- The design of learning experiences that include and value diversity
- Effective pedagogy
- Behaviour management strategies
- Assessment and evaluation techniques that report constructively on student learning
- Discipline specific organisational skills
- Skills that build safe and supportive learning environments
- Content knowledge and skills across KLA's
- Skills that develop networks and partnerships
- Managing and communicating with parents and carers
- Teaching and learning
- Building relationships
- Reflective practice
The design of learning experiences, pedagogy, assessment and evaluation embed the skills of good content knowledge, differentiating the needs of special needs students, and organisational skills.
I design learning experiences that are engaging and directly linked to the curriculum of that year level. I design and implement learning experiences that align with the Queensland College of Teachers teaching and learning standards that state that the learning experiences should be engaging and flexible, develop literacy and numeracy, be intellectually challenging and value diversity.
CQUniversity's Learning Management programs embed and model the framework of Dimensions of Learning. This framework is a pedagogical strategies manual for learning managers. It is the strategies and learning's from this manual that have assisted me in designing intellectually challenging learning designs that encourage positive attitudes and perceptions to learning and productive habits of mind. These dimensions of learning have been embedded in the learning experience designs throughout learning management course and during all embedded professional learning. they are now an embedded pedagogy of my teaching (Marzano, 2006).
As commented on by a mentor teacher during a practical learning experience, the learning experiences I design are based on student interests, previous learning and assessment data.
The mentor teacher also stated that I have good development of challenging learning experiences that include higher order thinking activities (Personal communication, 2011)
Another comment from a lecturer in the course Learning Management commented " it is obvious from your reflection that you are well versed in pedagogical frameworks and theories. You have incorporated a wide range of teaching strategies and learning processes into your planning. ( xxx, personal communication, 2011)
Building relationships:
This includes developing networks and partnerships and managing and communicating with parents and carers.
I actively encourage development of positive behaviour in students towards their learning participation in activities in the classroom and beyond.
I create and maintain supportive learning environments by implementing behavioural management strategies that encourage good behaviour and cooperation in students. These strategies are in harmony with Education Queensland, school expectations and best practice.
I foster positive and productive relationships with families and the community by contact with parents in the room and participating in community events such as school fetes and awards presentations.
I contribute effectively to professional teams by working to effectively meet planning and teaching requirements within individual classes and the whole school.
Reflective practice
I have a strong commitment to reflective practice with a focus on pedagogy. I seek feed back and actively incorporate suggestions and pedagogical insight from colleagues and specialist teachers .
As commented by my mentor teacher during practical learning "personal reflection is a clear feature of daily routine. Commitment to teaching excellence is seen in a willingness to reflect and seek feedback". (Personal communication, 2011)
