6.1 Identify and plan professional learning needs
6.2 Engage in professional learning and improve practice
6.3 Engage with colleagues and improve practice
6.4 Apply professional learning and improve student learning
6.2 Engage in professional learning and improve practice
6.3 Engage with colleagues and improve practice
6.4 Apply professional learning and improve student learning
critical reflection #6:
The content, skills and knowledge I have learnt and acquired both within university and my experiences in the workplace setting, has contributed to my engagement in professional learning. If there is one thing I have gained from my educational journey in becoming a teacher, it is that I will continuously be learning and modifying my practice to meet the needs of the school environment, community expectations and most importantly, my students abilities. Billett, Dymock & Choy (2016) agree that “we teach students to become life-long learners, but as teachers we too will forever be life-long learners” (Billett, Dymock & Choy, 2016, p144). The term “professional learning” relates to the ongoing learning and development associated with teaching, seeking advancement, improving practice and engaging in new approaches, strategies and deliverance of lessons (Billett, Dymock & Choy, 2016). Being immersed into teacher-life such as attending professional development days and staff meetings (artefact 1), meant that I was better able to see how professional teachers are able to improve their practice whilst engaging with colleagues to do so. As teachers progress from graduate to lead teachers according to the Australian Institue for Teaching and School Leadership standards, teachers face a plethora of teaching theories, strategies and philosophies (Powell & Graham, 2017). Even though not every theory, strategy, and philosophy is always employable, I strongly believe that it is important to adopt the ones that best resonate with who I am as an aspiring teacher, and what best reflects my students’ success. Through this e-Portfolio, my teaching philosophy and the variety of artefacts I have displayed, all contribute to my engagement in professional learning and my evolvement into a graduate teacher.
Creating this e-Portfolio has helped me to not only demonstrate my engagement in professional learning, but helped me to better understand each Australian Professional Standard for Teachers and their importance. It has also assisted me in identifying the areas in which I still need to develop a more sound understanding.
Relates to: 6.1 |
Artefact 1 shows how during one of my placements, I was able to participate and attended professional learning days. These included aIl staff meetings and team planning days where my opinions and suggestions were valued. Actively participating in these meetings allowed me to gain a better understanding of the hard work that goes into planning lessons and units.
Relates to: 6.1, 6.4 |
Throughout all my placements I have ensured that I always take the time to receive feedback from my supervising teachers. I think it is crucial as a pre-service teacher to be provided with constructive feedback to enhance teaching practices. Artefacts 2-6 are a small snapshot of the feedback I have been given over the years. Through reflection and feedback, I am able to continue to evaluate my practice and continue my professional learning to improve student achievement.
Relates to: 6.3, 6.4 |