Jonathon Belperio E-Portfolio

AITSL Standards

AITSL STANDARD 1: KNOW STUDENTS AND HOW THEY LEARN

1.1 Physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students and how these may affect learning.

ICT ELABORATION:

ICT usage cannot only positively influence the social, intellectual and physical development of students, but can also be detrimental to students hindering potential growth and development of the students. One example, is that students naturally or are inclined to Google it believing that Google has all the answers and accepting that these answers are absolute. Hence, the skill of researching, finding sources and critically analysing the information is diminished and lacking. Additionally, students primary means of communication is through technology, whether it is Facebook, text messages or Skype, these ICT tools limit their skills of communication face-to-face and hinders their intrapersonal skills. Hence, ICT should only be used as assistance and not allowed to take over the classroom.

ICT tools would be extremely useful in Pastoral Care lessons as teachers can easily use videos (YouTube What would you do?), short films such as Bully, stream music (Miley Cyrus Wrecking Ball) and visit educational websites (Beyond blue) to discuss and express opinions of social, physical and even to some degree intellectual growth of the students. This will encourage respect and maturity within classrooms and between students. By using online polls, the teacher can create a confidential survey that allows students to be debriefed and discuss the issues covered further in the lesson.

EVIDENCE:

During an English lesson, Jayden would distract other students, misbehave and would refuse to do any work. I asked him to stay back in class to discuss his behaviour and attitude.

Jayden told me that his mother had left home and he was living by himself looking after his younger brother. The father was currently not living with the family. This personal issue was having an effect towards his attitude to learning and education; he lacked enthusiasm, willingness to learn and worth on education system.

1.2 Understand how students learn

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.

ICT ELABORATION:

Every teacher must understand how students learn as a fundamental requisite, as it assists teachers in grasping the students engagement, focus and willingness to learn and ensures teachers incorporate different teaching methods rather than just didactic teaching. It is very important that teachers are using multimodal tools for student learning, such as participating in class, discussion, PowerPoint presentations, videos, websites etc. as teachers are continuously educating themselves and becoming less stagnant, this way all students will be open and able to understand what is being taught.

One ICT tool or strategy that can be employed in classrooms and lessons would be Poll Everywhere, as this will allow teachers to determine the students academic skill level, this will provide a more clearer way for teachers to understand what tools are best for teaching students. Another example would be to use Schmoop as this website provides a large listing of literature that examines literary techniques, plots, characters etc. which is useful for not only teachers sourcing material and lesson ideas but also for students to use to better understand the literature taught.

EVIDENCE:

While teaching recount in an English year 10 class, I used specific aids such as recount letters and recount understanding tables. These differing teaching styles assists or caters for those students with differing learning styles. I noticed that many students were able to absorb more information from using the recount table as it was more hands on and creative, where as analysing recount/s was more confusing and boring for the students.

1.3 Students with diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds

Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.

ICT ELABORATION:

Australia is a multicultural country therefore in schools there are a diverse population, which means that as teachers we must value, be responsive, welcoming, understanding and learn from students different linguistic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds.

One ICT strategy that can be used to assist students with diverse backgrounds such as non-English students is to utilise a more visual teaching strategy. This would incorporate in a History class using Prezi to display historical timelines, for example World War One events, assassinations, deaths etc. This method would allow the teacher to work with the students in plotting and determining time events in the timeline. This timeline could then be uploaded on to Edmodo or Facebook for students to access if they need extra time process the information in their own way and their own time.

Another ICT that could be used in a History Lesson of WWI would be to use Skype that connects with a specialist in this field, perhaps in another country that can give a talk to the students. This provides students with a more understanding of diverse cultures and opens their minds to possibilities of different backgrounds.

EVIDENCE:

One of my year 9 English students came from a background and culture of underachieving and Non-English background. She was a well-mannered and hard working student, however because of her culture and language barrier she lacked understanding of the tasks designed. I discovered that she was very talented in creativity and character perspective and I used this as a teaching strategy. The class had to write a journal entry from the perspective of a main character from the film watched in class. The following day she created a beautiful and creative front page and template to work from and had already written most of the entry. Pleasingly, she received a higher grade than previous tasks.

1.4 Strategies for teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.

ICT ELABORATION:

As a teacher I need to be aware of the impact that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and background has on student learning, attendance and interaction. There are certain traditions and customs of their culture that teachers need to be aware of and understand in order to effectively teach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. There are many factors that teachers need to keep in mind when teaching such as being mindful of videos or images that teachers present in class such as deceased people and connections to the land and community, this will ensure that students of this background are comfortable and feel respected and also allows teachers to broaden their knowledge and deepen their pedagogy which is a benefit of all students.

One impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander is a potential of absences in schools this is due to important traditional days, celebrations or even mourning periods. If students miss days due to their cultural traditions teachers can still stay in touch and keep students up to date by using email, Edmodo or even text messages which will allow these students to continue to access information and class materials while keeping the parents informed or carers informed. For example if a student missed a lesson due to a traditional celebration the teacher could post the work or the information of that lesson on Edmodo once it has been uploaded you could text or email the parent or carer or even the student so they know that what they have missed in the lesson is available or can be accessed on Edmodo. If an assignment was due the day that student was away then they could hand the assignment in via Turnitin that is online and can be accessed at home.

EVIDENCE:

During one of my year 9 History lessons, Ben would be reluctant to take notes in class, participate in activities and learning and do any work in class. After discussion with Ben I discovered that he was of Aboriginal background and that he had linguistic difficulties. As I was teaching World War I focusing on Australia, I attempted to include Aboriginals role in WWI. This caused Ben to become more interested, ask questions and even take note in lessons. I would also assist him in lessons to ensure that he was on task. I was also mindful when playing videos or showing images as not to disrespect his culture and background.

1.5 Differentiate teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strategies for differentiating teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities.

ICT ELABORATION:

It is important for all teachers to use different modes of teaching as each student learns differently and many may also have struggles with learning and understanding. It is important as teachers that we give all students including those with learning difficulties and disabilities the chance to achieve success, through our different ways of teaching the content.

An excellent example is the use of ICT in the classroom and out of the classroom. If the assignment is to create an oral presentation