trb Standard #6
Educators have a broad knowledge base and understand the subject areas they teach.
Educators understand the curricular, conceptual and methodological foundations of education and of the subject areas they teach. Educators must be able to communicate effectively in English or French. Educators teach students to understand relevant curricula in a Canadian, Aboriginal, and global context. Educators convey the values, beliefs and knowledge of our democratic society.
Educators understand the curricular, conceptual and methodological foundations of education and of the subject areas they teach. Educators must be able to communicate effectively in English or French. Educators teach students to understand relevant curricula in a Canadian, Aboriginal, and global context. Educators convey the values, beliefs and knowledge of our democratic society.
Evidence Piece #1
The image below is that of a an observation, done by my supervising teacher, Rob Dinning. In terms of evidence, in how this image relates to TRB Standard #6, I want to draw your attention to the left hand side of the page, where Rob states, "Excellent knowledge of french (and of) lesson being covered" and "Fantastic french lesson: funny, engaging and educational".
Reflection #1
The specific evidence that I have chosen for this standard (TRB #6) is a portion of an observation, completed by my supervising teacher during spring session. Within the observation, he was very clear that my lesson was not only well researched, but that my handle of the material (as well as how it connects to the BC curriculum) was excellent. This example relates to TRB #6 in that: teachers must have a "broad knowledge base" as well as an "understanding" of the subject material which they are teaching. I believe this document is evidence of this within my own teaching.
This evidence piece has been impactful to me in that its reiterated to me the necessity of being a life-long learner. As beginning teachers, and as people who are still growing, our knowledge base will need to be expanded upon- and that's OK! As we live, we learn, and as we learn (not just content, but also curricular connections to methodology- the "why"), our teaching grows, develops and flourishes.
This evidence piece is the right one for TRB Standard #6 because it highlights two things: the knowledge base to which I have access currently, and also my desire to grow in understanding. These are both strengths, and (I would suggest) they are both necessary within the teaching profession.
Furthermore...
In reflecting on this evidence piece, I've learned (and continue to learn) that having a good knowledge base is certainly part of the formula for teaching, but it isn't everything. To "know" is certainly helpful within a classroom setting. But to "know that we don't know" is also helpful, mainly because this is the first step toward discovery and growth. And these things, I would argue, are qualities which are just important in the life of a teacher.
This standard is important because, ultimately, part of our job is conveying content, and having a firm handle on that which we're teaching will make our jobs and lives easier, as well as the lives of our students. Why? If we're constantly relying on textbooks to give us the answers, we'll inevitably be tied to that textbook. However, if we enter into our classroom with knowledge and information, we can more easily deviate from the plan (and from the book). There is freedom in information, and as we grow our knowledge base, we'll experience that freedom more and more.
This is how I hope to teach- with the knowledge that leads to freedom... and deviation!
This evidence piece has been impactful to me in that its reiterated to me the necessity of being a life-long learner. As beginning teachers, and as people who are still growing, our knowledge base will need to be expanded upon- and that's OK! As we live, we learn, and as we learn (not just content, but also curricular connections to methodology- the "why"), our teaching grows, develops and flourishes.
This evidence piece is the right one for TRB Standard #6 because it highlights two things: the knowledge base to which I have access currently, and also my desire to grow in understanding. These are both strengths, and (I would suggest) they are both necessary within the teaching profession.
Furthermore...
In reflecting on this evidence piece, I've learned (and continue to learn) that having a good knowledge base is certainly part of the formula for teaching, but it isn't everything. To "know" is certainly helpful within a classroom setting. But to "know that we don't know" is also helpful, mainly because this is the first step toward discovery and growth. And these things, I would argue, are qualities which are just important in the life of a teacher.
This standard is important because, ultimately, part of our job is conveying content, and having a firm handle on that which we're teaching will make our jobs and lives easier, as well as the lives of our students. Why? If we're constantly relying on textbooks to give us the answers, we'll inevitably be tied to that textbook. However, if we enter into our classroom with knowledge and information, we can more easily deviate from the plan (and from the book). There is freedom in information, and as we grow our knowledge base, we'll experience that freedom more and more.
This is how I hope to teach- with the knowledge that leads to freedom... and deviation!
Evidence piece #2
Reflection #2
For this TRB Standard (#6), I have chosen to include two photos: the first (left) is a picture of my undergraduate degree. The second (right), is a photo of my family. These pictures are meant to represent the two sides of knowledge that I think are important, as it relates to TRB Standard #6. The first (the degree) represents my access to facts and figures. The second (my family) represents acquired life experience. These things together, I believe, will give me the broad knowledge base, and understanding that I need as a beginning teacher; as TRB 6 states, "educators have a broad knowledge base and understand the subject areas that they teach"
Reflection around this TRB Standard has re-affirmed within me the belief that, while "book smarts" is important, it is not the only thing that creates a quality knowledge base. Certainly, life experience deepens one's ability to respond to a variety of situations, in and out of the classroom. And this can only serve to help a teacher in the classroom.
Of course, we need both, but we mustn't discount the experiences that have led us to where we are. They have brought us to this point for a reason.
This evidence piece is the right one for TRB Standard #6 because it reveals the two major streams that have fed into my knowledge pool: a quality education, and years under my belt. My degree program did more than simply teach me dates and names (though it did). It taught me how to ask questions. It taught me how to debate others in a healthy way. It taught me how to open myself to view points that aren't necessarily my own. And it showed me the meaning of hard work and dedication. All of these things are important in life, just as they're important in teaching. And secondly, my experience as a dad and partner has taught me innumerable things. But specifically, it has served to open my eyes to the reality that it's not about me- again, an important component of the teaching profession, as we seek to make better those around us.
I continue to learn that knowledge involves the brain, but also the heart (the two aren't mutuality exclusive). Additionally, I continue to ponder the fact that, while having knowledge is important (TRB 6 is clear on this), acquiring knowledge (learning) certainly never stops. The truth is, I have more to discover; I have more to uncover; and I certainly have more life to live. Each of these things will undoubtedly serve to refine my knowledge base as I move forward as a teacher and as a person!
TRB Standard #6 is important because it causes us to think about that which we know and that which we don't know. It forces us to pinpoint our weaknesses (and address them) and it makes clear the truth that teaching is a profession in which a strong base of knowledge is key; this for the sake of the students in our midst, as we communicate truths about our universe, our world, our country, our community and ourselves.
Because of these things, I resolve to maintain a strong knowledge base, moving forward.
Reflection around this TRB Standard has re-affirmed within me the belief that, while "book smarts" is important, it is not the only thing that creates a quality knowledge base. Certainly, life experience deepens one's ability to respond to a variety of situations, in and out of the classroom. And this can only serve to help a teacher in the classroom.
Of course, we need both, but we mustn't discount the experiences that have led us to where we are. They have brought us to this point for a reason.
This evidence piece is the right one for TRB Standard #6 because it reveals the two major streams that have fed into my knowledge pool: a quality education, and years under my belt. My degree program did more than simply teach me dates and names (though it did). It taught me how to ask questions. It taught me how to debate others in a healthy way. It taught me how to open myself to view points that aren't necessarily my own. And it showed me the meaning of hard work and dedication. All of these things are important in life, just as they're important in teaching. And secondly, my experience as a dad and partner has taught me innumerable things. But specifically, it has served to open my eyes to the reality that it's not about me- again, an important component of the teaching profession, as we seek to make better those around us.
I continue to learn that knowledge involves the brain, but also the heart (the two aren't mutuality exclusive). Additionally, I continue to ponder the fact that, while having knowledge is important (TRB 6 is clear on this), acquiring knowledge (learning) certainly never stops. The truth is, I have more to discover; I have more to uncover; and I certainly have more life to live. Each of these things will undoubtedly serve to refine my knowledge base as I move forward as a teacher and as a person!
TRB Standard #6 is important because it causes us to think about that which we know and that which we don't know. It forces us to pinpoint our weaknesses (and address them) and it makes clear the truth that teaching is a profession in which a strong base of knowledge is key; this for the sake of the students in our midst, as we communicate truths about our universe, our world, our country, our community and ourselves.
Because of these things, I resolve to maintain a strong knowledge base, moving forward.