The artefact that relates to standard 1 Know students and how they learn and focus area (1.2.1) understand how students learn: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and implications for teaching, is ‘feedback’ provided by my mentor teacher (AITSL, 2017). This feedback I had received was given to me while I was on my practical work placement and it reflects how I have appropriately met this particular standard.  It is evident through this artefact that I have demonstrated my ability in ‘understanding how students learn’. As a teacher, and outlined in the feedback, I recognise that all students learn differently. I recognise the importance of continuing to identify and acknowledge the impact on curriculum, design considerations and instructional practices with an increasingly diverse student population (Fields, 1999).

 

Research expresses that it is not possible to transmit understanding to students by telling them; instead teachers need to challenge students’ thinking (Flook, Harvey Barron & Osher, 2019). According to my ability of understanding research and how students learn, Blooms Taxonomy and Gardener’s Theory of numerous Intelligences both provide perceptions on the intelligence, thinking and students learning styles (Silver, Strong & Perini, 1997). I delivered content in a variety of different ways through a differentiation approach and considered students learning styles while planning to drive them to prevail in life where ‘passion’ for learning will be ignited.

 

I utilised a bounty of different teaching strategies to viably connect students in their learning. I believe effective teachers use techniques that serve the learning needs of their students. I continuously hold high expectations of students and believe each individual are capable and successful learners, therefore, I will do everything I can, to find ways of making each student succeed (DET, 2005). Hence, achieving the Alice Springs Education Declaration’s second goal “All young Australians become confident and creative individuals, successful lifelong learners, and active and informed members of the community” (Australian Government Department of Education, Skills & Employment, 2019).

 

In my future contemporary classroom, I am determined to gain an understanding of how my students learn to then alter the curriculum to cater for the diverse learning styles, abilities and interests (Boyle, Scriven, Durning & Downes, 2011). Throughout my work placements I have developed skills and competence, and now I have a deeper understanding of practices that will support me to understand how students learn and subsequently identify, how they learn.

 

(Word count: 322 words without references or AITSL standard)