Ptlls_Theory_Assignment_1

THEORY ASSIGNMENT 1 Student: Dorelle Scott Theory Q1 Review what your role, responsibilities and boundaries, as a teacher would be in terms of the teaching/training cycle. Suggested word count: 500-700 words. My specialty subject is teaching Mathematics, math skills translate into lifelong analytical skills that encompass all walks of life. It will be necessary for me to impart the required mathematics curriculum so that students can develop critical-thinking (problem solving) abilities by gaining an understanding of mathematic concepts. My job as Learning Support/Teaching Assistant is in an independent school where my learners are aged from 16 to 18 years. Some of the learners have been at the school since nursery and have detailed educational data. But there are many new learners who have varying degrees of abilities, they have learning difficulties i.e. dyspraxia and dyslexia. These need to be assessed so the learners can receive the right level of support. In this learning environment teachers are instructors Petty (2009:133) states that “An instructor plans and directs all the students’ activities, giving clear, recipe-style instructions for the tasks to be carried out”, but if we develop a good relationship with our learners the facilitator style can be applied to encourage learners to revise for an exam or overcome a difficulty. A good relationship enables the learner to feel like they have more control over their learning and they are more likely to accept the help provided. My main role is to communicate the curriculum so that learners can participate in the training and reach the aims and objectives of the course. The teaching and learning cycle (Gravells, 2011:7) is a good instrument for any teacher, and enables them to review their responsibilities step by step in the field of learning. By using the teaching cycle I see my main responsibilities as: * Helping to identify the needs of the learners, using questionnaires, discussion or other methods, will put the learners at ease so they can mingle with their peers and allow them to understand each other. As Petty states (2009) “each learner is unique and has individual needs. If the needs of our learners are discovered and met, the chances of success are greatly increased”. Therefore it is important that we find out and document the individual needs of the learners and develop lessons plans to accommodate all learning styles for effective learning to take place. * The Department of Education has a specific curriculum for KS3 and KS4 Maths that needs to be taught. As part of my duties I need to make sure that all the necessary criteria is set out in the lesson plans accordingly, and that the learners know what their objectives are at the beginning of the lesson. Where necessary adapt the lessons to meet the specific needs of the learners in the group. * I need to make sure that the course is managed in a professional manner, that all lessons are delivered using appropriate teaching and learning activities. Knowing the subject well and the environment you are teaching in means I can ensure that the necessary resources are in place e.g. whiteboard, ICT. I hope by using different teaching strategies that the students will engage effectively and progress their learning with the classroom. * As a teacher assessing the learners enables me to understand what they have learned and know how each individual is coping with the lesson, and encourage progression within the class. I need to carry out summative assessment that each Unit Specification that meets the necessary requirement laid down by the Awarding Body (AQA). However I can also use formative assessment by providing informative feedback during the topic. * I need to ensure that evaluation at the end of the course helps the learner plan for future activities, i.e. further education, work. It also important for me to review the effectiveness of the course and delivery methods to ensure learner satisfaction. This can be done by asking the learners to reflect on each topic by completing an evaluation form. At the beginning of a teaching session it is important to establish a clear set of professional boundaries. The school where I work already have a Code of Conduct in place, which all staff and students must abide by. By maintaining a professional distance from the students allows us to be fair and ethical. Examples of boundaries I would establish are: * Not to share personal information about a student with a third party * Not advise a student about personal issues or become personally involved * Ensure that students are not seen in private at the school or externally. * Make sure there is no physical contact with the students REFERENCES Petty G (2009), Teaching Today, A Practical Guide, 4th Edition. Gravells, A. (2011). Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector 4th Ed. Learning Matters.