These are the four key beliefs of my philosophy for teaching and learning:
Learning should be flexible and individual
To me, teaching encompasses a life of learning as an individual and fostering a love of learning for others. The content of such learning is guided by the Australian Curriculum and the knowledge that my students are the future of the global society. Due to this, I create lessons and promote behaviours that signify continuous, flexible learning channelled by curiosity. My teaching is flexible and individualised through assessing student knowledge and using that knowledge to differentiate for readiness, interests and learning preferences.
In order to achieve the best outcomes for my students, I take into consideration Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs to ensure that students have their basic needs met as I know learning will not occur without them.
In order to achieve the best outcomes for my students, I take into consideration Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs to ensure that students have their basic needs met as I know learning will not occur without them.
Relationships are at the heart of teaching
In order to engage my students, I build meaningful relationships to get to know them as people. As part of the Learning Support team at Roma Mitchell Secondary College, I have built rapport gradually with students with learning difficulties and disabilities by displaying a genuine interest in their lives. Initially hesitant to discuss and share their learning, the safe and trusting relationship that I developed positively influenced the classroom and allowed me to work closely with these students. I recognise that building relationships with students is an area that I am skilled in and this inspires me to teach because I know that I can make a positive difference to other people’s lives.
High expectations should be set for teachers and students
My students can expect that I will differentiate learning, be fair and respectful, and help them to construct their learning. I expect that my students will always try to reach their personal best, approach challenges with a ‘can do’ attitude, and treat others the way that they would like to be treated. I want my students to know that change doesn’t occur without effort and initiative and that just as I expect them to learn each day, I will make an effort to learn from my experiences and engage in professional learning activities and networks to improve my practice.
Teachers must know themselves to be strong role models
When I was in Year 10, I had a teacher that taught me many life lessons in morality including introducing us to Fred Hollows, Gandhi and Mother Teresa. This learning has stayed with me since then and continues to influence my choices today. I believe that a good teacher is someone that teaches the content in the Australian Curriculum in a way that is relevant to students’ lives and the future, and also teaches the ‘hidden curriculum’ such as in areas of morality, friendship and kindness.
In my personal life, I practice mindfulness and I am a critical and reflective thinker. I find this to be valuable to my learning as I set goals for myself and can plan my time well. By demonstrating to students my thought processes in goal setting and positive self-talk, students can replicate these processes in their own way for their own learning.
In my personal life, I practice mindfulness and I am a critical and reflective thinker. I find this to be valuable to my learning as I set goals for myself and can plan my time well. By demonstrating to students my thought processes in goal setting and positive self-talk, students can replicate these processes in their own way for their own learning.