Standard 2 - Know the content and how to teach it
Summary of Standard 2
This standard is about strategies pertaining to teaching content and concepts, selecting and organising content into a coherent and effective sequence, aligning content with the curriculum and including appropriate assessment (diagnostic, formative and summative) (AITSL, 2014). In the Australian context learning content also needs to promote respect and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians (AITSL, 2014). This standard also covers literacy and numeracy strategies as well as incorporating information and communication technology into content delivery (AITSL, 2014).
Reflective Commentary
Situation
Earlier in the year I asked my mentor teacher if there was a specific content area that she would like me to focus on with the students. She said that as evidenced by entry testing the majority of students need to learn the concept of rhyme. Rhyme is also an important language concept for children who are developing in their literacy skills (Irwin & Moore, 2014).
Action
I decided to implement a unit of work on rhyme and also made rhyme as my research topic for a uni assignment. I created a timeline/ learning and teaching sequence. The way I delivered content and concepts was through interactive games, reading stories with rhyming words and songs. The main concepts of rhyme that I included in the sequence was recognising and generating rhyme.
Outcome
The students significantly improved in their understanding of rhyme. I discovered that songs in particular were the best method for learning rhyme.
Action Plan
The focus area of Standard 2 that I require more knowledge and skills in is "2.6 Information and Communication Technology (ICT)" teaching strategies (AITSL, 2014). I have registered for a conference through TeachMeet WA titled "ICT by the Sea" to address this and will record my findings in my professional learning journal.
References:
AITSL. (2014). Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. Retrieved from http://www.aitsl.edu.au/australian-professional-standards-for-teachers/standards/list
Irwin, J., & Moore, D. (2014). Preparing Children for Reading Success: Hands-on Activities for Librarians, Educators,
and Caregivers. Lanham, MA: Rowman & Littlefield.
Evidence for Standard 2: Timeline/ Teaching Sequence - Rhyme
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