Week+1

**Week 1** Introductions and overview of Unit Key words: Creadivity, Disability, Learning Styles, Humour, Passion for Teaching, Life Long Learning, Education for the Future  WEEK 1 SELF-REFLECTION

This is a self reflection for week 1, for our Issues in Education subject for Primary Education. The lecture on Monday was a very inspiring way to start the year! I'll never forget to listen and learn from others, both teachers and children. To draw upon their knowledge gained from past experiences in life. I will always remember to be an EFFECTIVE teacher, by knowing and understanding how students learn and try to build on their knowledge. I'll remember to ENGAGE students to promote EFFECTIVE learning by developing a relationship or bond with the children. Take risks and encourage creativity both in the children and in teaching (Have a go/take a chance!). I think it's important point to take in how teachers in classrooms deal with behaviour management, so I can draw from these experiences at a later date. Obviously the way we educate our children is evolving into something different and exciting with the BLUEPRINT for Education. REMEMBER: A broad integrated approach to teaching can make a difference to a child's future!

I think that organised interaction with others, such as in the Workshop week 1, is an invaluable way for students to make new friends; develop extra social skills, very important for ESL students; and build on listening and oral language skills while having fun! I also felt the over emphasis on the discipline based subjects similarly to Jessica when it came to English. It was hard not to feel like a failure over one subject when it was the only subject you had to pass to pass HSC! Anita Dinon 8 March 2009

 In this lecture Greg told this story of primary aged girl, who had learning difficulties in school and trouble sitting still. She was scolded for not being able to pick up work as quickly as her peers and was taken to a specialist. Here, the doctor realized the girl  was not dumb, in fact she incredibly talented dancer. This made me think of a time when I was in grade prep. I really loved drawing and was quiet good at it. One particular day in class, I remember we had to fill out these questionares which would then go into a time capsule. However, I couldn’t understand the questions and the more I tried, the more frustrated and upset I got. Eventually I was given up on and just told by my teacher to draw a picture. I still remember crying and thinking I was so stupid. I didn’t realize that my ability to draw was a skill, and eventually gave up drawing in an effort to try and keep up with my friends who were quick at time tables and spelling, but I never really exceeded and just floated along which average grades. After the lecture today, I realized that I wasn’t stupid at all, I was just smart in a different way. Unfortunately, in schools children who excel in arts, sport and more creative subjects are not recognized and are made to feel inferior to those who can pick up math and English quickly. Ironically, however, I believe it is these more creative and human skills that will benefit children a lot more in everyday life. (Jessica Mitchell)

Self Reflection Week 1 EDU4PIA

This first lecture was inspiring and motivating. I left the lecture with renewed determination and motivation to be an excellent teacher. The insights from Greg and the video of Ken Robinson's presentation emphasised the importance of creativity both in the classroom and whenever we engage with students and colleagues.

The examples of the impact teachers and other adults in a child's life have on their future was a memorable way to demonstrate the importance of treating each child as an individual. This means being creative in your approach to education and to the child (children) in your classroom. Each child is unique and will have different needs and understandings of their world. An effective teacher will be flexible in their approach to engage all students, nurture their creativity and inspire learning.

Approaching education creatively means taking risks. To never take a risk may mean being "right" more but one misses opportunities to learn and improve on what we do. One of the most valuable points I took from the sessions this week was to be an effective teacher, you must be prepared to learn, to constantly challenge what you know and see if there is a better way to do it. A creative approach to education will at times mean taking risks or being wrong. We learn by trying new creative approaches and both the teacher and the students benefit from fresh, innovative learning that is more meaningful to everyone. By being prepared to challenge ourselves, we are also modelling creativity for our students, empowering them to take risks and learn more. Sonia McAlary

Week 1 discusion

Classroom strategies This week Pete modelled a classroom strategy of an ice breaker activity involving introducing ourselves to a partner. After a few minutes chat, he told us we had to introduce our partner to the group. I noticed this changed the dynamics of the conversation. It became more focused; we listened more carefully and asked more effective questions. I really learnt a lot form this session, particularly as we did the exercise and discussed the benefits of it, rather than just talk about it.

The classroom benefits I learnt from this type of activity are The importance of learning names of you students quickly is also a valuable point covered today. Sonia McAlary
 * to encourage more directed, focussed and effective questioning and listening in “pairs” discussion time
 * to encourage quieter or more reserved children (students) to relax and feel comfortable enough to share, before adding the dimension of presenting to the group.
 * For a more reserved student, it might be easier to introduce someone else than to introduce themselves
 * Having spent a few minutes talking to someone, a student might feel more supported having a buddy.