During this week's conversation, I intend to correlate key quotes with course content that supports each point made.
To begin, Grant and Zeichner (1984) state that professional development comes from reflection. Completing self-reflections as potential teachers helps us identify areas that should be improved. Like an art piece, it requires adequate refinement. This is an excellent example, in my opinion, because teachers must continually adapt their lesson plans or methods of learning to their students' needs. During my volunteer teaching experiences this summer, there were numerous moments when I had to deviate from my initial instruction. After my second day as an outdoor camp counsellor, I had to think of ways to continue to engage my kids in interesting outdoor activities while keeping them dry.
As teachers, we will encounter unfavourable situations that may cause us to deviate from scheduled curriculum. That being said, it takes an experienced teacher to pause, reflect, and rethink principles that aren't functioning in these other educational contexts. It's also vital to understand that this is a continuing process. As someone who is continually hard on himself, I have to remind myself that teaching is a continuous process. Brandon, who went into UBC on Tuesday morning of September 3rd, is not the same Brandon today, and I hope he will be different from the Brandon I encounter next week. It's also important to be personable with your students. I would be honest with them and share areas in my personal life that require constant reflection, so they know they are not alone.
The two takeaways that struck me when reading this essay were that teachers must cultivate a reflective mindset in order to approach students of all levels. Providing a secure and rewarding atmosphere is critical for students. Being "wholehearted". How does this look like? Students develop ties with their peers in the classroom, which helps them form community. I believe that both students and teachers should be wholehearted, as this will result in a world full of wonderful persons. These encounters help children see similarities and differences with their peers as well.
(Photo from class 342's discussion)
