6. Engage in professional learning
6.1. Identify and plan professional learning needs
Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in identifying professional learning needs
When I am on practicum and as a teacher I will constantly reflect on my practice and the impact that I am having on my students, using these standards will help me as The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers can assist me in identifying areas of my teaching practice in which I need to improve and pay more attention to, as well as identifying areas where I already have strength. Using the standards as a guideline I can create goals for improvement and know what standards I will need to meet for career progression.
6.2. Engage in professional learning and improve practice
Understand the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers
In order to be the best teacher that I can be I know that I will need to engage in professional development. During my practicum in 2013 one of the staff meetings I attending discussed professional development, all teachers were required to do a certain amount of PD each year. I was extremely lucky to be able to attend a workshop that my mentor was running about Autism on one of the days of my practicum. I recognise that Autism is an area where I am lacking knowledge and as such this year enrolled in an elective called ‘Understanding Autism’ to improve my understanding in this area and how it will impact my future teaching. As a student teacher I constantly endeavouring to improve my knowledge in all areas and as such I am attending some of the PD in the Pub sessions that the Australian Education Union are running this year.
6.3. Engage with colleagues and improve practice
Seek and apply constructive feedback from supervisors and teachers to improve teaching practices
During my practicums I have experience a range of different experiences. I have not only worked with my mentor teacher but I have observed and taught in other classes so that I am exposed to a wide range of teaching strategies. I have also attended sports days and specialist classes. I have sought to make connections with other educators not only in the schools where I have had practicum but by volunteering at local schools, attending webinars and engaging in online social media networks through twitter, Facebook and Pinterest. From my various practicums I have regularly engaged in conversation with mentors and other teachers to critically reflect on my performance and receive feedback and encouragement. I will continue in the future as a student and then a graduate teacher to reflect on my practice and enter into discussions with mentors and other teachers in order to gain ideas and feedback. One area that my mentor in 2013 noted that I could improve in was being more confident in my abilities, I was stressing and over analysing my actions so this is something that I need to be aware of and constantly address so I do not become overwhelmed. In the same practicum I had students who were Autistic and had short attention spans so I had to be aware of how long I was speaking for as they could only handle around 7 minutes on the floor instead of 15. I also had to adapt how I explained concepts making sure that I was very clear and concise, something which is beneficial for all students and not just those with on the Autism spectrum. This is something that I gained proficiency in as the placement continued but it is an area that I recognise needs more work.
6.4. Apply professional learning and improve student learning
Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continued professional learning and the implications for improved student learning
As a student teacher I recognise the benefits of continued professional learning. People never stop learning and I will endeavour to actively learn more about all areas of education in order to better myself and my teaching in order to best reach my future students.
6.1. Identify and plan professional learning needs
Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in identifying professional learning needs
When I am on practicum and as a teacher I will constantly reflect on my practice and the impact that I am having on my students, using these standards will help me as The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers can assist me in identifying areas of my teaching practice in which I need to improve and pay more attention to, as well as identifying areas where I already have strength. Using the standards as a guideline I can create goals for improvement and know what standards I will need to meet for career progression.
6.2. Engage in professional learning and improve practice
Understand the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers
In order to be the best teacher that I can be I know that I will need to engage in professional development. During my practicum in 2013 one of the staff meetings I attending discussed professional development, all teachers were required to do a certain amount of PD each year. I was extremely lucky to be able to attend a workshop that my mentor was running about Autism on one of the days of my practicum. I recognise that Autism is an area where I am lacking knowledge and as such this year enrolled in an elective called ‘Understanding Autism’ to improve my understanding in this area and how it will impact my future teaching. As a student teacher I constantly endeavouring to improve my knowledge in all areas and as such I am attending some of the PD in the Pub sessions that the Australian Education Union are running this year.
6.3. Engage with colleagues and improve practice
Seek and apply constructive feedback from supervisors and teachers to improve teaching practices
During my practicums I have experience a range of different experiences. I have not only worked with my mentor teacher but I have observed and taught in other classes so that I am exposed to a wide range of teaching strategies. I have also attended sports days and specialist classes. I have sought to make connections with other educators not only in the schools where I have had practicum but by volunteering at local schools, attending webinars and engaging in online social media networks through twitter, Facebook and Pinterest. From my various practicums I have regularly engaged in conversation with mentors and other teachers to critically reflect on my performance and receive feedback and encouragement. I will continue in the future as a student and then a graduate teacher to reflect on my practice and enter into discussions with mentors and other teachers in order to gain ideas and feedback. One area that my mentor in 2013 noted that I could improve in was being more confident in my abilities, I was stressing and over analysing my actions so this is something that I need to be aware of and constantly address so I do not become overwhelmed. In the same practicum I had students who were Autistic and had short attention spans so I had to be aware of how long I was speaking for as they could only handle around 7 minutes on the floor instead of 15. I also had to adapt how I explained concepts making sure that I was very clear and concise, something which is beneficial for all students and not just those with on the Autism spectrum. This is something that I gained proficiency in as the placement continued but it is an area that I recognise needs more work.
6.4. Apply professional learning and improve student learning
Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continued professional learning and the implications for improved student learning
As a student teacher I recognise the benefits of continued professional learning. People never stop learning and I will endeavour to actively learn more about all areas of education in order to better myself and my teaching in order to best reach my future students.