BPT1501 e
BPT1501 e
BPT1501 e
ASSESS
HELP
MOTIVATE
LISTEN
CARE
LOVE
EDUCATE
FACILITATE
BPT1501 e-portfolio
Name:
Student Number:
Unique number
LIVE LEARN
ACHIEVE
MENTOR
Contents:
Pages:
1: Introduction
....................................................
2: My observations and
reflections of my school visit
........................ 4
3: reflection and analysis of
online discussions
................................................ 5-6
4: My views on being an effective
teacher in the classroom, Mind-map and
discussion thereon
............................................. 7-8
5: my reflection on the bpt1501 module
and my philosophy on teaching
...................... 9-10
6: MY mission statement at present
.............
11
7: bibliography
...................................................
12
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1: Introduction
My name is
and I am currently studying towards my Bachelor of Education degree through
Unisa. Why you may wonder? Well I want to empower children with the tool of a good education so
that they are empowered and equipped to fulfil and realise their dreams, aspirations and
ambitions. A brighter future begins with a better education!
Growing up I wish I had teachers who motivated and encouraged me so that I could have been
empowered to strive towards elevating myself and achieving my dreams. I therefore want to enrich
my life by pursuing something worthwhile that is of value and benefit to children hence I am now in
my thirties and pursuing my dream of becoming a teacher.
As they say, better late than never.
I chose this module as my aim is to become a professional teacher. I was initially apprehensive
about beginning studies
(it has been a while) and constantly mulled over my decision, but in
completing this module I was able to let go of all reservations and firmly commit to pursuing my
journey to becoming a professional teacher. The school visit was an amazing experience and
helped to reinforce and further motivate me to follow this chosen path. The online discussions were
inspiring and led me to evaluate and assess myself and reflect on the type of teacher that I aim to
be.
This portfolio contains my reflections and summarisations of certain discussions and assignments
that I have completed. It is also a tool for me to be assessed. I have also been able by completing
this portfolio to outline the wealth of knowledge that I have gained and help mould me into the
best teacher that I can be.
The completion of this module has helped me to realise that the wise and valuable teacher is the
one who never shies away from learning themselves. To be an inspirational and effective teacher, I
need to assume the responsibilities of many roles. Being a teacher entails a lot more than just
being a facilitator of knowledge. I aim to constantly evolve, learn and improve thus ensuring a
continuous journey of discovery and growth. Living is learning.
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being an authority, facilitator and demonstrator of learning outcomes. She assumed the dual role
of teacher and learner so that the learning experience was not restrictive and enjoyed when her
learners contributed facts or objects relevant to the lesson. The presentation and delivery of her
lessons were well executed and learner participation was encouraged. Many resources e.g. charts,
music, laptop, chalkboard etc were used in her teaching depending on the time available and on
the structure of her pre-planned lesson. Her passion for teaching shone through as she never tired
of explaining concepts and details to learners encouraging them to think critically and not just
accept and regurgitate information.
I was hesitant to embrace change and inculcate technology into my life unless absolutely
necessary. I favoured the old methods myself and was a firm believer of the saying if it aint broke,
why fix it, (I still possessed my old nokia cellphone). Participating in an online discussion was for
me a new experience. I am very old fashioned in that I am not very computer savvy and preferred
the old pen and paper limiting computer usage to rarely. This module made me explode out of
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my comfort zone. It literally pushed me to explore new dimensions. I must admit that I really
enjoyed the online discussions and the opportunity I had to get an insight and perspective on a
variety of viewpoints. The topics were very relevant to becoming a professional teacher especially
the one on the best teacher which was discussion one. It helped me gain a perspective of the type
of teacher that I would like to become realising that I do not just want to deliver knowledge but be
an outstanding teacher who incorporates aspects of care, motivation ,innovation and sincerity in
my career . The online discussions allowed me to interact with others and explore differing views. It
was less demanding as I had a chance to read and reflect then respond. In order to effectively
participate in the discussion on technology I was forced to research the benefits of technology in
the classroom. As the discussion progressed I had to embrace changing my view and acknowledge,
explore and welcome technological advances and the benefit they could have on the education
system. I am so much more open- minded and yes, iPhone here I come! The group discussed the
many benefits of technology as opposed to the older restrictive methods where children could not
be interactive. I learnt of so many fun apps and programmes that are available to enhance learning
and teaching e.g. sound note and Scriblr. I realised that technology can be beneficial and
usage can be monitored for safety as well. The pros far outweighed the cons.
I really learnt so much form the discussion on technology. Previously I was technologically shy, and
even sceptical. I was a student many years ago and I wasnt familiar with using technology like
tablets and computers or even cds and dvds in the classroom. There was no need for me to change
my way of thinking until I enrolled for this online module. This discussion helped me to realise the
endless benefits and convenience of embracing technology not only in teaching but also in
everyday living. I was particularly struck by Shera, a group members input on the discussion
forum and have pasted parts of her response which I found relevant, informative and thought
provoking:
Back in the days teachers:
Spent half of the period, writing notes on the board and did not get enough time to explain the written notes. (My social science & Life
orientation teacher in primary & high school)
Teachers are able to use computers, laptops, projectors, or, and printers in their classrooms.
Teachers are able to use projectors instead of chalk which can cause health complications.
Teachers are able to quickly surf the internet to find examples of their lessons to help students understand easily (E.g. Images or
videos).
Easy for them to prepare and save their notes for the next lesson.
The use of technology also excites the teacher, which in return arouses enthusiasm.
Teachers are able to use videos, images, audio and other graphic texts.
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I was motivated to research and delve into the benefits of technology and the different apps that
were available to enhance reading and writing. I was amazed. What an awakening from the
stagnant slumber I had been in. This was so much more exciting and less restrictive than the
mundane piece of paper or chalkboard to practise writing. A variety of books was easily and readily
available at my fingertips. Researching online was so much easier, unrestrictive and extensive. I
became passionate instead of being sceptical and realised that as a teacher I could use technology
as an added benefit to my lessons and a complement to my teaching strategy. I can hardly wait to
implement the use of my ideas involving technology in the classroom e.g. a lesson can be planned
and delivered using a laptop, a new dimension can be added to the content and an abundance of
information and visuals which incorporate sound and movement will be easily available to learners.
The one dimensional picture has been given a facelift. I began thinking out of the box. I am excited
and realise that there is so much to learn about. I was also made aware by participating in the
discussions of the benefits of discussion. I shall definitely implement discussion in my teaching.
The discussion on the use of technology could also have been taught by incorporating a few
practical examples on the use of technology. We could have as a task or part of the assignment
been asked to use some of the relevant apps that can enhance reading and writing, and then give
a detailed summary of our experiences thereof. We could have compared and discussed if we
preferred the older methods or the newer technologically advanced apps. I would have also loved
to be able to introduce these apps to the learners who were struggling with reading and writing
that I encountered during my school visit and to be able to monitor and gauge their reactions and
take note of any improvements. Being afforded the opportunity to interview a few teachers of
various ages and request their opinions on the incorporation of technology in the classroom could
be beneficial. The teacher could also demonstrate and explain a lesson which incorporates
technology in their teaching. As part of the discussion we could have interviewed teachers from
two different schools and describe differences in teaching methods, the incorporation of technology
in each school, and the availability of resources to apply technological improvements etc. We could
also explore the different ways in which technology is incorporated in each school and discuss,
compare and assess the success thereof in essay form. A lesson plan on a specific topic which
incorporates the use of technology in the lesson could be a requirement. This would demonstrate
how as a teacher I would use technology in my classroom. This could add so much more depth to
the discussion and a higher degree of learning could take place as we would have a realistic and
hands on experience on the uses of technology in the classroom.
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Assess
learner
progress ,
engage,
stimulate and
Be skilful,
capable and
knowledgeab
le
Prepare
lessons in
advance
inspire
Research,invo
lve capture,
Facilitator of knowledge
motivate
qualified
model
How to be an
effective
teacher
rolerespect,
Accept,
care and be
helpful to
learners
excite
Peer
discussion
research,
learn grow
Life-long learner
Be willing to
adapt and
reflect on ways
to improve
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Nurture
guide
benefit
protect
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from a young age to be respectful of everyone and I believe that if I respect my learners they will
respect me in return. I want my learners to feel safe and secure in my class. By building a rapport
with learners a trusting relationship will develop and learners will feel comfortable to discuss any
issues or difficulties that they may be experiencing. I will therefore be able to guide, nurture and
protect my learners and give meaning to the reason behind pursuing this career path. As an
effective teacher I want to connect with my students and maintain a relationship with them by
discussing their interests, hopes and ambitions. I will keep communication open and be available to
learners and their parents if they wish to discuss anything. I would love for my learners to
remember me in a positive light for the rest of their lives. Each learner should feel that they matter
and that their efforts are acknowledged in my classroom and that I have faith in their abilities.
My philosophy on teaching:
I firmly believe that as a teacher I should continue to grow and strive to be better and
more knowledgeable about my profession, always be willing to learn more about the
subject that I am teaching, care and inspire learners, adapt to suit the needs of my
teaching environment and the learners that I am teaching. I should be an innovative
teacher and make a difference in the lives of each learner. I want to be a teacher that is
fondly remembered of because I taught with passion and cared about every little life that
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I was fortunate enough to have an impact on. I want to always remain a positive role
model in my learners lives and hope that my learners will forever make use of the
values, knowledge and guidance that I have imparted to them. I aim to always be
passionate and inspired by teaching and I believe the rest will naturally follow suit.
I aim to be a professional teacher who is neat, tidy, fully qualified and well respected
amongst learners. I aim to live my life always conscious of the fact that I am a
professional teacher and as a teacher to always be aware of the consequences my
actions and decisions will have in every aspect of my life. It is very important to me to
instil morals, values, etiquette and respect in my learners irrespective of their
backgrounds or any challenges they may face. Each learner should know that they are
acknowledged and their input in my class is valued. I will accept responsibility to be the
best facilitator of knowledge that I can be and my lessons will be prepared and my tasks
always completed. I want to always update myself on the latest developments regarding
my career and I would enjoy peer discussions so as to gauge ways in which to improve as
a teacher.
In todays society where many homes are single parent households or where many
parents work very demanding hours, children lack substantial adult interaction from their
parents and look to their teachers to fulfil this role and working together with parents and
caregivers I can better understand the needs of my learners. Having an understanding of
learners and their backgrounds will help me to be able to adapt to suit the needs of my
learners. I aim to work with community members to fundraise and help improve facilities
at the school if needed. Successful community involvement and integration will
contribute to my success as a teacher.
I aim to manage my teaching and learning environment as a worker of knowledge. My
classroom should be a safe environment where learners feel comfortable to air their
grievances, thoughts and contributions. I hope to attain this by always making learners
aware of how I value their input and all comments will be acknowledged and none will be
considered as insignificant. I am passionate about becoming a teacher and will continue
to strive to improve my knowledge and to ensure that I deliver the knowledge of the
subject that I am teaching to my learners using the best methods and resources that are
available to me. Each lesson that I deliver should be a new experience and captivate and
involve my learners. Learner input will be valued. I will ask learners what aspects of the
lesson they enjoyed so as to assess my teaching methods and gain a better
understanding of my learners.
I am so excited about embarking on my career as a teacher in order to incorporate the
various ideas I have and to implement them in my classroom. I want to make learning
more exciting than what it was for me. My goal is to capture the attention of my learners
and I hope to be innovative and incorporate technology into my lessons. I am a great fan
of the benefits of using a laptop to deliver my lessons and begin a new endeavour and
experience. I want to use media cds, dvds and all resources that are available to me to
better my lessons as I realise that for effective learning to occur it is essential to keep
learners focussed.
Becoming a teacher for me has been a much thought about choice. I want to do
something meaningful with a lasting benefit in my life. Naturally I want to have a positive
impact and make a difference toward betterment in each childs life. I have experienced
the impact it has when you have teachers who consider their career nothing more than a
job to complete. I therefore plan to inspire, patiently encourage and motivate my learners
to succeed. I want them to never stop trying and every effort will be acknowledged and
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praised. As a teacher I will be an influence and play a pivotal role in their daily lives and
thus I will aspire to be a good role model who brings positivity into their lives. I want to
be aware of the needs of my students and create an environment that is conducive to
learning and growing as individuals for my learners. What better difference as a teacher
can I make than to ensure that learners strive to and enjoy pursuing an education in
order to facilitate a better future for themselves and in turn contribute to an improved
society?
7: Bibliography
1: website: http://www.online-distance-learning-education.com/effectiveteacher.html#.VT5QUdKqqko
2: website: http://www.edutopia.org/discussion/11-habits-effective-teacher
3: website: http://teaching.about.com/od/pd/a/Qualities-Of-An-EffectiveTeacher.htm
4: website: www.googleimages.com
5:website:my.unisa.ac.za/portal/site/BPT1501http://study.com/articles/10_Ways_T
eachers_Make_a_Difference.html
6: website: http://study.com/articles/10_Ways_Teachers_Make_a_Difference.html
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