Learning to be a Teacher

Hello all,

I am a mum who has returned to study a Post graduate Teaching and Learning having graduated over 10 years ago from an undergraduate degree. Getting back into study and fitting it around a family is challenging, but I think my brain maybe waking up slowly. After my first week of study, I'm going to share some interesting discoveries in Learning Management.

As Learning Managers (learning guides) we will profile our students, decide on the outcomes required, then design pedagogical strategies to reach these outcomes. Pedagogical meaning the art or science of teaching. We review and use feedback to keep lessons dynamic and in tune. This progression in learning moves away from teacher centred learning to student centred. The children now need to learn how to work in the knowledge economy. We have moved away from the industrial age and now knowledge is the predominant product in the economy. This has been boosted by globalisation and ICT allowing fast, wide ranging and low cost distribution.

Employment skills demanded now require problem-solving, higher order thinking, self-confidence, flexibility, communication skills, cultural acceptance and ICT. In order to prepare our children for this still changing world, we need to develop the way we teach. I'm learning to be a Primary School teacher and I'm having to re-think my ways of learning having come from a teacher centred traditional education with the geography field trip standing out as the only memorable learner centred experience!

For students to become part of this ever changing multi-layered knowledge economy we need to teach and give the learners control. This control must be guided by us, the Learning Managers, around the learner's profile and have specific learning outcomes.

Warm Regards
Johanna