Practising Teacher Criteria #9

Respond effectively to the diverse language and cultural experiences, and the varied strengths, interests and needs of individuals and groups of ākonga 

Key Indicators:
The teacher:

1. demonstrates knowledge and understanding of social and cultural influences on learning, by working
   effectively in the bicultural and multicultural contexts of learning in Aotearoa New Zealand
   
2. selects teaching approaches, resources, technologies and learning and assessment activities that
   are effective for diverse ākonga
   
3. modifies teaching approaches to address the needs of individuals and groups of ākonga 
   

Reflective question: 

How does my knowledge of the varied strengths, interests and needs of individuals and groups of ākonga influence how I teach them?

My teaching as inquiry this year has focused on providing effective feedback. One of my focuses involved working with students to identify their strengthens and weaknesses using these to set goals for their learning. The students' strengths were used to model to other students how to do a particular skill. For example in reading, I used students with good fluency to model to other students how this looks and sounds. 

I have integrated ICT into my learning programmes to help students practice skills and build knowledge. This has been great for student engagement,

Where to Next?
I aim to use ICT in the classroom to its full potential. I need to move past using ICT as a way of engaging students and repetitive learning. My next focus is to integrate technology into my learning by using it to enable students to explain learning, collaborate, be creative and inspire new ideas.  A recent PD around IPads has provided me with some good ideas in this area.