Criteria 12 Use critical inquiry and problem-solving effectively in their professional practice

Use critical inquiry and problem-solving effectively in their professional practice

Indicators:

·          Systematically and critically engage with evidence and professional literature to reflect on and refine practice

·         Respond professionally to feedback from members of their learning community

·         Critically examine their own beliefs including cultural beliefs, and how they impact on their professional practice and the achievement of students

How do I advance the learning of my students through critical inquiry within my professional learning?

Reflective Statement:

·       Workshops – Interactive Whiteboard training

·        Professional Readings – Numeracy Print outs, Effective Classroom Book, NZ Curriculum and Exemplar Readings, Sharing work

·        Nzmaths website/Tki website

·        More professional Development needed

·        Understanding the progressions for literacy and numeracy

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Critical Inquiry and reflective learning

In order to keep up to date with changing and evolving teaching strategies, policies and techniques it is good practice to stay informed though professional readings and research. There are always theorists or practitioners developing and assessing pedagogies. So there are relevant readings to help refine or remind teachers of their practices.

This is an area within my on teaching I have tried to improve on and be more consistent with in order to advance my own teaching practice. I feel it is still an area I need to keep developing especially with the ICT sector in order to be more confident and keep up with the ever changing technological age. I have enjoyed the Interactive Whiteboard Workshops and now feel confident using this tool within the classroom.

I have endeavoured to read and reread the literacy and numeracy progressions so the different learning targets for students are better understood and I can help close the gaps in their learning. As a result of the accelerated writing programme and now the mathematics programme within the school I have dedicated time to read literature about aspects of writing to help my own knowledge and understanding. This has had a flow on effect for other subjects especially numeracy where the NZ Maths website and NUMPA books have been beneficial.

Feedback

As a fourth year teacher at Rhode Street School I have had AFL observations and discussions about various aspects of teaching and learning which have been very valuable. I have been given positive and constructive feedback which I have reflected on and made changes where needed.

I always welcome ‘walk throughs’ by senior staff members and planning and assessment evaluations. I encourage positive feedback and any criticisms that I can improve on. As a professional I always try to rectify any issues to do with my teaching practice to enable myself to move forward as a professional.

At Rhode Street we have had writing and math observations and modelling sessions through Te Toi Tupu which the feedback and discussions have been invaluable.

 

This appraisal process is a valuable opportunity to document your journey as teacher and to gather feedback from experienced teachers and practitioners so you are continually improving and honing your practice.

Beliefs

My own beliefs as a person are to always better myself physically, emotionally, professionally and culturally. Every day I do this. I also try to influence people around me in a positive way through my beliefs. This is reflected in my teaching practice with my peers and students. As I endeavour to improve myself I endeavour to improve my students in the same way. I believe success can be contagious. This philosophy helps the achievement of my students and helps them to try and be successful.

My cultural beliefs are based on my heritage and upbringing and in a way reflect those of the treaty - Equality, fairness and respect. I hope my beliefs do get passed on to my students though my personality and teaching practice. I believe I am a good role model for my students, and I also believe I have impacted them in a positive way and made them better people whether they know it or not.

I also show respect to my peers and am honest and upfront with them. I take responsibility for my actions and hope to get the same courtesy back. This I also hope reflects back to my students.