Multiple Intelligences
'Activities for learning styles were flexible, i.e. ICT, verbal, teaching aids, written instructions and tasks on board, aural, on the go demonstrations, groups versus individual versus whole class' - Karen Ellis, Mooroolbark College, 2012.
To create effective learning for students in my classroom, I always endeavour to implement a diverse range of teaching aids, practices, activites and tasks that accomodate and appeal to students learning preferences. These include:
Powerpoint Presentations
These are a useful tool to engage spatial and linguistic students particularly in Visual Art where you can combine quality Artwork with task content/instructions. This is a powerpoint I created to present information on the Archibald Prize to engage learners using text, visuals and audio.
Professional Practice 6; Teachers use a range of teaching practices and
resources to engage students in effective learning
6.5- Access and use a range of teaching and learning resources and technologies to support student learning.
ICT
I have integrated a program called Edmodo, to present content on World War One, incorporating text, image and video based information. Edmodo reflects social networking programs which students are familiar with, facilitating transferable skills in an educational context to maximise engagement.
resources to engage students in effective learning
6.5- Access and use a range of teaching and learning resources and technologies to support student learning.
ICT
I have integrated a program called Edmodo, to present content on World War One, incorporating text, image and video based information. Edmodo reflects social networking programs which students are familiar with, facilitating transferable skills in an educational context to maximise engagement.
Self Evaluations
I provide students opportunities to complete self assessment sheets after finishing an artwork or presentation using self reflective questions to support metacognition and intrapersonal development to improve future learning.
POLT- Assessment practices are an integral part of teaching and learning
5.4- Uses assessment practices that encourage reflection and self assessment.
Group Work/Discussions
Within my Humanities classes I regularly implement group work and whole class discussions to support and develop interpersonal skills such as teamwork and respecting peer opinions that may be influenced by different personal experiences to further enhance students understanding and learning.
VIT-Professional Practice 6; Teachers use a range of teaching practices and resources to engage students in effective learning
6.4- Use a range of teaching approaches which foster independent and cooperative learning, cater for different learning needs and respond flexibly to the dynamics of the classroom.
Instructions
I always combine written and verbal language within my teaching practices to appeal to linguistic students by writing the learning focus and instructions on the board, which also addresses visual learners, supporting student initiation of tasks. Furthermore, I use my voice to project information for auditory learners, also enhancing classroom management.
VIT-Professional Knowledge 1; Teachers know how students learn and how to teach them effectively
1.4- Have a sound knowledge of the role of language and literacy in learning, of the conceptual, cognitive or developmental steps students make and barriers to learning.
'Use of visuals to appeal to different learning styles' - Jenny Roberts, Mooroolbark College, 2012.
Practical Demonstrations
I use concrete examples in visual art to convey expectations, specific technical skills and processes, appealing to spatial/visual learners to encourage cognitive development.
These examples are pre cut paper, deliberately not stuck down which enables me to rearrange shapes in practical demonstrations to create alternative compositions. It also allows me to question students on whether the arrangements were effective based on the Design Elements that are being focused on.
VIT-Professional Practice 5; Teachers create and maintain safe and challenging learning environments
5.3- Be aware of and can use a range of strategies to establish a postive and inclusive learning environment where all students can learn and are challenged.
POLT- Students needs, backgrounds, perspectives and interests are reflected in the learning program
3.1- Uses strategies that are flexible and responsive to the values, needs and interests of individual students.
3.2- Uses a range of strategies that support the different ways of thinking and learning.
VIT-Professional Practice 5; Teachers create and maintain safe and challenging learning environments
5.3- Be aware of and can use a range of strategies to establish a postive and inclusive learning environment where all students can learn and are challenged.
POLT- Students needs, backgrounds, perspectives and interests are reflected in the learning program
3.1- Uses strategies that are flexible and responsive to the values, needs and interests of individual students.
3.2- Uses a range of strategies that support the different ways of thinking and learning.