Week 32: Changes in Practice

Wow! What a roller coaster the last 32 weeks has been. I have felt many emotions ranging from pure terror to absolute delight (I received my highest tertiary grade ever!). I approached many assessments with thoughts of total inadequacy and wondering ‘How the hell am I going to do this?’ Fortunately, I have shared this journey with two amazing colleagues who have been with me all the way, sometimes dragging me along. We have all had our lows over this time and have been able to encourage and motivate each other.

The biggest thing that I have gained from this experience is how much more we achieve when we collaborate. Criterion 7 of the Practising Teacher Criteria (PTC) states that fully certified teachers promote a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive learning environment (Ministry of Education, n.d.). Having spent so much time over the 32 weeks collaborating with my colleagues it has made me very aware of how much collaboration could boost the learning of students in my classroom. I am more motivated to include collaborative activities in my planning and, while I have a fairly dysfunctional class this year, I have seen glimpses of it having a positive effect on students’ learning.

PTC Criterion 4 requires teachers to demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional learning and development of professional personal practice (Ministry of Education, n.d.). Right at this moment, in all honesty, I have no desire at all to launch into further formal study such as The MindLab. I am drained. If I never have to write another essay I will be happy. I am, however, keen to further my knowledge of digital applications and devices that I can use in my classroom to further my students learning. I will achieve this by seeking out professional development that I can fit around a heavy workload. This may be attending webinars or undertaking online training courses to upskill. It will also involve participating in forums with like minded educators where ideas are shared.

As ICT leader at my school, my current focus is the new Digital Technologies curriculum coming in 2018 and working on how I can help my colleagues implement this curriculum successfully. We have a wide range of ability when it comes to ICT amongst the teaching staff and catering to everyone’s needs will be a challenge. Obviously I will need to spend some time getting my head around the requirements of the curriculum and this will involve attending consultation meetings held by the MInistry of Education and other professional development opportunities.

Thanks MIndLab for challenging me, for forcing me to reflect on my practice and for opening my eyes to new possibilities.

References

Ministry of Education (n.d.). Practising teacher Criteria and e-learning. Retrieved from http://elearning.tki.org.nz/Professional-learning/