Teacher as Designer
This part of the resource has been written in the context of current educational reform. This reform, particularly in relation to Every Child Matters, emphasises schools adopting a more holistic approach towards meeting the needs of the "whole" child. A central message of Excellence and Enjoyment is that teachers have the power to decide how they teach and that teachers should be supported to use the freedoms they have innovatively. Teachers have a crucial role to play in shaping the provision children will receive in a variety of settings. Increasingly there will be a need to challenge existing practice and to capitalise upon new and exciting opportunities.
In order to be an effective teacher in the twenty-first century it will be necessary to understand the potential of the role. Self-awareness will be crucial as teachers facilitate personalised learning, promote inclusion and equal opportunities, implement assessment for learning in which children play key roles and foster an environment in which children are encouraged to express their views and are heard.
Removing Barriers to Achievement recognises that:
Effective inclusion relies on more than specialist skills and resources; it requires positive attitudes towards children who have difficulties in school, a greater responsiveness to individual needs and critically, a willingness among all staff to play their part. (DfES 2004m: 2,7)
This section has focussed upon the following areas:
- Child as learner;
- Teaching and learning styles and personality;
- Cross curricular themes and the topic based approach;
- Creativity and learning;
- Supporting EAL pupils, planning for inclusion;
- Assessment for learning.
The elements have been designed to support students in their consideration of the important role teachers have to play in shaping the provision that children will receive both in the school/setting and the community and beyond the hours of the school day.
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