Reflections
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This entry serves as a reflection on my experience in the Pedagogy as Process course, highlighting the new knowledge and experience I have gained, as well as my professional development goals moving forward. My primary aim is to enhance my teaching abilities and continue improving as an educator. Throughout the course, I've come to understand that change occurs both internally and externally. I've been able to foster a student-centered environment and enhance my teaching in my classroom by applying various teaching models and lesson planning strategies.This training has significantly enriched my original teaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement. I look forward to implementing these insights in my teaching practice and continuing to grow as an educator.
The process of reflection is a powerful tool for personal and professional development as it encourages critical thinking and self-evaluation. Over the past nine months, I've noticed significant changes in my life, particularly due to my participation in this program.
Creating this portfolio required me to compile everything I've learned throughout the course, and each new piece of knowledge rekindled my passion for the teaching profession. One of the most crucial lessons I learned was how to create a unit and lesson plan. Although the school's accountability typically only requires a termly scheme of work, I realized that breaking the plan down into units according to the syllabus can greatly facilitate lesson scheduling and preparation. Furthermore, learning how to create an effective lesson plan has been invaluable.
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Initially, I was acutely aware of my shortcomings but felt I lacked the knowledge and resources to improve. The Diploma in Education program has brought me one step closer to becoming a teacher I can be proud of. As I progressed through the classes, my focus shifted towards the needs of the students and the objectives I aimed to achieve, rather than merely ensuring that documents and slides contained substance. I began to consider my students' enjoyment of the program and the role I played in fostering their learning process. The Pedagogy as Process course has been particularly enlightening, reminding me that progress is a process, at times chaotic and nonlinear. Teaching is an evolving field, and teachers must continually work to enhance their pedagogy and their students' learning experiences. It should not become rigid but remain an intentional and conscious act.
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As I approach the end of this journey, I still hold firmly to my initial teaching philosophy that "Teaching is Heartwork" - steadfast, adaptable, and nurturing. I aspire to have a significant impact on my students' learning. I aim to be their agent of change, inspiring them to learn and fostering their interest. Having been exposed to a variety of pedagogical approaches, I now feel confident to teach in a digital, 21st-century classroom. I am more determined than ever to engage students actively and instill a deeper passion for Agriculture.