Teaching is full of challenges, frustrations, and responsibilities but is also filled with huge rewards. I believe that all students are capable of learning if they have the proper motivation and direction from their teachers. I believe that teachers need to be aware of educational learning theories, motivation, behaviour, and student development in order to relate to their students and push them to reach their full potential. Teaching should be viewed as an evolving and ongoing practice with implications that continual professional development is an essential element of the teaching practice. Learning is through activity with participation, collaboration and interaction with others in a well organised practice, where social guidance aids student’s learning. The guidance provides the learner with opportunities to participate in activities beyond their own abilities. I adopt scaffolding techniques to bridge the gap between what students can do unaided and the potential they can achieve when supported by an intervention. I …show more content…
I continually assess student understanding through social interaction and formative assessment criteria, challenging them enough in order for them question their own beliefs and understanding. It is these positive ‘perturbations’ that stimulate students to become active participants of the classroom, allowing them ownership of their own learning. I encourage students to believe that effort is more important than ability, mistakes are an inevitable part of the process of learning, and that it is through those mistakes that understanding is achieved. In my classroom, I try to create a safe learning environment for all. I want students to have freedom that allows for expression and creativity. If students do not feel safe in my classroom, whether it is emotionally, physically, or socially, then motivation and learning can