Synthesis of Portfolio

This post summarizes five takeaway lessons I have learned over from my experience from EDUC 450 (Inquiry Seminar) and EPSE 311 (Cultivating Supportive School and Classroom Environment).

INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING. I am learning that inquiry-based learning honours student individuality and their own curiosity of the curriculum. Inquiry-based learning not only acknowledges students and teachers in their unique needs and wonderings, but it also takes gives the students a reason to challenge themself to delve deeper into related knowledge and understanding.

1. Week 7: Emergence of Teacher Inquiry. Self-authorship and inquiry.

2. Week 9: Reflections from Short Practicum. Observations

3. Week 12: Collaborative Inquiry. Team Bear meeting & SA interaction.

TEACHING PRESENCE. I am learning how important it is to be truly present in my classroom for my students to believe that I am fully dedicated to them individually. My spontaneous side interactions and giggles, personal check-ins and follow-ups, quiet smiles and thumbs up - these all snowball up to mean something precious and special for both students and myself. These help them to know that they are appreciated for who they are, that they are safe and encouraged to practice self-development and self-advancement.

1. Week 11: Teaching Presence. The portrait of an eye from "Teaching Presence"

2. Week 9: Reflection from Short Practicum. How presence around students.

3. Week 6: Thousands of Transition. Being aware of student background and individuality.

BUILDING COMMUNITY / CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT. I am learning how crucial it is to establish a safe, positive and encouraging classroom environment for students to accept themselves and others for who they truly are. This gives students security to recognize it is completely acceptable and even encouraged to dare to reach out their comfort zone and make mistakes for learning.

1. Week 4: First Time Before Middle Years. Team Teaching on Community-building activities.

2. Week 7: Emergence of Teacher Inquiry. TTOC rules & responsibilities.

3. Week 9: Reflection from Short Practicum. Birthday Celebrations.

SELF-REGULATED LEARNING (SRL). Though I have not heard of the word SRL before the program started, I am learning how SRL is an educational pedagogy that I resonate with and would very much like to bring into my own teaching practice. What I really value about SRL is how it empowers students to become who they need to be in order to achieve their own goals and dreams. It gives them the tools and the adaptive expertise to leave the classroom with capabilities to achieve their goals.

1. Week 1: This is only the Beginning. My personal shift in how I perceive the middle years and what I hope to become as a middle-years educator.

2. Week 2: The Power of Self-Regulated Learning. Sculpturing "SRL" creation

3. Week 4: First Time Before Middle Years. Collaborative Classroom Profile

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL). I am slowly and gradually bringing in SEL practice into my teaching - and I am coming to value it more and more with each day.

1. Week 1: This is only the Beginning. Leyton's modelling by individual check-in on the first day of class

2. Week 3: Building Community. Leyton's personal postcard

3. Week 5: Hello Team Bear. Circle pedagogy and student check-ins