Professional Reflection from an Experienced Teacher

I have been a teacher for 12 years and in that time I have developed a deep understanding of pedagogy and teacher training practices. I have been involved in the development of the successful teaching and learning model at Cramlington Learning Village, and a comprehensive knowledge of Accelerated learning, Effective Teacher Behaviours, Assessment for learning, Collaborative learning, Thinking for Learning, effective and creative use of ICT, the Learning to learn approach and of Enquiry Based Learning. I also have extensive knowledge of the Teachers Effectiveness Enhancement Program (TEEP) for whom I am a trainer, and the Project for Enhancing Effective Learning (PEEL), whom I have contributed to their PEEL Seeds Journal and “The Voice of the Teacher” book.

All of these are reflected in my everyday teaching strategies, but, I value the creation of a positive and supportive environment as it is a major feature of successful classrooms. These environments encourage risk taking and dialogue that is open and honest between student and teacher and this forms the basis of good feedback. So, I dedicate significant effort to building a community of learners to ensure that the emotional climate of the classroom conducive to learning .My learning spaces are also full of interactive and supportive displays that support the learning process and encourage the development of student learner skills and attributes. A major part of this is the establishment of a common language of learning between students and teachers. A good example of this is the incorporation of the 5Rs, which I use in learning intentions and in conversations with students about learning and progress.

I fully believe Dylan Williams when he says that the “most important fe...

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...ore their comfort zones in order to empathise with the experiences of their students

I am also part of the planning team for “TeachMeet North East”, this again is a way of sharing and gathering good practice and creating a network of teachers to support one another with new endeavours in our teaching. This role also includes raising sponsorship so that ensures that the event is free for attendees.

As part of my personal development I undertake regular action research, to enable me to objectively reflect upon my practice and the strategies I use in my classroom. I have established a blog as a way of me clarifying new thinking about pedagogy and to open discourse about the efficacy of learning and teaching methodologies. My Blog is very much based around the learning agenda I set myself each academic year, to encourage me to keep searching for the best practice.