Frame of Reference

Levi Johnson

EDTE 501

I believe the purpose of education is to help children learn and develop life skills in

communication, creativity and problem solving. The new B.C core competencies encourage
students to establish social responsibility, personal awareness and cultural identity. These core

competencies equip students with everyday skills to succeed and teach them about honesty and

respect. Children should emerge from the schools confident in their abilities to achieve their

goals. The education system teaches children literacy, mathematics, science and social studies.

By learning these core subjects students will have greater knowledge about the world and a

better understanding of their personal interests. Another important curricular subject is physical

education,that teaches students to live a healthy and active lifestyle contributing to long

enjoyable lives with fewer health issues.

As a teacher it will be my job to provide a safe learning environment for students. This

can be done by setting clear expectations and creating a community in the classroom. Building

positive, trusting relationships is crucial for students and the classroom culture. When students

feel comfortable in their learning environment they are more willing to participate and share

ideas. I will develop my students’ academic, problem solving and communication skills. The

new curriculum and core competencies will guide me in teaching these abilities.

Respect and honesty will be taught to my students as well. A personal goal is to have

students motivated and excited to learn. I plan on teaching lessons with energy and enthusiasm.

Getting to know students’ interests will promote learning, keeping them excited while I

incorporate them into lessons to keep learning relevant and interesting. This relates to Ivan

Illich’s theory of value, which puts strong emphasis on students’ choice of how they want to

learn and topics that are interesting and meaningful (Halliday, 2011). Encouraging students to

take ownership and have choice is an essential part of learning.

 Knowing the different learning styles in the classroom is important for my teaching

practices because every student has particular needs. This belief reflects the work of theorist

John Rosewell who stated that students will have more success if learning activities match their

learning styles (Rosewell, n.d). Delivering lessons that incorporate students’ learning styles help

them better understand content and promotes inclusiveness. I will incorporate cooperative group

activities to ensure students have an opportunity to work with other members in the class. This

helps to build a sense of community. Also, we are in a technology age so students will be given

the opportunity to present learning in many ways including through the use of technology.

Student and teacher interaction is very important. Teachers are role models. Students

need to feel comfortable and be able to seek their teacher’s help when having problems affecting

their learning or social environment. Communicating expectations will support effective

classroom management. I will set clear criteria for assignments that students will follow.

Assessment is crucial for learners and feedback must be meaningful therefore, I will engaged in

formative and summative assessment practices. Using rubrics, quizzes, and self assessments.

Reflecting after each lesson I deliver will help me grow as an educator and adjusting instruction

and assessment to meet the needs of my students.

Another important matter that a teacher must be aware of is at-risk students as managing

their learning can be challenging. They need patience and compassion just as the First Peoples

Principles of Learning notes, “learning takes time and patience” (FNESC, n.d.). Most at risk

students live in poverty and navigate with many issues outside the classroom. I will understand

the challenges they face and do my best to help them overcome challenges by searching for

ways to help them succeed. If my strategies are ineffective, I will communicate with other staff
members to find a solution. Staff members can be a great support system if you have questions

about students, lessons etc.

The importance of communicating with staff and parents is also vital to extend a sense of

community from in the classroom into the school. I will have an open door for parents to discuss

their child’s education and concerns. Parents should be informed of ways they can help their

children at home, areas in which they are struggling and the next steps for learning. Also, having

open communication with staff is key to have colleagues to lean on in stressful situations.

References

http://www.fnesc.ca/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/PUB-LFP-POSTER-Principles-of-
Learning-First-Peoples-poster-11x17.pdf

Halliday, Tracey. (2011) “The Educational Theory of Ivan Illich.” New Foundations.

http://www.newfoundations.com/GALLERY/Illich.html

Rosewell, John. Learning styles. Technology: Level 1 Networked living: exploring

information and communication technologies.

http://www.open.edu/openlearn/ocw/pluginfile.php/629607/mod_resource/content/1/t175

_4_3.pdf