The NoTosh training day developed my understanding of how creativity and innovation can affect the way students think, learn and work. The activities completed throughout the session gave me the understanding of how to implement an inquiry based approach to foster creative, positive and independent learning.
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Participating in the HPE professional development day (Figure 2) further developed my understanding for how students learn based upon the classroom environment, health and wellbeing and the lesson content. Recognising that students should be moving every 17 minutes to assist cognitive function, I will incorporate brain breaks, rotations and play based learning into my future classrooms.
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In 2015 I received a Distinction for EDUC2322 course, Learners and their development, which allowed me to recognise how and why all students learn differently. Along with developing my understanding of how to cater for them, it allowed me to appreciate diversity in students and the range of abilities, interests and learning preferences they may have.
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Understanding that a large group of students learnt through play based lessons, I incorporated outside play into learning through a Math unit on directions (Figure 4 and 5). The unit also included directional games and concluded with students collaboratively writing a storybook titled 'Where's Orange 1?'. I found the range of strategies and differentiation of the lessons allowed students to closely engage with the lesson outcome with all needs met.
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My time abroad volunteering gave me multiple opportunities to demonstrate my knowledge and understanding of how students learn. I adopted a game based approach with sign language and use of flashcards to communicate with the students. Each lesson students were up moving and physically engaging with the work assisting with cognitive performance.
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