Reflective

Journal Entry

For my most recent placement, I was placed at a school where a majority of the students
spoke English as their second language. Although they were quite fluent in the way they spoke and
understood instructions, the prep class that I was placed in had a range of different learning needs
as some students were below standard compared to others. This was a challenge as I needed to
make it a priority to cater for all learning needs and ensure that every student had multiple learning
opportunities.

The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) developed the
Professional Standards for Teachers which states the characteristics and qualities of an effective
teacher (Wallace, 2015). During the three weeks of placement, it was important that I considered
these standards when I was not only planning for lessons, but when also teaching. I believe that
AITSL Standard 1.5; Differentiate teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the
full range of abilities, was most reflected while I was planning lessons. Each lesson ensured that all
students, regardless of ability, were able to achieve the same learning goals.

The diversity of learners is one of the most critical and challenging aspects when planning for
lessons and when implementing teaching strategies. It is our role as teachers to create learning
opportunities that enables all students to succeed, despite different learning needs and abilities. As
to not discriminate, each lesson that I planned covered the same topic and addressed the same
concepts. However, I was aware that some students would either find it difficult or too easy and
repetitive, therefore I modified the task by either simplifying it or extending it further to suit their
specific needs. I found this was effective as all students were completing the same task that allowed
them to all succeed and meet the success criteria for that particular lesson. In addition, it
encouraged and allowed every student to participate and feel involved without impacting their self-
esteem or differentiating who was smarter. Willis and Mann (as cited in Alavinia & Farhady, 2012)
states that it is important that teachers modify and adapt their instruction to meet students varying
differences. Alavinia & Farhady (2012) argues that it is important for teachers to equally value and
attend to the needs of all learners. Furthermore, he suggests that teaching methods and strategies
need to be modified in order to achieve an educational space that is beneficial and rewarding for all
students with different learning needs. I believe that this theory was reflected in both my teaching
and my lessons as the needs of each student were considered. As a result, it provided opportunities
for every student to succeed at their own pace and therefore enhanced their involvement and
participation.
 As the majority of the class was below standard, my associate teacher advised that repetition
of concepts learnt already was beneficial. As a result, I chose to begin several lessons with a
brainstorm or a class discussion revising a topic that was done in previous lessons. I ensured that I
encouraged students to participate in class discussion and I continued to do this when they
progressed to their individual work. By doing this I believe that AITSL Standard 1.2; Understand how
students learn and AITSL Standard 4.1; Support student participation were achieved.

It is important that teachers create certain strategies to encourage and motivate participate
and interaction between students. In saying this, teachers should create an environment where the
students feel confident and safe enough to share their ideas. An approach such as brainstorms
allows students to freely express their ideas and compare them to others within the class. I made
conscious decisions of who I chose to share to ensure that I was giving everyone a chance to voice
their opinions and not the same student over and over again. On occasion, I would have visuals to
support what was written on the brainstorm in order for students to associate the text with the
image. When students would answer, I would ask them to come to the front and place the image
next to the word. I found this strategy was effective as it not only was enjoyable for the students but
it prompted and encouraged students to be involved. According to Hyde (2010), for a classroom to
be considered inclusive, it is important that teachers ensure that all children are accepted,
regardless of their ability. He stresses the importance for teachers to act professionally to plan,
prepare and initiate ways to develop a range of methods and strategies that successfully met each
students learning needs.

This experience has shown me the importance of meeting the AITSL standards in order to
become an effective teacher. It is crucial that teachers understand and know their students in order
to initiate ways that cater for and acknowledge the different learning needs and styles of each
student. This makes every child feel as though they are part of the class regardless of their ability,
allowing them to succeed at their own pace. I believe that each child should be included and
comfortable in their environment and be provided with every opportunity to excel. This is something
that I will strive to achieve as I grow into the teacher I wish to become.