KSC
KSC
I have often introduced new units using Direct Instruction. When using this
method, ICT is an extremely helpful tool, and I have often employed the
assistance of designing slides using presentation software such as EMAZE.
My skills as a teacher are continually developing each time I step into a classroom.
During my placements I found that no matter what textbooks or theories I may have
learnt during my theoretical classes, nothing compares to the assistance of my
colleagues. I found that by creating healthy and respectful relationships with co-workers,
team work not only benefits myself but also benefits the learning of students.
During my studies of the Bachelor of Teaching I found that Professional Learning
Teams really assisted in furthering my skills. On many occasions I found myself
working closely with my PLTs to ensure that units of work were successfully
completed and where my weaknesses as a teacher were prevalent their strengths
as teachers would support my learning.
I have gathered information on effective teaching strategies by observing the
classes of my mentors, other teachers within my faculty, and teachers within
other faculties. I have noted their effective teaching strategies and worked to
implement them into my own practice. During my time at the Immigration
Museum I was able to see a very vast range of learners walk through and was
able to see how the educators had to adapt to classes they had very little
knowledge of. This was done successfully each lesson through personal anecdotes
and creating lessons in which students could generally relate to. If students could
not relate to the lesson at hand for whatever reason, I observed how well the
educators could use what was around them such as the students themselves to
prompt class discussions which allowed for students to express their interests.
Through attending a range of staff meetings and professional development
sessions, I have come to recognise the importance of reflecting with colleagues
and sharing resources with one another. Through my experiences in personal
development sessions, I have been able to refine my teaching strategies further
develop an understanding of the large variety of learners.
In my collaboration with colleagues, I have realized that learning occurs in different ways.
As teachers, we must continually work to improve our craft to achieve the best learning
outcomes for students. Learners will forever be differentiated, and will with each coming
day change and so as teachers it is important our techniques are adaptable.
SC3 Demonstrated capacity to monitor and assess student learning data and to
use this data to inform teaching for improved student learning.
Much like our students, teaching is a process in which we further learn in accordance to
our experiences and our ability to develop from there. As a student myself, I have not
been able to progress through my studies without the continuous feedback from my
teachers. I feel that as a teacher it is important to also constantly assess myself to
ensure I am providing my students with a fruitful education. The relevance in monitoring
assessment for, of and as learning in order to improve their abilities. Retaining data of
each students progression is a part of what greatly improves their learning and this can
be done so through formative and summative assessment. Ongoing monitoring of
students abilities is imperative in assisting both teacher and student in promoting the
learning progress of each individual student whether it be done through formative and
summative in class assessment or through high stakes assessments such as NAPLAN in
the middle years. As a pre service teacher I found using a spread sheet to map out
student progression quite useful in not only demonstrating to me their development but
also having a visual guide for the students themselves in which they can have access to
in any time they wish. In turn, this information would also benefit during report writing
time to refer back to how theyve progressed in each part of their learning.
Further to this, throughout my placements I have been exposed to different methods of
assessment in which in practice I have found quite useful:
As an educator I feel that both formative and summative assessment not only help
students progress in how they learn but also supports teachers progress in how they
teach. My intention is to consistently keep track of each student in their learning in order
to ensure each lesson is tailored to suit their individual needs and that they can see that
each time the produce a piece of work, it matters. Students strive on knowing that they
are improving and providing feedback that is constructive to them and that demonstrates
that their efforts are noticed and are making a different creates a drive in the classroom
like no other.
SC4 Demonstrated high level written and verbal communication skills and high
level interpersonal skills including a capacity to develop constructive
relationships with students, parents and other staff.
To cultivate practical relationships with students, parents and other staff within a school
community, I feel it important to demonstrate a high level verbal and written
communication skills and interpersonal skills. In order to do so successfully teachers
must first recognise the individuals they are addressing.
Reports, parent teacher interviews, and information evenings are avenues for teachers to
come into contact with parents. Further to these, teachers can also act as an insight to a
students persona away from the family unit for parents. Many parents rely on personal
and confidential conversations with teachers regarding their children. These factors are
crucial in building teacher-parent relationships. Parents and guardians play quite a
significant role in their child's attitude towards education and therefore as a teacher it is
important to demonstrate to the guardians that the classroom is a place where each
individual is safe. When communicating with parents and guardians it is important to
understand that they are not necessarily teachers and do not understand technical
jargon that we may have become accustomed to and thus communication between
teacher and guardian must be levelled. During my placement at Loyola my mentor was a
house coordinator and a very large part of his job was to be in constant contact with
families and guardians. During this time I observed the importance of getting to know the
family member and ensuring they feel they are a part of the community rather than a
customer of the school. It is always important to understand that both the
parents/guardian and teacher have the students best interest in mind and treating any
information as strictly confidential is of upmost importance. A father of two young girls at
Loyola College was serving in Bagdad and my mentor ensured that each time a school
news letter came out, it was sent to their father. He would constantly reply with emails of
heartfelt thanks and appreciation towards the college and in turn this created a very
trustful relationship between not only the family and the students as well. This kind of
effortless communication is something I feel very important to carry through into my
teaching practice.
Such clear communication thus also extends between teacher and student. Written forms
of communication as well as verbal clarifies to students exactly where they need to be
Melbourne Writers Festival. This role required my assistance for various authors
who have novels read by students in their English classes, such as Alice Pungs
Growing Up Asian in Australia or Amra Paialics Coming of Age: Growing Up
Muslim in Australia in leading sessions on identity and belonging throughout the
museum.
While at Loyola College, I attended the school ACS Athletics carnival and assisted
where in organisation, student count and lunch preparation.
During my time at Loyola, a teacher in the English faculty had fallen quite ill and
was unable to attend school for a long period of time. In order to ensure her
students would not fall behind I volunteered to teach her classes under the
supervision of a CRT. I also assisted the math faculty in supervising student
examinations.
Further, while at Loyola, I assisted during the school carnival ensuring the
organisation of activities. I ensured all students were safe and enjoying their day
by providing them with lunch tickets, marking off their attendance and organising
seating arrangements.
I am highly motivated and loyal, and will ensure that even if I am not experienced in a
certain department I will assist where I can to create a stronger school community. With
such a focus on maintaining a personal healthy lifestyle in contemporary society, I
believe that my interest and experience in fitness, healthy eating and gym are an area
that I could potentially offer to the school community. I also have a passion for creative
writing, reading and historical arts and travel and would enjoy offering any of the skills I
have acquired within these fields to the school community and students. I am open and
enthusiastic to learn new skills and committed to assisting students in developing their
academic, social and physical aspirations.