What is Component 1b?
Component 1b is demonstrating knowledge of students. As teachers we must be able to understand we are teaching real-life students; students that have differing mental and learning processes and come from different backgrounds. It is essential to know the different types of learners in your classroom. Part of this for teachers is having an appreciation of cognitive and educational psychology principles, theories, and research. Educating ourselves on how the brain learns, different techniques, reliable theories, among other things can really prepare and strengthen our knowledge base for application in the classroom.
Why do we need it?
There are so many variants of learning, types of learners, and other factors that have, are, or will impact students throughout their lives. We as teachers need to be prepared for this with a strong knowledge base ready to aid us and understand that no one student is the same as the others. However, we are not alone in this process; our knowledge base can include more than just research and books; it can be comprised of fellow teachers, parents, our PLN, trusted educators, among others. By building our knowledge of students, we are best prepared for being teachers of impact and helping students learn and succeed in the best possible manner.
What are the elements?
Component 1b is comprised of 5 elements: knowledge of child and adolescent development; knowledge of the learning process; knowledge of students' skills, knowledge, and language proficiency; knowledge of students' interest and cultural heritage; and knowledge of students' special needs. Knowledge of child and adolescent development means that you understand how students develop physically, emotionally, and mentally not just in your class but in their lives. If we understand how they develop mentally, we are bettered in our ability to aid them learn and be successful. Knowledge of learning process means we understand that for the student to learn the must they must be engaged and active in the process. We as teachers should know how to obtain and maintain students attention, as well as be able to find new and engaging techniques and tools to use in the classroom. Knowledge of students' skills, knowledge, and language proficiency means that we know about the student on a personal level; we understand what their abilities, knowledge, strengths, and weaknesses are and how to use those them to aid us in our instruction. Knowledge of students' interest and cultural heritage means furthering that personal relationships; it could be as simple as going to their sporting events, concerts, and different events to support them. This information can be vital to teaching them and being able to build scaffolds to help with their learning and understanding. It also helps to understand students backgrounds and what cultures influence their home life. This can be important when trying to explain topics because you may be able to better understand how that culture thinks and views different topics. This is really important also so that students will not be offended by different topics or views. Knowledge of students' special needs means that as the teacher you are able to identify and meet the diversifying needs of students. No student is the same; they are in different stages and phases of life, have different views and beliefs, and have different ways of learning. As teachers, our job to accommodate and understand how to help students.
Cool ideas to help implement Component 1b
What are the 7 BE-s?
1. BE informed
2. BE available
3. BE responsive
4. BE interested
5. BE realistic
6. BE constructive
7. BE kind
Strong positive relationships are necessary between home and school. These partnerships do not develop over-night and are a "two-way street"; what effort you put in as a teacher will affect the outcome of your relationships. We can use the 7 BE-s to help remind us of how to build relationships and remind us how to act when we are interacting with students and families. Parents love having a security in their children's teachers, so this will go a long way with taking that extra step to simply meet the needs of student. Following this steps will allow students to feel more comfortable and open up to you.
2. BE available
3. BE responsive
4. BE interested
5. BE realistic
6. BE constructive
7. BE kind
Strong positive relationships are necessary between home and school. These partnerships do not develop over-night and are a "two-way street"; what effort you put in as a teacher will affect the outcome of your relationships. We can use the 7 BE-s to help remind us of how to build relationships and remind us how to act when we are interacting with students and families. Parents love having a security in their children's teachers, so this will go a long way with taking that extra step to simply meet the needs of student. Following this steps will allow students to feel more comfortable and open up to you.
References:
- Danielson Group » The Framework. (2017). Danielsongroup.org. Retrieved 10 October 2017, from http://www.danielsongroup.org/framework/
- (2017). I0.wp.com. Retrieved 11 October 2017, from https://i0.wp.com/evidencebasedteaching.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/teacher-student-relationships-styles.png
- (2017). I.pinimg.com. Retrieved 11 October 2017, from https://i.pinimg.com/736x/90/3f/17/903f179cb2c25eb17a8be308f913b786--student-teacher-the-teacher.jpg
- (2017). Press4kids.com. Retrieved 11 October 2017, from http://press4kids.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Pos-Relationship-final3hd-624x483.jpg
- (2017). I.pinimg.com. Retrieved 11 October 2017, from https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d0/5c/03/d05c030d7ccb32c5c3c499e7c1530de3.jpg
- (2017). Childhood101.com. Retrieved 11 October 2017, from https://childhood101.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/7-Tips-for-Successful-Parent-Teacher-Relationships-Childhood-101.jpg
- Books, O., Learn, P., Craft, A., Kids, B., Emotions, M., & Challenges, L. et al. (2013). 7 BE-s for Developing Successful Parent-Teacher Relationships | Childhood101. Childhood101. Retrieved 11 October 2017, from https://childhood101.com/7-be-s-for-developing-successful-parent-teacher-relationships/