Standard 6 – Engage in professional learning

Evidence:

1) Big Day Out - Thank You letter (Learning Difficulties)

2) TRB PL Screenshot

3) Powtoon writing assessment  

4) Mentor Teacher Comments

Reflective Commentary:

Professional learning is not simply a matter of attending PL activities, rather it is about an ongoing attitude towards constant improvement. Teachers find themselves with the responsibility to model lifelong learning to their students. This learning requires one to observe, reflect and take on board feedback from students, colleagues and mentors. It also means experimenting with new ideas, new methods and new approaches. I have participated in a variety of professional learning over the last few years (refer to TRB screenshot) that have assisted me in developing a comprehensive understanding my own curriculum area. During my Graduate Diploma I have also had the opportunity to do some extended research in the areas of Learning Difficulties and Students Health and Wellbeing. I’m very fortunate that I was given the opportunity to share my research in these areas with my colleagues.

Situation: Last year I did some extended research in the area of Learning Difficulties and presented this my mentor teacher and some colleagues. My mentor teacher was so happy with the research that specifically looked at the way our Learning Area can assist students with a learning difficulty that he then asked me to present this at the Languages Big Day Out (a PL forum for language teachers across WA).

Action: Sharing my research with others was important, but I feel that utilising my research in the classroom has been even more important. This year I was given a class that consisted of a number of students with learning difficulties. I’m so thankful that I had already researched this area and hence felt well prepared for adjusting my program, assessments and pedagogy in order to assist all students to succeed. I have scaffolded my instructions and prepared different resources to assist students to understand formal assessments. I know that certain students need visual representations and examples in order to fully understand requirements. I have created various PowerPoints that explain include step by step instructions with funny illustrations. I also created a Powtoon film to show a sample writing assessment and to provide extra tips to students.

Outcome: It has been acknowledged that our Year 7 cohort the most difficult challenging cohort our school has had. All my Year 7 students have submitted their formal assessments and by the due date. I feel that I have created a strong and positive learning culture in my class and provided an extra support and a variety of adjustments to my teaching to assist students with learning difficulties to perform at their best. I have maintained high expectations from all students, but rewarded students for effort rather than just results.

Future Action Plan: I have been asked to co-present to our Languages Department on methods of assisting with student well-being. My approach to this is centered around increasing resilience through ‘growth mindset’. I have been gradually increasing my knowledge and practice in this area, however I am going to enroll in some specific online training in regard to the ‘growth mindset’ approach.