Foundations of Professional Practice
Coming into the field of Education, our knowledge of our area of expertise is fresh and up to date. However, science is constantly evolving and it is important to keep on track of its developments. Subscribing to STEM related magazines helps keeping our knowledge fresh and updated. There are also many shows like Daily Planet or Gizmodo. There are many ways of acquiring additional knowledge than just written material in our day and age. Ongoing professional learning can take place at home while watching TV or during PD days at school. Knowledge can be acquired anywhere anytime now. Professional knowledge is also closely linked with ongoing learning. It is not only important to have the knowledge of the material we teach, it is also important to continue to develop and research which methods of teaching work best for different topics and learning styles.
All students are unique and it is our challenge to learn their strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. A successful and engaging teacher knows the students, knows the audience and what they are interested in. A student that is engaged is a student that is learns. Incorporating technology into teaching speaks not only towards the culture of the students but also opens so many doors to different perspectives, activities, simulations and views that were inaccessible five years ago. Technology is a tool that can be used to enhance student learning and can be geared toward various learning styles.
Learning styles need to be kept in mind while planning lessons. Each group of students is unique and even the time of day affects student's learning so it is important to remain dynamic and responsive, not static. Lessons should be designed in a scaffolded way, allowing student to inquire and develop their understanding. Depending on the material, class and/or learning goal a teacher lead lesson may be more successful than an inquiry based lesson, or the other way around. It is up to our professional judgment to make these decision, keeping student learning as the main priority.
As teachers, our job is to guide students towards additional knowledge and understanding. However, students also exist outside classrooms. Out commitment and engagement in the community and extra curricular activities shows students that out goals go beyond the classroom. It is outside the classroom that we are able to connect at a deeper level and continue to develop meaning full teacher-student relationships.
All students are unique and it is our challenge to learn their strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. A successful and engaging teacher knows the students, knows the audience and what they are interested in. A student that is engaged is a student that is learns. Incorporating technology into teaching speaks not only towards the culture of the students but also opens so many doors to different perspectives, activities, simulations and views that were inaccessible five years ago. Technology is a tool that can be used to enhance student learning and can be geared toward various learning styles.
Learning styles need to be kept in mind while planning lessons. Each group of students is unique and even the time of day affects student's learning so it is important to remain dynamic and responsive, not static. Lessons should be designed in a scaffolded way, allowing student to inquire and develop their understanding. Depending on the material, class and/or learning goal a teacher lead lesson may be more successful than an inquiry based lesson, or the other way around. It is up to our professional judgment to make these decision, keeping student learning as the main priority.
As teachers, our job is to guide students towards additional knowledge and understanding. However, students also exist outside classrooms. Out commitment and engagement in the community and extra curricular activities shows students that out goals go beyond the classroom. It is outside the classroom that we are able to connect at a deeper level and continue to develop meaning full teacher-student relationships.