December 28, 2015
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Comments Off on Let’s Make Space for Outdoor Learning
Outdoor learning was never a big focus throughout my primary years despite the large field and beautiful Moray Coast on which the school was situated. It was never a topic that was negotiated within our classes and I remember looking out of the window on numerous occasions wishing I was running around in the fresh […] Continue reading
December 21, 2015
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Comments Off on Learning and Memory
So now exams are over and the Christmas holidays have begun, what better time to start blogging again. I’m annoyed at myself for my lack of posts last semester however with work and the constant reminder that we had an exam looming, updating my blog was pushed right to the back of my mind. With […] Continue reading
November 23, 2015
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Comments Off on There’s no avoiding the big issues
None of us live in a bubble. This means that when I become a teacher, I must be prepared for the fact that my pupils will probably have access to the internet, social media and the news; and therefore will be exposed to the terrible and frightening incidents which take place globally. This week, I came […] Continue reading
November 22, 2015
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Comments Off on Too much pressure on children?
Thus With the introduction of standardised testing in Scotland are we further removing children from their childhood and just instilling the pressure of education earlier. The belief is that these tests will increase attainment in schools. The results of these test will also be published to create league tables for primary schools. However, I feel […] Continue reading
November 17, 2015
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Comments Off on Unimaginable Imagination
Imagine an unimaginable imagination. One that no teacher, educator, facilitator, parent, caregiver or learner sets expectations for, standardises for, or… imagines. Sarah Maxine Green, an American educational philosopher, author, social activist and teacher, stated, “We want our classrooms to be just and caring, full of various conceptions of the good. We want them to be articulate, with […] Continue reading
November 11, 2015
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Comments Off on That was excellent, but this could be worked on…
Peer review is something I never felt very confident in. I often felt like I wasn’t of the authority to suggest ways of improvement on other’s work, or I didn’t want to offend someone. Giving positive feedback was easy, especially when it is in comparison to another piece of work and you can see improvements. […] Continue reading
November 11, 2015
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Comments Off on What is personality?
In today’s input by Patricia, I found the aspect of personality very intriguing. Personality, as quoted in Bee and Boyd (2012, p 218) is “The individual’s enduring patterns of responses to and interaction with others and the environment.” Personality is a very difficult area to study, as everyone is different. There are five different dimensions […] Continue reading
November 5, 2015
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Comments Off on Skills and Values of a Teacher
As a teacher there are many skills and values you need to consider when presenting yourself in a professional manner. Five of which you may consider would be honesty, patience, fairness, respect and integrity in order to become the best possible teacher. Honesty: The true meaning of honest is free of deceit; truthful and sincere. […] Continue reading
November 5, 2015
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Comments Off on 5 Attributes..
These 5 attributes are some which I believe are very important in terms of being teacher. Integrity Official definition; 1- The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. 2- The state of being whole and undivided. My view of this is: To be professional you must have integrity as it important to be open […] Continue reading
November 4, 2015
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Comments Off on Little Minds
We know that everything we learn contributes to our memory. However what many are unaware of is the different types of memory. For example, there are many types of long term memory including; Episodic – specific things – personal experience- where/when it happened Semantic – all world knowledge Procedural – knowing how to do something […] Continue reading
November 4, 2015
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Comments Off on What are they thinking?
Everything that we do comes down to our brain and the way we think. It has been at the heart of psychologist’s fascinations for years. Ivan Pavlov was the first psychologist to focus upon behaviourism through his ‘Classic Conditioning Test’ His conclusions were that we can change the natural reflex of human and animals. Furthering […] Continue reading
November 4, 2015
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Comments Off on Enquiring Practitioner
What does it mean to be an enquiring practitioner? I believe an enquiring practitioner to be someone who is always keen to seek the answer of something which has a logical explanation and can be defined. They would always go out to find the solution which has the most solid evidence. What does this […] Continue reading
November 3, 2015
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Comments Off on Professionalism: My Views…
After watching these videos and taking my own notes on the different opinions/views on professionalism I have gathered some of my own thoughts on them… Video 1 I completely agreed with everything that was brought up in this video. I think it’s making a very strong, powerful point when looking at professionalism. How the doctor […] Continue reading
October 30, 2015
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Comments Off on The Enquiring Practitioner
As stated by the GTCS: “Practitioner enquiry, as defined by Menter et al (2011), is a ‘finding out’ or an investigation with a rationale and approach that can be explained or defended. The findings can then be shared so it becomes more than reflection or personal enquiry.” I believe that an enquiring practitioner is someone […] Continue reading
October 29, 2015
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Comments Off on Participating in Practitioner Enquiry…
So what is a Practitioner Enquiry? A practitioner enquiry is an individual who actively engages with their own practice based research. They will reflect on their research to help them improve/deepen their own knowledge. Practitioner enquiry is key in when being professional as it will allow you to gain a better understanding of your practice […] Continue reading
October 27, 2015
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Comments Off on Co-operative Learning: why is it different to group work?
In this mornings lecture, a discussion about co-operative learning cropped up and it make me think about the importance of it in the primary classroom. Co-operative learning is a method of teaching and learning in which students team together to explore a significant question or create a meaningful project. It is a specific kind of […] Continue reading
October 25, 2015
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Comments Off on Reflection on GTC Scotland Standards Section 1
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’ […] Continue reading
October 25, 2015
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Comments Off on Anyone Can Be A Professional
I chose to watch One Born Every Minute. It was such a great way to demonstrate professionalism working at its very best. The programme has opened my eyes to the core of what a professional is. Yes, it’s about conducting your work in a suitable way and having correct behaviour , impressive presentation and possess […] Continue reading
October 25, 2015
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Comments Off on Is teaching a profession? Are teachers professionals?
Professionalism in the teaching discipline is diversely considered. Many people have the viewpoint that professionals are of high status in society, an example being lawyers. We must acknowledge the responsibility teachers hold in the profession and identify their roles as professionals, deservingly. Teaching is a paid occupation, therefore I believe should be defined as a […] Continue reading
October 25, 2015
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Comments Off on My Philosophy of Education – MA1
It is fundamental for any teacher to have their own philosophy of education, which is made up of their values and beliefs about learning, teaching and education, because this is an influential element of the learning, planning and reflecting process in the classroom, of which the teacher is responsible for. Education is a never-ending, lifelong […] Continue reading
