsh, 2010).

As a child or student, there are endless learning styles and learning abilities a teacher must cater for.
Teachers must strive towards valuing students ideas, culture and language and nurturing students
emerging sense of identity and self-esteem (Krause, Bochner, et al. 2010). Learning on one level is
generating a level of rapport with students in the classroom while learning self-knowledge and
awareness. Learning involves the discovery of relevance as well as the involvement of self-knowledge
and self-awareness (Claxton, 1999). Applying teaching and learning processes implies that the role of
the teacher is one where they act as the facilitator and a creative aid for students, helping them work
step by step through the learning task to reach specific learning outcomes and not just giving the
students answers (Krause, K. et.al 2010). The significance of understanding this teaching approach is
twofold. Firstly it implies that a teacher must not only develop good skills in planning and developing
teaching frameworks that step logically through a series of phases, active activities and teaching
outcomes that when combined, allow students to achieve specific outcomes. Secondly, the role of the
teacher is not one dimensional. An example of this is based on a simple question and answer
approach, rather, the role is one of a facilitator who guides their students along a specific pathway
where the learning outcomes may be richer than even what was designed.

During the first semester I have broadened my knowledge of how teachers need to understand how the
learning process occurs and the influence of cognitive development. I found this topic difficult to
understand due to the vast number of theorists used to portray this issue. The study of cognition has
shown example of how students perceive information, how they learn, how they think and studies of
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EDU102

Assessment Task 4

Reflective Essay

personalities (Sternberg, 1997). This study was due to the progress through schools showing less
spontaneous creativity in their thinking (Sternberg, 1997). Of the several theorists that present
approaches and concepts Vygotskys work focused primarily on the social world of the child (Roth.W,
Lee. Y, 2007). Vygotsky proposed that as children progress through the critical role in the development
and thinking stages of private speech, they use this ability to transform knowledge into their own
personal schemata (Marsh, 2010, p.46). If and when children encounter new ideas or concepts that do
not fit with their original schemata, then an imbalance occurs in their understanding and this will require
assistance from a teacher or adult which will assist in their learning. From a professional and practical
point of view Vygotsky used the term Zone of Proximal Development to define the boundaries of the
learning scope where knowledge and understanding can be developed (Marsh, 2010). The Zone of
Proximal Development is the process of learning and understanding knowledge, however learning will
not occur if the matter is regarded too easy or too difficult. This is measured by something that is
achieved without learning anything or something that is achieved but with great confusion (Marsh,
2010). Primary school teachers who recognise that a student has a neutral cognitive zone of proximal
development where learning and knowledge occurs are both competent and successful role models.

Prior to week six my knowledge and understanding of Pedagogy was limited. To begin with pedagogy
was the study of being a teacher, the art of learning and the matching of learning styles. However
through lectures and tutorials I soon learnt that pedagogy is more than just teaching; it is the art and
science of educating children and the skills and abilities in order to foster good learning outcomes
(Marsh, 2010. p.195). In order for primary school teachers to create a fun, safe and welcoming learning
environment this practice/ practise ensures teachers are being skilfully productive. Pedagogy has 4 key
elements of productive pedagogies, supportive classrooms, connections, recognising differences and
intellectual quality. In a supported classroom it is a student directed environment where students have
say in how they are going to solve problems. Students in this element are engaged in what they are
doing as they find it interesting and challenging. Connections show the association to the real world,
background knowledge and knowledge integration. Knowledge from different subjects can be
understood and can help students gain a better understanding and solving problems. Recognition of
differences varies between cultural knowledge, group identity and active citizenship. All aspects of this
element aim to provide an awareness of culture recognised groups in a classroom and design to
encourage young people to behave acceptingly in society. Lastly of all four elements are intellectual
qualities which implements moving memory to knowledge. For teachers this means that they are to
think about how to make their teaching and student learning more self-centred and involving more
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Reflective Essay

intellectual rigour and quality into everyday practices. Personally I believe that students must be able to
discuss what they know (prior knowledge), express their ideas and talk about what they have learnt.
Proving they have learnt something means that the teacher has taught them well enough for them to
understand the content of the material.

My original understanding on the issue of motivation was that motivation creates a better
communicational work environment with great responsibilities put on the learner or student. I have
since become aware that motivation in my eyes is the key to success. Motivation comes from within,
and as a teacher it is partially our responsibility to motivate students enough to make a difference in the
way they learn best. This semester has highlighted that there are many ways to motivate students;
however as a teacher it is critically important to be motivated yourself. There are four separate types of
motivation; social motivation, achievement motivation, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (Franken,
2007). The significance of understanding about issues for motivation is similar to learning styles and
learning preferences. Teachers need skills and the ability to analyse and know their students, be
perceptive and recognise behaviours and patterns for all motivations. Give children a voice. Motivate
them enough so they can voice their own opinion (Dann, 2012).

The role and importance of a primary school teacher has become clearer to me over the course of this
semester. I have gained deeper understanding and an appreciation of how to motivate students through
creating a suitable workplace environment. I have learnt insight knowledge on behaviour management
which will be helpful in the near future. Teaching processes in a classroom and outside environments
will support the diversity of characteristics in any group of students. Incorporating real world situations
such as practical experiences, whilst improving and growing vital knowledge, will help me develop into
the teacher I thrive to be.

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EDU102

Assessment Task 4

Reflective Essay

Reference List
Claxton, G (1999). Wise Up: The Challenge of Lifelong Learning. New York: Bloombury Publishing
Dann.C (2012) 2012 EDU 102 Lecture 3.pptx, Slide 8 &15
Dann.C (2012) 2012 EDU 102 Lecture 7.pptx, Slide 6
Franken, R. (2007) Human Motivation (6th edition) university of Calgary published by Thomson
Wadsworth in Belmort CA, USA
Glasser, W. (1998) Choice theory- a new psychology of personal freedom HarperCollins publishers new
York, USA cited upon http://www.choicetheory.com/,viewed: 28/04/2012
Krause K., Bochner S., Duchesen S & McMaugh A. (2010) Educational Psychology For Learning &
Teaching (3rd edition) South Melbourne, Vic : Cengage learning Australia Pty Limited
Marsh C. (2010) Becoming a Teacher- Knowledge, Skills and Issues (5th edition) Frenchs Forests NSW:
Pearson Australia
Roth WM & Lee YJ (2007) Vygotskys Neglected Legacy: Cultural History Activity theory, Review of
Education Research, 77
Sternberg, R. (1997). Thinking Styles. Melbourne: Cambridge University Press.

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