Values Lecture Reflection – 25/09/18

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The lecture in which had the main focus of racism evoked a true reflection of myself and my values. Although it is an extremely sensitive topic, it is necessary that we, as teachers, understand it.

Racism is engrained within our society and can come in many forms. In the case of Emmet Till – a 14 year old boy from the south-side of Chicago – the false allegations formed through racist thoughts and views had a negative and upsetting outcome. He was kidnapped, beaten and murdered over the accusation of flirting or touching the hand of a white woman. The racism faced here is blatantly evident. Despite this case being dated and uncontemporary, it is still relevant within modern society.

As a Primary Teacher I wish to prevent stories like this by successfully educating the younger children about the effects and impact of racism. This is essential so that there is a change in racist views.

Personal audit & transferable skills

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Activity 1

1. Below are a list of skills and abilities. Complete an audit of where you are now. Record this in your learning journal/portfolio.

Rate yourself (1=Not very well developed; 3=very well developed)

Skills and Abilities	1	2	3
Self-confidence		X
Take risks	X
Organise and plan			X
Manage Time		X
Make presentations		X
Act as a leader		X
Listen to others			X
Debate formally and informally	X
Take notes			X

Although it is important to identify where we are now, it is not enough to stop there. We need to reflect upon how we can develop the skills where we are less confident and how we can transfer the skills in which we are confident and competent.

Activity 2

Complete the audit below, using the information from the table above.

Recognition	Reflection	Action
Skills already developed	How will I use these	How do I know (evidence)**
Organise and Plan	Will use these to create lesson plans and activities in advance of my practice
Listen to others	Will use this skill to gain knowledge from both my peers and teachers which will aid my personal development
Take notes	Will use this skill to record all the important information that is needed for my learning

** This section should be completed as you identify when/where/how you have used/developed these skills.

Part B – Activity 1

Recognition	Reflection	Action
Skills not yet developed	How will I develop these	How do I know (evidence)**
Self-confidence	do background readings so that I am confident in my knowledge
Manage Time	by setting timers and set timeframes for tasks
Take Risks	By planning lessons and participating in activities in which are out of my comfort zone more regularly
Making Presentations	By taking more time and research more to create more detailed presentations
Act as a leader	during group tasks I will take on a more vocal role and ensure everyone has a job to do
Debate formally and informally	I will participate in more class discussions and make sure my view point is clear

Values Workshop Reflection

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The first values workshop provided a very thought-provoking experience with the core focus surrounding structural inequalities. Unaware of this, we participated in a very cunning practice which unknowingly allowed us to experience these inequalities first-hand.

Upon arrival the class was split evenly into 4 groups of approximately 8. Within these groups we were presented with brown envelops in which contained, what we thought to be, the same resources. Soon after we were instructed to use these resources to create something in which a new student at the University of Dundee would find beneficial. Having opened my groups envelope and finding an array of bright colours, clips and stationary, we were overwhelmed by the infinite possibilities. Engrossed by the task, our awareness of the other groups was overshadowed; hence we were unknowledgeable of the limited resources and belittling comments the others received from the lecturer.

This reveals the subliminal message that most of those who are privileged are less mindful of the unjust treatment of others. We are often too consumed in our own fortune to realise that others are ‘making do’ with the limited resources they have – this represents the situation we were presented with during the workshop. As an aspiring Primary Teacher, I believe the lesson learned within the workshop was vital to my personal development as it reminded me that the children I come in contact with throughout my career will all have different backgrounds and upbringings. Henceforth I will be mindful of such inequalities in my future practice.

My Journey into the Teaching Profession

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Selecting a career path is a daunting and unnerving time with the tiresome “what do you want to do when you leave school” question being constantly repeated. This question, however, never intimidated me (like it did others) as through volunteer work and work experience I was confident that Primary Teaching was my future career path. I believe in the philosophy that if you choose a job you have a passion for, you will never work a day in your life: hence my decision to become a Primary Teacher.

My passion for Primary Teaching was nurtured by my volunteer work as an assistant dance coach. I was unaware, at first, that the enjoyment I felt whilst undertaking this work was from the self-fulfilment of teaching and positively influencing the children’s lives. Through the small accomplishment of being able to communicate with a young girl who spoke little English, I realised the sense of achievement gained everyday within the teaching profession. Thereafter I undertook work experience within a Primary School and Nursery where I experienced, first-hand, the sheer impact and importance of a teacher. It was through these gratifying experiences that I realised Teachers are a pivotal role in a child’s future progress and success so therefore had a yearning to contribute to the shaping of our next generations.

I find the prospect of passing on my knowledge and practical experiences to others exhilarating, thus giving me a great desire to work and tackle the challenges a profession in Primary Education will deliver.