| aimia_m_essaywrite_request | Write an essay |
| What topic | Looking back at your year, would you argue it is more important to be a competent craftsperson or a reflective practitioner (Moore, 2012) in order to be a good teacher? Critically analyse your own practice this year and evaluate which elements of research made the most significant improvements in your lessons. |
| Which subject | Pedagogy |
| What age group | Adult courses |
| How many pages | 1 |
| Add references | |
| Any other preferences |
As I reflect on this past year as a teacher, I am compelled to evaluate whether it is more important for me to be a competent craftsperson or a reflective practitioner in order to be a good teacher. This is an important inquiry as I work to continually improve my practice and become the best teacher I can be for my students. Moore (2012) suggests that being a reflective practitioner is necessary for effective teaching, but being a competent craftsperson is equally important. This essay will critically analyse my practice this year and evaluate which elements of research have made the most significant improvements in my lessons.
Being a competent craftsperson implies that one has the necessary knowledge, skills, and techniques to effectively teach their subject. In my case, having a deep understanding of pedagogy is essential for me to be successful in the classroom. This year, I spent a great deal of time researching and studying different teaching strategies and techniques to help me become a better craftsperson. I attended conferences, participated in professional development programs, and worked closely with colleagues to learn new techniques and refine my teaching practice.
Some of the techniques that I learned this year included differentiated instruction, technology integration, and formative assessment strategies. These strategies have helped me to tailor my lessons to the needs of my students, incorporate engaging technology into my classroom, and assess my students' learning on an ongoing basis. By honing my craft in this way, I have been able to improve my lessons and help my students achieve greater success.
Being a reflective practitioner entails regularly reflecting on and evaluating one's own teaching practice in order to identify areas where improvement can be made. This year, I made a concerted effort to engage with the process of reflection, both personally and as part of a professional learning community. I kept a teaching journal where I could record my thoughts on each lesson, noting what worked well and what could be improved. I also participated in peer observation and feedback sessions, where my colleagues and I would observe each other's lessons and provide constructive feedback.
Through this reflective practice, I was able to identify areas of my teaching that needed improvement. For example, I had a tendency to move too quickly through material, which left some students behind. Through reflection and feedback, I was able to slow down and ensure that all students had time to absorb the material before moving on. Reflection also helped me to be more responsive to my students, adjusting my teaching approach to meet their needs.
Looking back on my year, I would argue that both being a competent craftsperson and a reflective practitioner are necessary for effective teaching. By developing my craft, I was able to hone my skills, incorporate new strategies into my practice, and build a solid foundation of pedagogical knowledge. Through reflection, I was able to identify areas for improvement and adjust my teaching approach to better meet the needs of my students.
Of the research that I engaged with, I would say that the most significant improvements in my teaching came from my work with differentiated instruction. By using a variety of teaching strategies and methods, I was able to tailor my lessons to my students' learning styles and abilities, resulting in greater engagement and learning success in the classroom. Moving forward, I will continue to engage with research and engage in reflective practice, striving to become an even better teacher and advocate for my students.