Reflection on GTC Scotland Standards Section 1

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SPR section 1

Last week we took part in a workshop as part of the 1CM1 module, looking at professional values. Our main focus was the GTC Scotland Standards Section 1 (found in the above link). We started in our ‘home groups’ and then after being given a number we moved into our ‘expert groups’ where we talked in more depth about one particular area, before reporting back to our home groups. This is a task that I will definitely use as a teacher  for group work activities as it was a good way of breaking down a big topic but still being able to engage with the whole task.

The standards are split into five sections:

  • Social justice
  • Integrity
  • Trust and Respect
  • Professional Commitment

Although each section has a set criteria, we were encouraged to think about why these things are important and what they might look like in practice. As this is a key area which we will revisit throughout  our time as student teachers, but also once we enter the teaching profession, I thought I would share the ideas that our home group had about each section.

Social justice

  • It is important to ensure that pupils are aware of different regional and global lifestyles, cultures and traditions.
  • No child should feel singled out in the classroom.
  • Children should be made aware of the rights and responsibilities that they have as a child but also what these will look like when they are adults.
  • As a teacher it is important to look out for any issues that pupils may have and to ensure that these are treated sensitively.
  • Be aware that children come from different backgrounds and not everyone is at the same stage in their learning journey.
  • Make adaptable lesson plans so that they meet the needs of every child.

Integrity

  • As a student teacher it is important to seek help if you encounter a problem.
  • It’s important to see every pupils’ question as a serious one- even if it seems silly. You should always try and answer in as open and honest a way as possible.
  • Use your own experiences as well as your knowledge of how to act in a professional manner to be a good example to the pupils.
  • Don’t enforce beliefs or opinions on your pupils but encourage open discussions, giving the children the chance to ask questions.
  • See the potential in every child. Just because they have areas of weakness doesn’t mean they will always be weak in those areas.
  • Talk about being respectful and how what you say can hurt others. (e.g. name calling or phrases like “that’s so gay!”)

Trust and Respect (my expert group’s focus)

  • Mutual trust between pupils and teachers is key.
  • If there is good communication between pupils and teachers then they will gain each other’s trust. Pupils like to feel as though they are being heard.
  • It is important to respect other members of staff and members of the community to set a good example for your pupils to follow.
  • Make sure you have a good balance between fun a discipline in the classroom to maintain the respect of your pupils.
  • Being clear about what is appropriate behaviour in and outside the classroom is important so that pupils respect the rules which are ultimately be there for safety purposes.
  • Teaching good manners as simple as ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ shows pupils how to respect others.
  • Being open to questions about different cultures and religions is important so that pupils respect each other’s differences.
  • Being aware of physical boundaries and individual school policies and remembering to act professionally at all times is vital as a respectful role model.
  • Letting the pupils be part of their own learning by having a saying in what and how they want to learn can build a good, trusting teacher-pupil relationship.

Professional Commitment

  • Be enthusiastic and make learning fun for the pupils wherever possible.
  • Work co-operatively with members of staff and other wider bodies of the community.
  • Take criticism productively and learn from your mistakes.
  • Be prepared for lessons and every day life as a professional teacher.
  • Keep a professional relationship with pupils and their parents at all times.
  • Maintain high standards for yourself so that you are leading by example.
  • Practise what you preach.

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