Week+1+-+Jessica+Walsh


 * Issues in Education – Lecture - Week 1 - Jessica Walsh - 13/3/09**

In the first Issues lecture we covered several points: "What makes an Effective Teacher?", and "Issues Males find in the Teaching profession". We also watched a video clip of a seminar run by Ken Robinson. Below I will summarise what I thought were the key points of the lecture.

There are many things to consider in becoming an effective teacher. Firstly we need to gain an understanding of how students learn and then, using teaching strategies matched to students’ individual needs, build on the knowledge that students already have. In order to do this, they themselves must have a strong understanding of the content they are teaching. Finally, it is important that teaching is centred on the students experiences so they can become aware how these newly learned skills can be used in everyday life.

Anyone entering the teaching profession, in particular males, can be faced with certain issues that are important to be aware of. They must be careful not to put themselves in situations that, although are most likely completely innocent, can be interpreted by others as otherwise. As a general rule, teachers should never work alone with children. Other issues include being on time and vigilant when you are on yard duty and following the correct first aid protocols specific to the school you are at.

Ken Robinson’s (2006) seminar covered creativity in Education. He touched on the issue that the Education system in the past has somewhat stifled creativity because it may not be commonly viewed as a measure of intelligence. Robinson (2006) suggests that we need to get rid of this common misconception and rethink the way children are educated in schools. Creativity needs to be encouraged and fostered in children and similarly teachers need to learn to be creative in the way they educate them.