Standard 1 - Know students and how they learn

 

It is essential that the educator, as a professional working with children, has thorough knowledge of how children develop intellectually, physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually (Taylor 2004; Colton, Sanders & Williams, 2001). Knowledge of child development theory underpins the educators understanding of how students learn and develop. While not all students will develop at the same pace such theories provide the educator with insight into the characteristics of stages of development, which inform teaching practices. The educator believes that with a deep understanding of child development theory all aspects of the child’s development can be adequately supported in the classroom.

 

A study conducted by Tulbure (2011) supports the educator’s belief that the development of the student is enhanced when the teaching strategies employed by the educator cater for the preferred learning styles of the students. In a student-centered classroom the individuality of the students should be reflected in the lesson plans created by the educator. Implementing a student-centered teaching approach will encourage the educator to facilitate for the individual learning styles and abilities of the students. (Tulbure, 2011; Evans and Sadler-Smith, 2006). This challenging task for the educator is eased as professional relationships are developed with the students. In doing so, the educator will create a learning and teaching environment that engages the students creating active learners.

 

Creating an inclusive environment that respects and involves all learners is considered essential by the educator. Knowledge of Indigenous culture and strategies that support the participation of students with disability such as individual education plans will support the pre-service teacher in doing so.