DET: Improving Student Learning

SC1. Demonstrated understanding of DET initiatives in student learning and the capacity to implement curriculum programs to improve student learning outcomes.

The DET have put forward a model for improving student outcomes that includes: excellence in teaching and learning; professional leadership; positive climate for learning and community engagement in learning.

I have been able to demonstrate ‘excellence in teaching and learning’, during my placements (rounds) and over my coaching career. As a student teacher I have been exposed to teaching students from Prep through to year 6. For example my ability to create an engaging, motivating, and intellectually stimulating learning experience was demonstrated during my second placement where I

As a manager for over a decade I have always encouraged my staff to take considered risks and not be afraid of failure. These leadership skills will directly cross over into my classroom. Student leadership enhancement involves giving students opportunities to practice a range of leadership skills in a supportive, learning and social environment where "successes" and "errors" are processed and reviewed. I have challenged students in PE classes, teaching them new skills such as juggling. By adding an I-Pad with a slow-motion replay app installed, I encouraged students to have their efforts to juggle be projected onto the EWB for their classmates and them to watch. While this practice allowed for skill review, it also challenged each student to take the risk of showing their peers an undeveloped skill thus teaching students that risk taking and failure were not things that needed to be avoided or feared. As such most students embraced this

Yet the community is far broader than looking to just parents. As a coach and multisport sportsperson, I have been utilizing community engagement for the students I have coached. For example, when coaching rugby at Carey Grammar and Penleigh Essendon Grammar, I reached out to the Melbourne Storm who sent professional coaches and players to conduct training sessions. I was even given 25 tickets to a Storm game for my entire playing group to attend and also had four of my players participate during the Gatorade half time activities on the playing field. For my students I believe true community engagement within the subject of PE requires this enhanced level of community outreach. As a track and field coach I have had a number of Australian Olympians attend my sessions also. This community outreach has three major benefits. One the students absolutely love having a sporting identity teaching them. Two, I get to observe professionals in action, thus learning new ideas and techniques that will improve my future teaching and Three, I have a fantastic opportunity to assess students. As a teacher one of my goals will be to conduct timely and detailed assessments of all my students so feedback and reporting can be as specific as