3. Teachers know their students.
Demonstrate empathy and positive regard for, and rapport with, students.
In this standard, it is important for teachers to understand and positively react to students and their learning. Regardless of their background, race, ethnicity or potential varying factors.
As McInerney & McInerney (2006) rightly points out there has been a significant increase in the importance of building strong teacher/student relationships based upon genuine caring and respect. Effective teaching revolves around student based learning and designing lessons combined curriculums accordingly. Consequently building this strong rapport with students helps develop classroom dynamics and a generally positive learning environment for students to flourish and develop. It is important to understand that "When you know your students, you have a better understanding of their special needs, learning preferences and styles, relevant prior experience, and practical issues that will play a role in the class” (WGBH Educational Foundation, 2006).
Throughout my placements, one thing I have been continually praised for is my ability to build rapport with my students and understand their learning styles. This stems from the need to have inclusion and understanding within my personal pedagogy. During my placements I have discovered I like to work with each student one on one as much as possible, and push them and their ideas to new limits. This helps build a healthy respect for one another and understand limitations and strengths within my students. There has been many concerns that I have had to address during my placement, such as behavioural management problems and personality clashes, especially in the Select Entry classes as their social skills have not generally developed as much as mainstream students (Frankena, et. al, 2002). Through select and careful planning with my associate teacher, these issues were resolved and dealt with accordingly.
As McInerney & McInerney (2006) rightly points out there has been a significant increase in the importance of building strong teacher/student relationships based upon genuine caring and respect. Effective teaching revolves around student based learning and designing lessons combined curriculums accordingly. Consequently building this strong rapport with students helps develop classroom dynamics and a generally positive learning environment for students to flourish and develop. It is important to understand that "When you know your students, you have a better understanding of their special needs, learning preferences and styles, relevant prior experience, and practical issues that will play a role in the class” (WGBH Educational Foundation, 2006).
Throughout my placements, one thing I have been continually praised for is my ability to build rapport with my students and understand their learning styles. This stems from the need to have inclusion and understanding within my personal pedagogy. During my placements I have discovered I like to work with each student one on one as much as possible, and push them and their ideas to new limits. This helps build a healthy respect for one another and understand limitations and strengths within my students. There has been many concerns that I have had to address during my placement, such as behavioural management problems and personality clashes, especially in the Select Entry classes as their social skills have not generally developed as much as mainstream students (Frankena, et. al, 2002). Through select and careful planning with my associate teacher, these issues were resolved and dealt with accordingly.