Module 1 Reflection Paper Eled 300

Cofield 1
Alisha Cofield
ELED 300-52E
Professor Guynes
20 September 2015
Effective Teachers are Catalyst for Self-regulated and Successful Students
If we are truly effective teachers, then we are creating autonomous,
independent, and self-directed learners.
Robert John Meehan
Through research many of the aspects of how an effective teacher should be defined has
shifted. Research has evolved from a behaviorist to a cognitive view through the key components
of constructivism where the students are the creators of understanding, not the teacher. It has
been discovered that the creation of standards and accountability, the always changing diversity
of learners, and vast improvements in technology have increased learning and shaped the way
the learning process is viewed. Some important characteristics of an effective teacher include
knowledge of the content, strategies for teaching; and positive, effective, decision making. Our
world is changing rapidly and the way in which we prepare our teachers and our students must
change with it.
Educational Reform though beautiful in theory has not transpired into what it needs to be
though it has been tweaked, twisted, and been reinvented multiple times over the past sixty plus
years. Educational Reform is a work in progress but has brought about a positive change in the
way teachers are being prepared. In example, the use of professional portfolios are a huge asset
to both the perspective teacher and the districts seeking to hire them. An effective teacher is only
as good as his/her training and experiences has taught him/her to be.
Cofield 2
The diversity of the student population of today has created many challenges and
opportunities for teachers. Both culture and language influence learning. Teachers must be able
to identify the barriers and offer ways to bridge the gaps between students and the content being
offered in their classrooms. Diversity is not the only factor of concern. Educators must also be
aware and address the needs of both students with exceptionalities and at risk students. Based on
theories about intelligence, teachers must create classrooms in which different kinds of students
can succeed. Both teachers and districts have a responsibility to meet the needs of their
extremely diverse student population.
The environment within the school and the classroom are also key to success. An
effective teacher possesses outstanding classroom management strategies. Learning and self
-regulation should be goals for effective classroom management. A successful plan includes
classroom rules that are practiced and consistent. An effective teacher will factor in the physical
environment, get to know who his/her students are, and will actively plan for a safe, positive,
welcoming, and inspiring environment that increases student achievement. Communication
between home and school is also important. Involving the parents strengthens school and home
relations and increases student success. An effective teacher knows his/her content matter and
offers strong instruction. Research has found a strong correlation between excellent instruction
or a with-it teacher and a well-managed classroom.
The Competencies are an excellent tool. They provide guidelines, practices, and key
vocabulary to aide educators. Competency 1 is on Human Growth and Development and creates
a foundation for understanding physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development in
children and adolescents. The 2nd Competency outlines Diversity, what it may include, how it
should be celebrated and implemented in the classroom. Competency 5 is Classroom Climate. It
Cofield 3
encompasses how to create a classroom environment that nurtures the social and emotional needs
of all students. Managing Student behavior is the 6th Competency. It outlines the best practices
for classroom management and evaluates room arrangement, conflict management strategies, and
dealing with behavior problems. The competencies are well organized reminders of all that
should be applied and utilized in the classroom to create a positive and enriching classroom, a
schematic for effective teaching, and pointers for being catalysts for independent, self-regulated,
successful students.
The world may revolve slowly, but it is evolving very quickly and effective educators are
those who embrace the diversity and accept the challenges that come with it. Children may be a
small portion of our population but they are indeed one-hundred percent of our future. An
effective teacher uses his/her resources to the best of his/her ability and they serve as a catalyst
for the success of our future, our students.
Great teachers are made one student at a time.
Todd Witaker
Cofield 4
Sources
Kauchak, D., & Eggen, P. (2012). Learning & Teaching Research -Based Methods (6thth ed., pp.
1-96). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.

Module 1 Reflection Paper Eled 300

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Module 1 Reflection Paper Eled 300

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Module 1 Reflection Paper Eled 300

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Cofield 1

You might also like