A Learner's Reflection (Part B)

Activity 2: The change in me

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Key Changes in my Practice

Reflecting on the last 24 weeks of study, I have noticed change in my practice. 

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Going Digital

As a BYOD school, our syndicate looked at the SAMR Model (developed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura) in depth last year, hoping to effectively incorporate the use of digital devices in the classroom. However, despite the professional development and our enthusiasm for change, the results didn't reflect our hopes and intentions. The main reasons for this were due to technical difficulties related to problems with Wi-Fi, students unable to access their account, not enough devices and laptops not responding. However this year, with more students bringing their devices and the school's new lease contract, it has become possible to make more use of technology. The websites and ideas I have gained from this course have made a significant change in my practice. I am incorporating technology on a weekly basis with tasks that range from content learning to blogging. My teaching-as-inquiry project on 'gamification in education' has further developed my knowledge in this area and has influenced my practice. I have become a leader in my own way where fellow teaching colleagues often come to me for tips and advice. The biggest influence this course has had on me is my confidence in using technology at a deeper and meaningful level.

For more reading on the SAMR Model, visit: http://elearning.tki.org.nz/Professional-learning/Teacher-inquiry-into-e-learning/SAMR-model 

Teaching like a Learner

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As a learner myself undergoing studying, I am reminded of the challenges and the complexity of learning. How often as teachers do we create new learning? We spend so much time planning what we are going to teach and how we will teach it that we forget how hard it is to make new understanding. Teachers go on professional development courses to learn helpful tools to help with teaching but not so much new content learning like we expect from our students daily. This learning journey has allowed me to relate to my students and understand the stress and challenges they might be going through, even if it seems so simple in my head. It makes me a patient teacher. 

Every year, I have started the year by explaining to my class that I do not know the answer to everything. I share with them that I am a learner on my own journey as a teacher and that we will learn from each other. In Room 1, we are all teachers and we are all learners. 

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Leading like a Leader

As a beginning teacher, I had considered it normal, even expected, not to be a leader but to sit back, observe and learn. In other words, watch and learn from the more experienced. It began during one of my early assignments on leadership when I learned about myself as a leader in my own way. I have now become a confident teacher whose ability to lead is not determined by the type of teacher registration I hold. I know I have strengths in certain areas, just like I have weaknesses, which I am now practicing leadership in. I am confidently leading syndicate meetings (104 Year 6 students) and I am overall a confident leader, both inside and outside the classroom. My secret fear of leading students on school trips is no longer a problem that I worry about anymore. Now, I lead like a leader.