Reflection: 5 Perspectives of Teaching (Online activity 1.1)

Reflection

After reading Pratt's (1998) introduction to the five perspectives, I've found many elements in each perspective are apparent in my own teaching practice. Each of the perspectives have a place in primary school education depending on the subject being taught. I feel it is important to stay true to what you feel is most important when teaching in any learning context. This is particularly important when using digital technologies as a lot of teachers feel pressured to use devices, but often use them just for the sake of it. These tools should be implemented in a way that is purposeful, meaningful and enhances a learning experience. Not at the expense of a teacher's pedagogical beliefs.
Which of the five perspectives best fit my views of teaching?

The perspective that best fits my view of teaching is ‘A Developmental Perspective: Cultivating Ways of Thinking’ although there are aspects of some of the other perspectives that I agree with and think are important.

I feel the developmental perspective fits best with my practice as I like to teach with a learner centred approach. I don't see myself or my role as an transmitter of knowledge but rather as someone who can guide students through the learning process (Hickey, 2014). I find this a more meaningful approach for my learners. I like to challenge them to be self directed and not just ‘give them the answers’. We live in a time where ‘the answers’ are no more than a google search away, but who’s to say that ‘the answers’ are correct? We also need to challenge what and how our learners think to broaden the depth of their thinking and beliefs. It’s about being responsive to your learner's strengths and needs; and fostering an environment where students don’t just learn from the teacher, but from each other and the learning experiences provided (Pratt, 1998).

TPI Results

The results of the teaching perspective inventory I completed are definitely of no surprise. I felt I connected strongly with both the developmental and nurturing perspectives. The nurturing perspective is something I find very important and part of being learner centred; because if students believe they can do something, they are more likely to give everything a go. They also need to build resilience in the face of failure as that is when the best learning occurs. Completing the inventory has enabled me to think about what is truly important to me as a teacher, which is my students and their overall wellbeing and potential. I need to keep this at the centre of my learning programmes and use digital technologies to enhance this, not just because I feel I have to.

http://www.teachingperspectives.com/tpi/tpisurveyresult.html?surveyid=325577&languageid=1

References:

Hickey, G. (2014). The importance of learning philosophies on technology selection in education. Journal of Learning Design, 7(3), 16-22.

Pratt, D., & Associates. (1998). Alternative frames of understanding. In Five perspectives on teaching in adult and higher education (pp. 33-53). Malabar, FL: Kreiger.

Pratt, D., & Collins, J. (2000). Teaching Perspectives Inventory. http://www.teachingperspectives.com/tpi/

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