Week 5 T2P Essay & Statement

Articulating morality provides opportunity for teachers to know themselves better and realize what they are bringing to the classroom each day. It also helps a teacher to focus on what she/he feels is the most important goals that she/he wants the students to take away from the class. Morality is implicit in our teaching but once we are aware of its impact on our teaching and our students we can understand its significance to our pedagogy. Pedagogy is a teacher's approach to and beliefs about teaching which is formed by his/her own experiences as a learner as well as how he/she believes learning occurs. Yero's research has shown that teachers are very influential in the classroom environment. As educators we want to enhance and promote optimal learning in our classrooms and to do this we must first understand our own pedagogy.

If a teacher allows students to share the instructional role of the classroom then he/she will be promoting optimal learning because she wants them to have the skills and autonomy to lead satisfying, productive lives. This empowerment and sharing of the teaching responsibility shows students that the teacher respects and values each student and their ability to research, to collaborate, and to direct their own learning. Pink calls this self-directed freedom and independence; autonomy. Competency is also achieved as students work to master concepts in creative self driven ways. As students work together they form bonds and a feeling of connectedness on this learning journey (Vygotsky).

Students will be intrinsically motivated when they have a voice in their learning environment. Instruction will be in their language, at their zpd (zone of proximal development) and relevant to their lives. Vygotsky's zpd refers to the zone which the student is currently at developmentally and cognitively; it is where learning occurs. If a student encounters material at his/her zpd then he/she can make sense of the information and growth will occur. Students will create curriculum that has purpose, and is interesting to them. Children are naturally curious and when allowed to explore within a safe and caring environment will want to learn (Siemens). This exploration is intrinsic motivation which leads to optimal learning in a supportive and caring environment (Noddings). A teacher will create this environment because she wants her students to be intrinsically motivated which will encourage them to be life long learners. If students have this intrinsic motivation they can overcome many obstacles that are put in their way and persevere in whatever path they may choose.We are always learning and evolving and should never feel that our education is over.