Australian Professional Teaching Standard: The First Australian Professional Teaching Standards

Definition:
The first Australian Professional Teaching Standard is ‘Know students and how they learn’(AITSL, 2011). Understanding how students learn is a significant component of effective teaching (1.2 AITSL, 2011). Furthermore, effective teachers require an understanding of students physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics (1.1 AITSL, 2011). In addition, APST Standards require teachers to demonstrate both content and pedagogical knowledge through lesson plans (2.1 AITSL, 2011) with the curriculum content being structured and sequenced to facilitate effective learning (2.2 AITSL, 2011). However, it is also critical to have a repertoire of teaching strategies which are responsive to a diverse range of student backgrounds, including linguistic, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic (1.3 AITSL, 2011). An effective learning, in accordance with The Australian Curriculum and Assessment Reporting Authority, provides learners with general capabilities (knowledge, skills, behaviours and characteristics) and include understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island students learning needs and incorporate differentiated teaching methods to meet the needs of specific

I have had no experience with students who have a physical disability or have particular cultural requirements. Therefore, I will continually seek advice and direction from my experienced colleagues to develop my teaching skills. To become an authentic and effective teacher, I will need to know my students and how they learn, as outlined in The Australian Professional Teaching Standards (1.1 - 1.6 AITSL, 2011). Furthermore, to create the most effective learning environment for my students, I will need to continue to learn and improve my current skills and knowledge (6.1 - 6.4 AITSL,