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Introduction

BECOMING A TEACHER ALEXANDER CAUNT STUDENT NO: 1101347 Becoming a Teacher Within this assignment I will be focusing upon two particular topics that after careful observation and investigation, I and my fellow observers feel that I need to improve and strengthen in order to better my teaching skills, as well as push myself further towards the ultimate goal of becoming a good teacher. The two main areas of which I will be looking at are two vital characteristics and skills that every teacher needs. Both confidence and behaviour management skills are vital within the classroom, as with lack of confidence, a teacher is not able to establish control of the classroom, which then creates a negative decline within the standard of teaching. It also then leads to poor behaviour management, which without strict guidelines and discipline, the whole classroom would simply fall apart due to a lack of teacher control. These two topics are QTS Standards, of which all 33 must be achieved in order to gain QTS. Confidence is something that every teacher throughout the world must possess. Without a large amount of confidence within themselves, or at least, the act of confidence, no teacher would be able to provide their class of children with the strong, effective teaching of which they are all entitled too. Q7 of the QTS Standards states that a teacher must be able to, reflect and improve, by identifying professional issues and identify early professional development in the context of induction. ...read more.

Middle

Maslow's hierarchy of needs categorises eight different basic human needs in which we all need to fulfil to move forward and achieve. According to Maslow, "An individual is ready to act upon the growth needs if and only if the deficiency needs are met." (Huitt, (2007) In order to succeed within the field of teaching, as well as gain more confidence along my teaching journey, it was vital that I realised that I needed to look at the concept behind Maslow's concept of self-actualisation. After researching this, I discovered that Maslow felt that self-actualised people had concerns about personal growth, both within themselves and outside themselves, in social and formal situations. Another element from Maslow's hierarchy of needs that applied to myself be the elements of esteem which were having worries regarding being able to achieve, be competent, gain approval and recognition. I soon realised that these were qualities of which I lacked, so therefore decided to set my main target throughout my teaching practice to that of developing confidence and teacher presence, not just in front of the children/parents/teachers, but also within myself. Thought pretending I had the confidence that I lacked within my second group session helped to engage the children, I was still aware that it was all a front, whereas actually having that self-belief and confidence within yourself would be something that would help my teaching go from strength to strength. ...read more.

Conclusion

Also, if a teacher is able to develop the ability to create a strong relationship with their pupils, their pupils will be more open towards their teaching methods, as well as be more likely to behave for them in order not to upset the relationship. "Children quickly sort which teachers can manage which classes, which teach well, which are fair and considerate, and which above all, care" (Rogers, (2000), p.23) After receiving feedback from my first observation, it brought to light areas within my teaching that needed developing, tweaking and strengthening. Writing my follow up lesson plan for the second maths session I undertook with my group was a lot easier that the first was initially, as I was able to iron out the creases of my last, and base the plan around the points and areas that I needed to improve within. Whilst they areas that I am in most need of developing will take time, effort and determination to achieve, I feel as though I will be able to achieve them, and then in turn, the Q Standards that accompany them. Confidence and behaviour management within the classroom are vital elements of a great teacher, and in order to achieve these two attributes and skills, I need to believe in myself that I can achieve, and then in turn, become the great teacher that I've always wanted to be. ...read more.

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