Theories of Teaching and Learning and their Impact on the Classroom Environment
Although there are many theories of teaching and learning, this essay will be focusing primarily on professionalism, cognition and language, cognitive views of learning and behaviourism, and how they individually and collectively impact the classroom environment.
A professional teacher encompasses essential characteristics to teach at their highest level. They continue to learn throughout their teaching careers and constantly assess themselves and their students. Professionals also have the ability to make decisions in ill defined situations (Eggen & Kauchak, 2010, p. 5) , showing their knowledge and understanding of their students, teaching and the teaching process. Being able to represent topics to students in a way students will understand, and have an understanding of why a topic may be hard or easy for students to comprehend, is an essential skill any teacher needs to support their students. This is known as pedagogical knowledge.
General pedagogical knowledge, on the other hand, refers to an understand of principles of instruction and classroom management, moving beyond individual topics or subject matter alone, and involving the classroom as a whole. A professional teacher will will be highly aware of of how this knowledge relates to, and how to use it effectively, in a classroom situation. Saying a professional teachers impact on the classroom is positive would be an understatement. By incorporating the essential methods outlined above, teachers have a more accurate understanding of how to adapt to a variety of situations that arise in the classroom, and, how to incorporate different learning methods when required.
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...cur by not being a professional, or understanding the basic learning functions of the brain.
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...ok” into the brain without cutting open the skull and can see where information is actually being processed, it also helps with the understanding of how the brain works. This article has not only tied together how adolescents were viewed in the past as troublesome, crazy, kids that are driven by nature to an understanding why they act this way. It may be natural that they act the way they do because the brain is developing and maturing but they are not driven by nature.
The case study that I chose was the case of “The Solar System”. Out of all the three lesson plans, I found Mr. Johnson’s lesson plan to be the most interesting and elaborate. It also included innovative ways to touch on multiple learning styles using both text and visuals.
As professionals, pedagogues are encouraged constantly to reflect on their practice and to apply both theoretical understandings and self-knowledge to the sometimes challenging demands with which they are
The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers provide a framework, which clearly identifies the knowledge, practice and professional knowledge necessary to achieve each standard in a teacher’s career. The Standards aim to enhance all students learning outcomes by providing key indicators of teacher quality to assist the preparation, support and progress of teachers (Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards [BOSTES] 2014). This essay will examine the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) Standard One: “Know students and how they learn” (2011, p.3) by comparing and contrasting the expectations of a graduate and lead teacher. There are six focus areas within Standard One and each area clearly defines
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Teacher knowledge has always been the basis to an effective learning experience. Without a knowledgeable teacher, students are not able to receive a quality educational experience. This pillar encompasses the influence teachers have on student learning and achievement, possession of research based knowledge, and effective teaching practices. I thrive to be educated and knowledgeable on the information presented to my students. By having a variety of teaching techniques that work and I use often in my classroom, I am able to mold my instruction around student needs and provide efficient and
professional learning communities on teaching practice and student learning. Teaching and Teacher Education , 24 (1), 80-91.
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Professional development is critical to success in a teacher’s career. Teachers need to be opened to continuing their education and consistently reflecting on lessons and interactions with students. At the expert stage of teaching, “the teacher’s practice is characterized by fluency, automaticity, and efficiency” (Garmston,1998). In order to achieve this level of teaching practice, the educator must continue to learn new teaching strategies, understand the curriculum, recognize students and their differences, and conduct self-reflections. A teacher who is dedicated to professional development and wanting to improve their teaching, will make a stronger impact on students. I believe that I am in the Proficient level of performance according to the Framework for Professional Teaching Practices (Danielson, 1996).
Another factor considered in this study is the professional development of teachers. Professional development of teachers is a strong factor that enhances teachers’ knowledge and learning. A number of studies have reflected that the said factor is imperative to a positive change of every individual that seeks development professionally.
The foundation of a classroom setting is based on theories that enhance student learning, have a positive impact on the classroom environment and may “provide valuable guidance for teachers” (Cooper, 2006, cited in Eggen and Kauchak, 2010). Even though teaching is about what a student is taught, there are certain practises that are used to get the most out of students without the student realising. Experts in the field have developed different theories that aim to provide an answer as to how and why children learn. These theories aim to help teachers understand why children think the way they do and why different children respond better to different teaching techniques. There are many differing theories but this paper will focus on three – motivational, social-cognitive and metacognition. This paper will provide information on each theory, backed up by the theorist and will explain how each has an impact in the classroom.
Additional expected qualities that create the essentials of professionalism in relation to teaching are a high level of cognitive skills and social capabilities together with experienced personal qualities as stated by Marsh (2008) which include sensitivity, compassion, reflective and innovative thinking and commitment and dedication to the job. This support to facilitate such desired moral qualities as respect, caring, integrity, diligence and open communication as outlined by Groundwater-Smith (2009), the relationship of which is reinforced by Whitton (2009 p.47) in defining professionalism in teaching as being “…dependant of correct standards with the right conduct or practice”.
“Teaching is often a difficult process, but the end result is very rewarding. Watching a child develop confidence and seeing a student progress in their studies is a very exciting process. Teaching young children is especially great because it is setting a foundation for life-long learning.”(Chronicle guidance publications). What is teaching? A teacher is a person who provides education for pupils (children), or students (adults) using lectures, audiovisual aids, demonstrations, and computers to present academic, social, and motor skills. Teachers can also teach foreign languages, art, kids with special needs, and P.E. Teaching has changed a lot compared to the traditional methods of just lectures and textbooks. Students now are encouraged to actively learn through groups or individual projects. They have learning games, debates, and experiments to help them through the learning process. Being a teacher would be a great career for anyone who wants to further themselves, to help people, and to have great benefits (chronicle guidance publications).
Being a teacher is not an easy task as many people could think. To be a teacher does not only imply to know the subject to be taught, it also includes being willing to constantly improve oneself integrally, as much as updating the resources and materials one uses in teaching. Reflecting and analyzing over and over again the best way to teach to learn and how to make students to extend what has been learned. The many hours spend in the classroom will never be enough to plan lessons, prepare materials, review pupils tasks and exams, as well, all the administrative requirements one has to cover for whatever institution we work. Besides all this a good teacher, a professional one, will have to find the time to keep preparing to improve oneself.