Fulfilling the role of an enquiring practitioner is a key aspect of teaching. Becoming an efficient practitioner means we must become proactive and investigate all aspects of our profession. This includes constant learning on the job – for example some teachers who are successful enquiring practitioners may research topics such as teaching techniques and adapt their own to facilitate the best learning possible.
Not only must we continue to learn but it is vital that we are reflective and evaluate our own practice. Reflecting on lessons is important as you will be able to pin-point areas of improvement. Although it may be hard teachers must be open to change – the profession is ever changing and an effective enquiring practitioner will be able to notice this.
Being an enquiring practitioner furthermore means that we should work collaboratively with our colleagues. This will benefit your progression as support will be provided by other staff and you will be able to obtain advice and seek guidance as well as give it where necessary. Teachers can work together as enquiring practitioners to ensure they are keeping to the Curriculum for Excellence.
Becoming an enquiring practitioner does not start when you are a fully qualified teacher, it is equally as important as a student. On placements we will be expected to be open to new things, adapt teaching styles and work collaboratively with staff which is all part of being an enquiring practitioner.
I personally believe that in order to become a successful teacher these processes above are vital from the student teacher stage to your last day in the profession. Being an enquiring practitioner means that we need to make use of the processes of evaluation, working collaboratively and enquiry.
Jess, you have many strengths to this post. I like that you have added in about your beliefs, given examples and also that being an enquiring practitioner as a student is equally important. All of these make the post more interesting and easy to read. However, you could have added some reasons why practitioner enquiry can be challenging as you frequently stick to the positives. Overall, a good read. Well done š
Hi Jess,
From your post it is clear you have a very good grasp of what it means to be an enquiring practitioner. You clearly understand why it is important for teachers to carry this out and how to do it. You have reflected well on how being an enquiring practitioner can benefit teachers and student teachers throughout their careers. It would be interesting to find out how you think you will carry this out throughout your teaching career and how you feel this will affect you as a teacher.