Category Archives: 3.4 Prof. Reflection & Commitment

Reflection- moving forward from semester 1.

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On 18th January, we had an input on ‘reflection in professional practice’ to ensure we were all prepared to reflect upon our lesson plans and the outcomes they may have. As a teacher I believe this is important because if I make a mistake, I need to understand why the lesson did not go to plan. Was it because it was not age appropriate? What activities could I implement in the future to make sure the children stay on track? Or was it due to the children not understanding my instructions? How could I be more clear next time? These questions allow me to question my teaching style to ensure the children are getting the best education they possibly can. This lecture was extremely beneficial, especially the range of examples that were given including both weak and detailed examples. This allowed me to visually see and understand the level of depth I need to give. I may prepare a task that I think I have planned well according to the children’s interests and learning levels however on the particular day, the children may not be focused or not behaving the way I wish them to so therefore I must be prepared to make changes to my next lesson to ensure this does not occur again. I understand I will have days where this will occur however it is how I deal with this and how I change this for the future. For this to happen, I must plan my lessons in advance however, it is how I react that matters and having a back up plan will also be very beneficial.

During semester 1, one key moment of reflection were the assignments. We were given input of what was expected of us and how we did this was up to ourselves. Everyday is a learning curve and although I was a little disappointed by my marks, it is fair to say I will only learn from this. The feedback was beneficial. It was my first core module assignment and therefore I implemented the skills I had built and developed in college so the standards are very clear to me now. On reflection, I know that in future I must back up any point I make with relevant evidence. I cannot state facts, rather question why. This was also discussed with my Adviser of Studies who re-enforced the importance of structure and dedicating the right amount of time and words to the different sections within the success criterion. I have made mistakes but is how I use the feedback to rectify these for future assignments that matters.

It happened for a reason..

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Teaching is a not a 9-3 job, it is 24-hour job. As a child, I have admired the way teachers go that extra mile to give you the best education you could possibly receive. From planning lessons to suit every child’s needs, staying late for 1:1 support or whether it be writing individual reports. A teacher’s job is not only to teach but to make sure every child is at the right milestone so that they are ready to progress into the next class. My experience within my primary school was incredible. I loved every aspect of it. However, there was not one person that inspired me but every single teacher that taught me. Every teacher has their own unique method and the one that you understand is the one that sticks with you for the rest of your life. I took that one method to secondary school, college and now to university.

My passion grew stronger as I took on placements throughout the years because being present in a classroom with 30 children and 1 teacher is different. I started observing from a realistic point of view. When children started asking me for help in maths and language, it gave me a deeper insight into what the role of a teacher involved. The responsibility of their education was partly on me. During my HNC in college, I gained a deeper understanding of what the role of the teacher involved. Working both in a nursery and primary school, I was able to understand the transition from pre-school to primary school which was important because I saw that children came into primary one with mixed abilities. My most memorable and recent experience was one that will always stay by me. I understood the benefits of mixing children with different abilities at a table. The support they were giving one another gave me a sense of warmth and happiness. Sometimes children are unable to grasp the teacher’s method, and this is when peer support becomes very useful. Children are at school not only to learn but also to have a great experience both in and out with the classroom.

I have taken on 4 different placements so far and each time I had to leave, I wanted to go back. My journey has not been easy. It is never too late. I am very grateful for the fact I am at university at the age of 21 because I know I would have struggled leaving school as I was not prepared. The skills and knowledge I have gained both academically and in my personal life would not have been there if I had gone to university after school. I have had to work extremely hard to get here but I would not have it any other way. I knew it would be very tough but every time I stand in a classroom full of children, I remember why I wanted to do it in the first place. I want to be that person that encourages and motivates children to do their best even when they feel like they can’t do it. Because every child can. Teaching is not only a job, but a huge responsibility because what the children learn, is dependent on you. But what makes me happy is that the degree that they end up with, started with you.