Digital Portfolio of Professional Practice

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In my future classroom, an open-minded and encouraging environment is at the centre of my teaching philosophy. I aim to ensure that every child feels valued and confident within the classroom through the presence of encouraging and inclusive pedagogical teaching strategies. Every students is unique in their own way, and the fostering of an inclusive and safe learning environment promotes equal opportunities for all students, no matter their academic capabilities, or interests (Ashman, 2019). Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory, perfectly summarises the importance of student individuality and diversity, demonstrating the need for specific diverse teaching strategies to be incorporated for higher academic involvement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On my previous placements, I have had the opportunity to teach both year 6 and year 1 students. Both year groups clearly expressed very different academic abilities, meaning my approach to teaching was distinctive for both years. In both classes it was obvious the divide in student capabilities and diverse responses to learning, however the willingness and confidence to ask for assistance was the point of difference for both ages. I found that when teaching the year one class, not only was I more relied on and hands on with the students, but the six/seven year old’s were more inclined to ask further questions and required much more help as expected. Whereas my year six class lacked a sense of confidence and self-assurance as they tended to be more reserved and quieter, particularly those who struggled in certain areas such as English and mathematics. By witnessing this divide in both classrooms, my teaching philosophy was influenced to create an inclusive and safe area for my students to feel confident in all aspect of their academic and personal capabilities. Another personal goal I try to incorporate into my future classroom is the development of lessons that are relatable to students’ academic, emotional and physical life. Not only will students be more engaged within the classroom, but when the learning is able to be related into their own life, this will alter students view of the outside world and impact their interaction within the world.

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