Teachers communicate effectively with their students.
4.1.1 Communicate clear directions to students about learning goals
4.1.2 Demonstrate a range of questioning techniques designed to support student learning.
4.1.3 Listen to students and engage them in classroom discussion
4.1.4 Use student group structures as appropriate to address teaching and learning goals.
4.1.5 Use a range of teaching strategies and resources including ICT an other technologies to foster interest and support learning.
I have used a range of teaching strategies and resources including ICT and other technologies to foster interest and support learning. (Aspect 4.1.5) However, as mentioned in the previous milestone, this is an area that constantly needs to be updated, with a variety of resources and technologies to be implemented in teaching. I have also demonstrated the ability to communicate clear directions to students about learning goals, and find that this is made possible by the required planning stages, when such goals are set and defined. It is then a matter of repeated annunciation of these goals to the class, and asking them to repeat them back to you and ask questions for clarification.
I believe using different grouping structures in the classroom, is an essential component of a learner-centred classroom. (Aspect 4.1.4) Such interaction allows students to help and learn from one another. It is also essential that students are exposed to a variety of grouping techniques; ability grouping, jigsaw, role allocation, own choice, or by random. For successful cooperative learning, explicit grouping skills and strategies need to be taught.
I need to demonstrate how I listen to students and engage them in classroom discussion. (Aspect 4.1.3) For a uccessful classroom discussion to occur, all students must be actively involved, through means of listening and talking. They must be respectful of what their peers offer, and also feel comfortable enough to give their own opinions and contribute to the discussion.
I will demonstrate a range of questioning techniques to help support student learning. (Aspect 4.1.2) Whilst I always plan to incorporate a range of questions into my lesson plans, I think that they need to be a little broader in scope. Questions can be used very effectively to clarify student's understandings, and provide feedback throughout a lesson. They can also be used to help evaluate a lesson, and be used when planning for further learning.