How do the course themes and topics come together to inform you about becoming an effective 21st ...

1. Legend: Yellow:Quotes Pink:Reflection Orange:Main Themes

2. "Department or Ministry of education is the central educational authority" (Storie, 2014).

2.1. Recently an order was signed that shifted curriculum and focus to centre on the best interests of each individual student in a class. I believe this is extremely important because it forces teachers to be aware of each child's personal needs, in order to promote participation and allow them to achieve their full potential. The ministry also pronounced a vision (known as the 3 E's) that teachers should be encouraging from their class, these include an engaged thinker, an ethical citizen, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

3. "The ATA represents the interests of teachers on issues of teacher education and certification through liaisons with Alberta Education and Alberta's universities. It also operates, at arm's length, the Teacher Qualifications Service (TQS), which is responsible for evaluating teacher education for salary purposes" ("The Alberta Teachers' Association," n.d.).

3.1. The ATA help sets standards and focuses on what it is to be a professional educator. During Dr.Yirick's presentation we were supplied with six natures that make up an accepted criteria associated with professionalism. Three that particularly stand out to myself are (1) there is a discrete body of knowledge that separates teachers from all others, (2) there is a formal period of preparation and a requirement for continuous growth and development in the field, and (3) the profession serves a higher, greater social purpose.

4. "Whereas one's educational philosophy focuses on the now-familiar questions of what should be taught, how it should be taught, and what teaches and the students should do in the teaching/learning process, educational psychologies deal with ways in which the mind actually behaves while it is learning- that is, how learning occurs" (Martin & Loomis, 2006,p.59).

4.1. Although all of the psychological approaches (if applied and carried out appropriately) have the potential to be effective, there are two theories that appeal most to myself, these are behaviourism and constructivism. This being because behaviourism can be used to help shape students actions and participation through positive and negative reinforcement. Ultimately teaching students characteristics that can be used as tools to help them succeed throughout life. Constructivism on the other hand is a great instrument that can be used to make a meaningful learning experience; which can help engage and motivate students by making them take a more active role in the learning process. According to Vygotsky, a Russian developmental psychologist, learning happens when we interact with the environment. Through personal experiences I stand by this theory and hope to give my future students multiple opportunities to master the art of learning through meaningful environmental experiences.

5. "[One's] beliefs and predispositions about teaching and education have a profound impact on how [one] teach[es] and what [they] teach" (Martin & Loomis, 2006, p.38).

5.1. Different philosophies in education prompt various ways one approaches instruction. These philosophies include perennialism, essentialism, progressivism, existentialism, and social reconstructs.

5.1.1. Curriculum Is Determined By <---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> Perennialism~Essentialism~Progressivism~SocialReconstructionism~Existentialism Society......Society&Teachers......Teachers&Students......Students

5.2. The philosophy that aligns most with my belief system would be the eclectic approach. Agreeing with both perennialism and progressivism, there are specific elements I hope to include in my future classroom. These include highlighting the importance of basing curriculum off of major works from our past, as not only do they teach us about previous mistakes, but they also help future generations develop a much-needed appreciation for significant pieces such as Shakespeare. An area of progressivism bases it theory on that I hold to be extremely valuable as well, is the idea of preparing life long learners. Having students that are engaged about learning and gives them the tools needed to help the succeed throughout life is a must.

6. "Most good teachers do not simply follow a book of rules or implement theories and techniques of education that others have studies. Nor do they simply "wing it" in the classroom, trying out any idea that feels right intuitively. Instead, the work of accomplished, experienced teachers, which appears so effortless when you watch them in the classroom, can be regarded as a combination of highly skilled patterns of teaching behaviours that teachers have perfected over time" (Pugach,2006, p.37).

6.1. During our EDU lectures it was brought up several times how important it is for teachers to have a backup plan, especially with there being such a high demand for the use of technology in classrooms. Lessons don't always go as planned, but educators need to be prepared to teach the curriculum no matter what. This being said, I feel it is important for educators to be quick on their feet and always have a back up plan. As teachers we are a role model for future generations, and I believe it is crucial to keep a professional and productive attitude in order to provide the optimal learning environment for all students.

7. Develop a professional identity.

8. Institutions and structures that govern education in Alberta.

9. "Relationship-based discipline, as its name suggests, relies on strong, mutually respectful, personal relationships to engage cooperation in the classroom. Teachers help students meet academic and behavioral expectations by emphasizing teacher empathy, unconditional positive regard, genuineness, encouragement, and trust"("Inspired Teaching," 2007, p.1).

9.1. Through modelling and reinforcement (both positive and negative) unintended lessons can be implied by the teacher, for it is reasonable to expect students will acquire some of their values and beliefs. In the quote provided the teacher uses behavioural regulation as an aide to better the students both personally and academically. By highlighting the importance of a positive attitude and to build relationships with others, teachers are instructing outside of the curriculum and are instead teaching a hidden curriculum. I personally feel there is lots of importance behind the hidden curriculum, and that promoting disciplined, respectful behaviour at a young age is an asset.

10. Ramsey Musallam gives his viewers insight into 3 rules that can help spark learning. These include: "(1) Curiosity comes first, questions can be windows to great instruction (2) Embrace the mess, learning is ugly (3) Practice reflection" (2013).

10.1. This inspiring Ted Talk introduces building blocks to what an effective educator should be promoting in the classroom. I particularly value the first rule (of raising curiosity) because it encourages engagement by triggering the interest of students, which I believe is the initial stage of learning.

11. "The teacher teachers in a manner that respects the dignity and rights of all persons without prejudice as to race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical characteristics, age, ancestry, place of origin, place of residence, socioeconomic background or linguistic background" (Code of Professional Conduct).

11.1. The idea of impacting society and reinforcing values has a great relation to the practice of social justice. When looking at Mr.Phair's statement, we see the society reacted in a positive manner that promoted acceptance of diversity. This isn't always the case with social justice though. When looking at the following quote, it is a noticeable that the school is not only promoting diversity in an unacceptable manner, but also due to their approach the likelihood of individuals responding negatively is probable.

11.1.1. "Grade 4 students were given 10 minutes to decide which three people from this group should be saved from an imminent planetary explosion: a black African, a Chinese person, an Aboriginal, an Acadian francophone and an anglophone" (Reynolds, 2012, para.1).

11.1.1.1. This excerpt demonstrates an extreme implication that different races are higher valued in society compared to others. Ultimately promoting the ongoing issue of racism and sending out a message that discrimination is okay. Therefore, I believe that the practice of social justice can be beneficial, but the approach and material must be determined discreetly taking into consideration age appropriateness, and that students will gain information that betters them and the society.

11.2. During Dr. Yiricks presentation he brought up how necessary it is to be an open-minded, approachable, professional educator; as the classroom is an environment, which is extremely capable of change. As a pre-teacher it is our duty to understand and value how diverse schools are, and apply this knowledge positively to create a safe caring classroom that promotes optimal learning. As Mr. Phair enlightened us, the average age for 'coming out' has significantly dropped, due to the impact schools and teachers have had on children. Seeing the effect of "teaching in a manner that respects the dignity and rights of all persons" shift the way our society views what is socially acceptable, confirms just how much impact educators have on the community.

12. "For many LGBT students, prejudice, discrimination, and violence are often part of their daily experiences. Educational leaders are complicit through their inaction and through employing ineffectual, punitive zero-tolerance policies or anti-bullying programs that emphasize behavior modifications" (Walton, 2004, p.30)

12.1. LGBT bullying remains to be a major issue in the school systems. The lack of knowledge and responsibly educators concern themselves with can have a sizable impact on the amount of discrimination that occurs within a classroom. It is our responsibility as pre-educators to know how to effectively discipline such unacceptable behaviour. For with the ability to properly manage the classroom, the chances of violent, prejudice behaviour reducing is substantial.

13. "Over the years, the responsibilities and demands made on teachers have increased significantly" (Ewasiuk, 2012, para.4).

13.1. With there being such a high demand for the use of technology teachers are expected and encouraged to implement it into their lessons as much as possible. Not only that, but with the new found popularity of email, teachers are expected to maintain an ongoing communication with guardians and other professionals, which can be rater time demanding.

14. "In our contemporary world, racism is a pervasive and destructive social force both in Canada and internationally and its on the rise since 9/11"(Ghosh, 2008, p.26).

14.1. Many Canadians believe the issue of racism doesn't exist in our country; those individuals are sadly mistaken. In Edmonton schools racist comments are frequently blurted out daily to fellow classmates and are carried throughout our society. Teachers must not make light of these comments and ensure students are given both the proper information and example of what it is to be culturally competent For we should not ignore different cultures, but embrace them for all the unique identities it gives us.

15. Current issues in education.

16. Ways to serve as an agent of change in schools/education.