Education is an opportunity full of avenues to explore, grow and learn as students follow their interests and beliefs to becoming respectful contributors in the community. My studies have provided me with a firm understanding of theoretical strategies and teaching styles where my practical experiences have allowed my teaching style to grow towards the ever-evolving teacher I endeavour to be.

 

In a holistic approach, my philosophy on education aligns with Cafarella’s observation that, “When educators are involved in the learning process, their most important role is to act as facilitators, or guides” (Cafarella et. al. 2012). Cafarella’s views coincide with my personal philosophy, as I believe teachers have the responsibility to apply their unique skills and knowledge to support students in reaching their goals both throughout their education and within their community. To build on Cafarella’s approach I find my role go beyond that of a teacher, guide or facilitator, however as a constant mentor and motivator. Particularly in my specialist setting of Physical Education (P.E) if I can motivate students to find a passion to lead a physically active lifestyle once they finish school then I have achieved my ideal. I believe to achieve this that incorporating the surrounding community is vital in creating engaging pathways for students to build on their interests and talents to further develop beyond school. 

 

My classrooms are going to incorporate a modern community of individuals working as a team to learn and express themselves as best they can in a safe, comfortable environment. Following Ramon Lewis’ view on classroom management that everyone has the right to learn and feel safe (2012) is something I undoubtedly implement in my class. With an emphasis on respect towards each other and those around us, my class will work towards a number of goals. I believe academic progress, diversity, engagement and enjoyment are the main factors I strive to achieve through my approach as a teacher. Addressing diversity when practicing the curriculum is paramount when looking to cater for the needs of all students. To effectively practice this not only I as the teacher but our modern community of individuals will to be sensitive to including all margins of backgrounds, skill sets, race, cultures, views, gender and sexual orientation.

 

When looking to achieve academic progress the importance of assessment is emphasised. I use all forms of assessment including formal, informal, summative and diagnostic to evaluate exactly what my students are learning, however highlighting areas for further development. Continually striving to adapt assessment to be fair, reliable and challenge each student, the benefits of assessment identify my student’s needs and thus create lessons that cater specifically to my class and the individual learner. My approach to assessment within the classroom associates closely to that that of John Hattie’s view that “feedback is one of the most powerful influences on learning and achievement” (Hattie 2007, p. 81). Within the P.E setting the use of constant feedback to my students is a tool I use as a means of informal assessment but also to motivate and engage my students. Feedback allows for encouragement and reward for effort to be incorporated to the on the spot assessment of a students effort and is extremely beneficial, even more so in the setting of P.E as it doesn’t often offer the teacher with substance to later be assessed. To counter this, ICT is a method I find extremely valuable when assessing in P.E. the use of recording via iPhone or iPad to later review student progress gives you material to store, share to student portfolios, parents and teachers.

I find the use of ICT where appropriate such as adding music to activities or using video footage to explain particular skill sets or games helps enhance students learning. Piaget (1996) suggests students often make meaning of experiences of the interaction rather than the constant voice of a teacher or reading from textbooks, which is a tool I often incorporate to make lessons engaging.

 

My classroom is going to be a place for collaboration, an area to explore interests and gain new knowledge. Respectfully working together students will feel safe to express themselves, make mistakes and learn alongside their peers. I hope to foster the individual skills of my students as i prepare them for life holds beyond their schooling years. 

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