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Essay

In order to develop a deeper understanding of issues that shape teachers, it is vital to


discuss various features that add to success in the role. Feedback from peers provides an
insight into aspects that may need to be added, discussed and explored further to
strengthen an individual teaching philosophy. The learning environment and the
engagement with students is a pivotal position of the teacher. Exploring fundamentals
such as classroom and behaviour management, the instructional process, goal setting,

Comment [LM1 ]: Discusses the


impact of feedback [5.2] amongst
colleagues demonstrating the
strengths

feedback and diversity will further enhance knowledge of teaching and understanding
what students need to provide a stimulating and productive classroom. These elements
which enhance effective teaching and learning, provide a basis for an individuals
philosophy of teaching. The significance of the teachers role in the education of students
is essential to the success of the learning environment, and also the impact on student
learning. This is supported by the view of Rowe (2006, p.1) who contends that teachers
are the most valuable resource available to schools, therefore it is imperative as a
professional to be up to date with the latest pedagogical advances and this is vital by
ensuring that they are equipped with an evidence-based repertoire of pedagogical skills
that are effective in meeting the developmental and learning needs of ALL students.
It is important to sustain high expectations of each student, in order for them to reach
their full potential. Clear goals and expectations should be evident from the
commencement of the school year. Goal setting is an important strategy to help students
improve their performance throughout the year. An inquiry into goal setting demonstrated
goals as the outcomes individuals are striving for, the standard of performance they seek
to attain (exemplified by Bandura, 1982, and Locke & Latham, 1990, as cited in Dweck,
1992). Through having these outcomes, it can motivate students to continually improve
their efforts and accomplish their objective. Goals have a self- energizing effect if they
are appropriately challenging (Hattie, 2009 p.164), which has the further effect of
motivating students to exert themselves and have the teacher assist students to make these
goals achievable. Hattie (2009) states that teachers should structure lessons so that the
goals become attainable; this helps students develop the skills, mindsets and abilities for

Comment [LM2 ]: Goal setting is


another form of assessment in a way
that it can be a process that involves
both the student an the teacher
[5.1][5.2][5.3]

success. Giving feedback on the success of the learning provides students with the
incentive to achieve the goal further (Hattie, 2009).
Hattie (2009, p.173), states that feedback is one of the most powerful influences on
achievement. When teachers seek feedback from students, they come to know what the
students know and understand. Powerful feedback to students gives students guidance on
their progress, achievement or next direction (Hattie, 2009). The right form of feedback
should be at or just above the level where the student is working (Hattie, 2009 p.177).
When a childs current knowledge is built upon successfully they are learning is inside
their Zone of Proximal development (ZDP) (Rowe, 2006). The ZPD is clear, purposeful
and meaningful and also compatible with students prior knowledge, which allows
students to make logical connections.
Classroom and behavior management contribute to successful teaching and learning.
A childs environment is essential in their learning. To be an effective teacher and
optimize learning, it is important to maintain a well-managed classroom. From the outset
respect, rules and procedures that guide behaviour must be recognized (Marzano, 2003).
The qualities of effective classroom management include high expectations for student
behavior, effective classroom discipline, a confident teacher voice, classroom procedures
introduced and practiced from the beginning of the year (Canter, 2011). Teachers should
aim to motivate students to follow directions and apply themselves to the set task. Having
rules in place elucidates the behaviour expected from students and establishes what can
be expected when these rules are not followed. Having a plan such as this creates a
constant structure that generates a safe environment for students and the teacher,
promoting consistency in the managing of behavior (Canter, 2011). Building trusting
relationships with students is essential (Canter, 2011). Students are more willing to accept
discipline and rules when a good teacher-student relationship is upheld (Marzano, 2003).
The management of the classroom also reflects the way in which the educator sets out
students abilities for learning. The instructional process in the classroom is extremely
important and involves the stating of learning intentions, the development of success
criteria and giving effective feedback to students. What we want students to learn in

Comment [LM3 ]: Demonstrates


understanding of a need for
providing appropriate feedback to
students about their learning [5.2]

terms of knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes within any particular unit or lesson can
be described as learning intentions (Hattie, 2009), they should be concise guiding
teachers in what to teach and provide students with a guide to their learning. Success
criteria provides a guide to students on the way their work is going to be assessed which
clearly indicates if they have achieved the learning intention successfully (Hattie, 2009).
The instructional process is very significant, as the students need structure and guidance
when being introduced to or practising a concept or new idea. The manner in which a
teacher approaches the curriculum must also be considered and well thought out.
Marzano (2003 p.4) recognises that effective teachers do not just rely on the scope and
sequence provided. A consideration for each individual in the classroom and as a group
should be reflected upon and the most appropriate content is presented in the most
appropriate way. Learning activities can also be undertaken in different ways to teach
new information (Marzano, 2003 p.4). The socio constructivist model examines the
connections between the environment and people and points out that children coconstruct their knowledge (Dodd-nufrio, 2011), therefore these interactions and careful
consideration of the setup of environment is imperative particularly in the early years.
Constructivism is an important theory of learning that refers to students being actively
involved in their own learning, making sense of their world, constructing knowledge
through their life experiences. Cognitive constructivism is contended through theorists
that knowledge is not a self-sufficient entity; that knowledge is not directly transmittable
from person to person, but rather is individually and idiosyncratically constructed or
discovered (Lui & Matthews, 2005), therefore different learning styles and individual
characteristics should be catered for, as each individual has something to offer. Prior
knowledge must also be considered. From this prior knowledge the setting of goals,
learning intentions and feedback become important. Ausubels (1968, p.332) believes that
the most important single factor influencing learning is what the learner already knows,
however each child may bring differing knowledge to the classroom. This may be
reflected upon from the culture in which the child comes from.
Diversity plays an important role in the educating of students. As Westwood (2013, p.11)
concedes; each child comes to the classroom with varied backgrounds and cultures,

Comment [LM4 ]: Make consistent


and comparable judgements [5.3]
through use of criteria.
Interpret student data [5.4]
amongst students.

have different life experiences, and possess different innate and acquired characteristics,
and these diversities have an influence on the way children learn. Parents have different
expectations; culture plays its part in the way children apply prior knowledge and life
experiences also contribute to way children learn. A relationship with families also
becomes essential in gaining important information on each child and their diverse
backgrounds and cultures. Using the communication from parents on their childrens
individualities should be noted and incorporated into their own varied learning styles.
In summary, to ensure the best possible practice, it is essential to continue learning as a
teacher. Technology is advancing, curriculum is ever changing, and each approach to
learning is being disputed upon, therefore it is up to the teacher to stay up to date.
Through further research it became clear that setting goals in the classroom is vital in
student motivation, causing continual improvement in their efforts to accomplish
objectives. In addition, feedback was also highlighted as imperative from and to students.
It may come in different forms however, it is the outcome of learning displaying their
improvements, recognizing positive developments, correcting misconceptions, always
encouraging, challenging and improving student performance. Classroom behaviour and
management must be thoroughly considered, furthermore catering for diversity and
students prior knowledge through the development of positive relationships between
students, teachers and parents and the setting of rules and procedures.

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