I found today’s workshop really interesting. I think what we learned today will be very beneficial for our teaching placement. During the workshop we were split into “home groups”, each group was made up of four people. We were then split into “expert groups”, where we discussed one topic in the GTCS Standards Section 1. After ten minutes of discussion we then went back into our “home group” and shared our thought with the rest of the group. I found this very useful as we had the opportunity to share our own ideas but to also learn from others in our group.

My expert group discussed the “Social Justice” section. We began by deciding to break each bullet point down and share our view one by one.

• “Embracing locally and globally the educational and social values of sustainability, equality and justice and recognising the rights and responsibilities of future as well as current generations.” As a group, we decided this could mean talking about the environment and how important recycling is to create a sustainable world. Another idea lead us to think about fair-trade and how purchasing these products can do good for struggling communities. Teaching children about how their recycling habits not only impact their future, but the future of generations to come is also important.
• “Committing to the principles of democracy and social justice through fair, transparent, inclusive and sustainable policies and practices in relation to: age, disability, gender and gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion and belief and sexual orientation.” It is important as a teacher not to have any prejudice when entering a classroom. School councils should be age inclusive allowing children of ay age to voice their opinion. Resources should be available for everyone, no matter what their background. This is important as if a child does not have equal access to resources they may feel excluded. This point may also consider the benefits of teaching children about differences and how to cope with differences tactically.
• “Valuing as well as respecting social, cultural and ecological diversity and promoting the principles and practices of local and global citizenship for all learners.” As teachers we need to appreciate how social class may or may not affect a child’s achievement. It could also be a good idea to raise awareness of the need for local fundraising. We were all shocked when third years told us that there are children in Dundee sleeping without beds. Children should be aware of what is happening inside their community and the wider world. Upon discussion we think that twinned towns create great opportunities to have pen pals but to also compare the differences between whats happening in your town and your twinned town.
• “Demonstrating a commitment to engaging learners in real world issues to enhance learning, experiences and outcomes, and to encourage learning our way to a better future.” Learners need to have an awareness of current issues in the world. Talking about what is happening in the news, being able to explain and discuss in an age appropriate manner will be more beneficial to a child than hearing a story in the playground and having no-one to talk about it with. It is also important to relate issues in the classroom to the wider world.
• “Respecting the rights of all learners as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and their entitlement to be included in decisions regarding their learning experiences and have all aspects of their well-being developed and supported.” We feel that GIRFEC should be applied at all times in the classroom. Allowing children to have a choice of topic, but making sure you are including everything you find important, is important within the classroom environment. You must treat each child as an individual in order to create a trusting relationship.

When we went back to our home group we were extremely pushed for time and only managed to discuss the Integrity section. However I feel that this discussion was very valuable. The integrity standards include:

• “Demonstrating openness, honesty, courage and wisdom.” When sharing their ideas the group discussed the importance of seeking help if you are unsure about how to do something. It is also important not to brush off any questions you are asked, if you do not know the answer you should be honest and tell the children. You should use your own life experiences to teach and have the ability to admit where you were right and wrong. As a teacher you must also be open to change.
• “Critically examining personal and professional attitudes and beliefs and challenging assumption and professional practice.” After discussion I learnt that at times giving your personal opinion may not always be appropriate. As a teacher you must get rid of preconceived thoughts and ideas. It is also important to combat children’s assumptions.
• “Critically examining the connections between personal and professional attitudes and believes, values and practices to effect improvement and, when appropriate, bring about transformative change in practice.” Being openminded is another important aspect linked to teaching. Children should be given different perspectives. There is sometimes more than one answer and it is important children know this. Use personal beliefs to modify the way topics are taught to allow them to be fully understood.