Week 32 Blog
Week 32 Blog: Key change in my professional practice
This blog is based on Rolfe’s model
of reflection.
WHAT?
It’s amazing how quickly 32 weeks can fly by and you find yourself
writing your final entry for this course. When I look back on what
has changed the most in my practice, the one thing I could identify instantly
in MOE (2017) teacher standard of Professional Learning. We use
inquiry, professional learning and collaborative problem-solving skills to
improve professional capability to impact on learning and achievement of all
our students. This is one particular aspect I believe has grown due to
participating the MindLab course.
NOW WHAT? Evaluate a key change in your own
professional practise
Problem identification:
I have students who are new to school and have not been to pre
school or kindergarten. Getting them
ready to engage and participate in classroom routines can be overwhelming and
stressful for new learners.
Observation and analysis:
I have found that some students were ready for school and some
were not. Students who were ready, were
keen to participate in group learning and slowly becoming independent with
tasks. However, there are a couple of students who have found it difficult to settle
into class routines and focus in group learning.
Abstract re
conceptualisation:
Together with a colleague we have been looking at working more
colloboratively and are looking at the advantages of play based learning in the
classroom. We are both researching information and networking with fellow
teachers (around NZ) who currently use PBL today. We hope to transform our learning program in
Term 3 and 4 with the hope that 2019, our learning program we implement for new
students will be better.
Active experimentation:
The reason I wanted to explere PBL was because my students love
STEM activities. Their families are
aware STEM this is part of their learning program and have seen the benefits in
new learning. The hands on learning,
talking and discovery seem to be one of the best ways of engaging my students.
The critical thinking that occur during that learning time is awesome. Students
who have not had pre school or kindergarden experience enjoy learning through
this medium. Personally, I think it’s
the fun aspect of learning that appeal to them most.
(Term 3 we are introducing the Arts into our stem program).
What I have learnt is, there are many ways teachers can help
engage students in learning. As long as
we continue to provide a program that is culturally responsive to their needs,
engaging and helps them become independent 21stst century learners,
we will make progress to improve student outcomes.
What next?
I plan to continue with Postgraduate studies but am unsure of what
pathway to choose. Not because I have no idea, but for the fact that
MindLab has made me more aware of different Post Graduate pathways I could take
to improve my own practise.
Research by Bolstard and MacDonald (2016) described how the
MindLab program was to influence thinking and practice in ways that it may
transform teaching and learning. I think MindLab has done just that
for me. Everyone experienced something different on this journey. I
enjoyed this one, and I think it has made me become a better teacher in the
long run.
References:
Bolstad,
R. & MacDonald,J.(2016). An analysis of participant blogs supplemented by
teacher interviews. Wellington: New Zealand Council for Educational Research.
Ministry of Education
(2017). Our code, our standards. Retrieved from
Osterman,
K. F., & Kottkamp, R. B. (2015). Reflective practice for educators:
professional development to improve student learning.(2nd ed.) New York:
Skyhorse Publishing.
Well done Rose! One thing I feel you forgot to mention is how you have used the skills you have learnt through mind lab and began using them to shape the thinking of your team. By doing this we have changed the way we have been thinking in our classrooms because we are constantly thinking of how our future focused learners may look like as well. I am super proud of you and how far you have come. It is all about our Tamariki and providing them with opportunity’s that enhance their learning. Well done! After reading this I can understand your thinking a lot more and can definately see how well the changes you have made in your practise are working. Your passion for teaching is truly showing and you inspire me to want to be a better teacher.
ReplyDeleteThank you Miss Leef!
DeleteTerms 3 and 4 I hope to step up more and implement all the small projects I had planned since starting MIndLab!
I look forward to working collaboratively with the rest of the team especially when we roll out more STEM activities with everyone in our cohort.
A big well done, now you can breathe! I'm sure what you have learnt over the 32 weeks has proved a valuable asset to yourself as a teacher, the school and more importantly, your little students. Your blogs have executed an educational purpose on my part and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading them. All the best for the rest of your educational journey especially your passion for inspiring children to see beyond their surroundings.
ReplyDeleteHi Angelena,
DeleteThank you for your feedback over the last few weeks. It is great sharing and talking with fellow colleagues who have chosen to continue with learning in a formal setting and wish you all the best on your studies with Massey Universtiy!