Reflection on Teaching Profession - Essay Example

Answer Reflection on teaching profession I believe that the teachers are the facilitators of the learning processes for children, young adults andadults alike and hence a command a special status in the society. They exert extensive influence and impact on the overall development of children growing into adulthood they must possess requisite professional qualifications that are backed by personal attributes necessary for them to perform their responsibilities with utmost sincerity and trust. The teachers as leaders, provide facilitating platform for various aspects of the interactive elements of the education, which may comprise of diverse ideologies and personal conflicts of the individuals and helps in adjustment to work together to produce a cohesive output representing the institute’s unique objectives and goals. Good leaders build relationships based on mutual trust and confidence which is the main reason that changes are accepted with equanimity. Students learn to become good leaders through observation and imbibe qualities that help them to evolve as an individual with strong character. In the educational institutes, peer leadership promotes and develops, quality education with scientific temperament incorporating the needs of the changing time. The roles and responsibilities of a teacher are multidimensional. The teachers often serve as role models for their students so they need to be very meticulous and at the same time, he/she should be extremely knowledgeable so as to command respect from their students. The inherent tendencies of the children to keep their teachers on the pedestal makes it imperative that the teachers themselves must cultivate a value based character so that they are not only able to command respect from their students but their impeccable behavior and teaching prowess, serves to motivate them to achieve greater height of excellence in studies and personal growth. The teachers should be good communicators because they need to communicate effectively with their pupils who may differ in their intellect and grasping power. The communication skill is perhaps, one of the most important skills of a good teacher as it is one factor that can mitigate a lot of personal and educational related problems of the students and facilitates better bonding with them. In the era of globalization, it is also important that the teachers must understand the cross cultural values so that they can appropriately interact with students of diverse cultures and promote mutual confidence and trust building. Indeed, reflective practices and exercise are important tools that are designed to add value to the over all personality of the so that they would be better able to meet the challenges of the time with equanimity and confidence. The art of effective communication is one of the most important ingredients of teaching. Reflective teaching practices help to identify our shortcoming and promote wider understanding of the various methodologies to become more articulate and become familiar with the emerging new paradigms in the social dynamics. The reflective practices encourage confidence building so that they are better prepared to tackle critical situations and meet the challenges with more conviction and composure. Reflection on Institute on teaching standard The framework of teaching standard of the Institute is important ingredient of teaching profession. ‘Improving student learning is the central purpose of teaching. The Standards articulate the link between the quality of teachers’ practice and student learning’ (PTS). The framework provides the teachers with benchmarks for identifying necessary skills for effective teaching and creating inspiring learning environment for the students. The teaching standards as proscribed by the Institute promote development of better understanding with the students, acquiring competency in the requisite area of proficiency, good communication skill and encouraging leadership traits within the profession. The accreditation of teachers in NSW primarily involves four key stages, three teaching domains and seven elements that facilitate quality teaching practice. The four key stages describe the gradual rise of professionals in the teaching arena by identifying and acquiring more skills and continuously strive to meet the standards of professional competency. Three teaching domains focus on the nature of teaching. They emphasize on expanding their knowledge base and provide the teachers with opportunities of widening their area of developmental learning and using them to improve and improvise teaching to make it more effective. Creative inputs, effective communication and use of resources in their teaching plans and teaching reflect their commitment towards the profession. Last but not the least important are the seven elements which ensure that the teaching strategy through resources, organized lesson planning and communication is able to deliver the wider objectives of effective teaching. The various elements greatly facilitate better relationship with the students and community to promote high standard of teaching. These standards have not only helped me to understand my students but they have also helped me to grow professionally. Reflection on student learning The major goal of teaching profession is to improve student learning. Education has been perceived as the most vital element of social fabric that plays a crucial in the character building of the children and adults alike. The technology has influenced our educational system in a number of ways. While it has served as a means to improve the quality of education, the use of technology has also greatly facilitated a better understanding and developed a mutual respect in the ongoing teacher-pupil relationship. The wide ranging implications of the use of technology in education, has been an ongoing concern of the authorities who have continued to introduce better learning facilities and optimize the learning process leading to quality education. Indeed, the technology has brought in a plethora of new ideas and innovation in the field of education that has not only helped catch the attention of the students and teacher alike but it has gone a step further and generated a healthy curiosity among the students thereby providing them with fresh incentives for improving their learning skills for higher achievements. I believe that use of technology as a major teaching resource is highly commendable and needs to become intrinsic part of education system. Answer 2 ‘The diversity, complexity, and changing nature of basic learning needs of children, youth and adults necessitate broadening and constantly redefining the scope of basic education’ (UNESCO, 1995). The governments of different countries have defined specific criteria for teachers but the basic parameters of good teachers are universal. Barring the requisite educational qualification for the teachers, which may differ worldwide, they must possess few essential characteristics that are necessary for them to connect with their students and thereby generate a bond of mutual trust and respect. Three main features of the quality teaching that enhance learning outcome are identified as: intellectual quality which focuses on deeper understanding and knowledge; Quality learning environment motivates students to achieve good results; and significance of wider understanding of cross cultural values (DET, quality). These modules help the teachers and students to become proactive learners and gain knowledge. Arthur et al. (2007, p.97) have also stated that inculcating positive attitude and beliefs greatly encourages and improves learning outcome While teaching is an important aspect of teachers, the training of the teachers is equally relevant. The world is fast changing and therefore it is important for the teachers to keep abreast with the changes that are taking place. The need to learn advanced techniques and teaching methodologies is an essential part of a teacher’s training. Barry & King (2006, p.263) argue that teaching fundamentally covers three areas: instructions; management; and relationships to create favorable environment of learning. Indeed, bonding with students hugely facilitates in creation of interest that has positive learning outcome. The students are encouraged to use technology to expand their knowledge base through web based research on subject curricula. The policy of ‘Digital revolution education’ makes it mandatory for schools to provide students of 9-12 grades with laptop to bring about ‘sustainable and meaningful change in teaching and learning’ (DET, Policy & Procedure). Exposure to technological advancements, have also helped them (teachers and students both) to become more creative and innovative in their approach to teaching and learning. It has instilled in them a sense of exploring the unknown which will remain one of their most important traits in all their future endeavors. Bertelsen and Fischer assert that ‘by searching for nonfiction texts, video, and Web-based resources they (teachers) can provide their students opportunities to construct meaning within a literacy-rich environment… begin to enhance students’ skills with expository text skills’ (Bertelsen and Fischer, 2002, p.11-12). Indeed, the use of computers and internet in the learning process has been appreciated by the student fraternity. While on one hand, the use of computers has vastly improved the technical proficiency of the students, it has, at the same time, dramatically improved their problem solving and critical thinking skills and techniques. The use of audio video technology in the classroom has brought in a new concept of teaching which has gone down well among the students. The use of multimedia in the classroom has been much appreciated, both by the students and teachers alike because it enhances the learning abilities of the students by addressing the needs and requirements of every student and suiting their individual style of learning so as to optimize their achievement. Through its use, both the teaching and the learning process have become more effective and have generated a greater desire to learn among the students. Use of technology helps the students towards more creative approach to express their ideas and textual content, expressing better understanding of the subject. ‘The technology allowed for interesting, exciting learning to occur, but I was interested in looking at how the technology influenced how the students read, wrote, and used language’ (Tancock, 2002, p.6). Indeed, use of interactive feature and the multimedia technology in PowerPoint also helps to cross the barrier of language and culture to emerge as one of the most effective learning tool in the contemporary times of advancing technology. As per an article, the major overhaul of curricula, methods and materials, incorporate technology based ‘online content area textbook that uses contemporary multimedia technology to meet the needs of diverse learners’ (Pisha and Coyne, 2001, p.2). The technology has helped to customize the curricula as per the individual needs of the students and has provided them with a methodology that is non threatening as well provides facilitating environment for repetitive learning tasks. The internet surfing and information retrieval from websites are strong motivators for struggling students and students with special needs, who need to improve their knowledge through non traditional format of teaching and learning. The use of technology has greatly facilitated teaching to students with special needs. The learning aids and devices, developed especially for such students have helped to improve the quantitative and qualitative education for this segment of students. The process of integrated learning with the help of internet while applying new collaborative techniques has had overwhelming positive response from the parents as well as the from the students. The use of modern technology in the classroom has effectively reduced the dropout rates of students with special needs. Use of technological gadgets in the classrooms has also helped improve the basic learning skills of the students. Killen (2007, p.187) asserts that small group of students need to be left alone for some time during activities based learning as it enhances their sense of achievement. The students, with technology in the classrooms, have shown better results in overcoming their uncertainties and have developed self confidence. Their learning process regarding reading, writing and comprehension, has been faster than those who have had to make do with the traditional ways of teaching. Brandt (1998, p36) emphasizes that encouraging environment must be created for continuous learning, both for teachers as well as students, so as to nurture and sustain their growth at every stage. In the end one can say that educational leadership is probably the most important factor that needs to be addressed urgently to bring about changes within the education system as a whole. Educational leaders are not pre defined and molded into certain stature. They are people who may be in the position to influence and motivate students to give their best. Educators and school administrators both can take up the role of educational leaders because both of them have the capacity to wield considerable influence among the students and teachers alike so that they give their best. The role of teachers is of utmost importance because of their proactive involvement in the molding of the character of the students. It is therefore, imperative that teachers must inculcate specialized teaching methodologies and value system that addresses the all round growth of the student fraternity. (2082) Reference Arthur, M; Gordon, C. & Butterfield N. (2007). ‘Chapter 4 Positive communication’, from Classroom Management: Creating Positive Learning Environments (2nd ed.). Victoria: Thomson. pp82 - 107 Barry, K; & King, L. (2006). ‘Chapter 8, Developing management skills’, from Beginning Teaching and Beyond (3rd ed.). Tuggerah, NSW: Social Science Press. Pp.255 – 271. Bertelsen, C.D., & Fischer, J.M. (December, 2002). ‘Mediating expository text: Scaffolding and the use of multimedia curricula’. Reading Online, 6(5). Available from: [Accessed 24 March, 2010]. Brandt, B. (1998). Powerful learning. ASCD, Virginia: Department of Education and Training NSW. (2008). Policies and procedures. Available from: [Accessed 24 March, 2010]. Department of Education and Training NSW. (2003). Quality teaching in NSW public schools: Discussion paper. Sydney. Available from: [Accessed 24 March, 2010]. Killen, R. (2007). Effective Teaching Strategies (4th ed.). South Melbourne, Vic.: Thomson Learning Australia. Pisha, B., & Coyne, P. (November, 2001). Jumping off the page: Content area curriculum for the Internet age. Reading Online, 5(4). Available from: [Accessed 24 March, 2010]. Tancock, S.M. (2002, April). Reading, writing, and technology: A healthy mix in the social studies curriculum. Reading Online, 5(8). Available from: [Accessed 24 March, 2010] NSW Institute of Teachers. (2005). Professional teaching standards. Sydney. Available from: [Accessed 24 March, 2010]. UNESCO. (1995). Available from: [Accessed 24 March, 2010]. Read More