Standard Four: Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments"They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care" "Focus Areas
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ReflectionThroughout the duration of our course we have been exposed to a variety of ideas and philosophies in regards to how a teacher can create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments. To enhance my ability to meet this standard, I enrolled in two elective units which specifically aimed at building classroom discipline and managing challenging behaviour. I believe I have learnt a variety of efficient models and approaches to allow me to foster positive behaviour in my future classrooms and implement a preventative, collaborative approach to discipline (Catholic Education Archdiocese of Brisbane, 2008).
As pre-service teachers we have learnt that discipline has changed from a stereotypical harsh and strict persona to a more positive approach that promotes self-control, responsibility and reflective attitudes towards school and learning (Charles, 2011). My ability to plan a personalised approach to discipline that meets this new perspective is evidenced by my behaviour management plan in the link to the right. This plan was designed in reflection of the content presented in one of the electives I mentioned above and is detailed specifically towards managing classroom activities, managing challenging behaviour and most importantly maintaining student safety (AITSL, 2012). I firmly believe that through developing a collaborative relationship with my students in the process of building classroom discipline, a strong message of strength, support and trust is conveyed which will allow them to fully engage with all aspects of learning in the classroom. |
Evidence
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My most accomplished Standard
After reflecting on the seven graduate AITSL standards, I believe that I have developed a worthy set of skills and approaches that best demonstrate my ability to meet standard four. I believe this standard best represents myself as a pre-service teacher and how I operate myself within the classroom context as I firmly believe creating a safe and supportive environment is the fundamental step of education. This is evidenced by my behaviour management plan which identifies my ability to create a nuturing, cooperative environment where all students learning is centred and supported (Catholic Education Archdiocese of Brisbane, 2010). I believe I am extremely capable of building discipline in any classroom environment and as a pre-service teacher this is an invaluable skill to possess. This is for the reason that we are constrantly being introduced to new classrooms, new children and of course new behaviours which relys on our ability to set expectations and gain respect and control from students instantly. I believe I have developed a quality set of non-verbal cues that allow me to achieve this through correcting misbehaviour without disrupting the class as well as preventing the misbehaviour from re-occurring. Although I feel I have successfully met this standard, I intend to continue to develop and extend my knowledge and skills in this area throughout the duration of my career.