The reading for this activity proved to be a powerful reminder that learners are individuals and that they have their own individual characteris or personalities which makes them different to one another.
As Educators we neeed to pay attention to each child, understand how they differ, what makes them tick and to cater for the development of them all. Since my early days of teaching, I have always been concerned about the PASTORAL aspect of teaching where the focus is on the love and caring for children; the need to care and offer support especially to those who are experiencing difficulties and who tend to 'act up' because they are seeking attention.
This reading in this activity has more or less reinforced what I have been practicing over the years and the need to continue to practice: the caring and loving aspect of the teacher. It has brought back to the fore the need to make learning fun and that schools should be a safe and fun place for children so that effective learning can take place. After all the education system is one which has become so competitive and some of the conduciveness for learning has been lost as the focus only seems to be on curricular issues and the so called "bright" students.
I have learnt that knowing how learners grow and develop, knowing what difficulties or challenges they face will allow me to create the most effective learning environment and expereince which whould be inclusive of all students as I continue to learn how they differ from each other. This activity has reminded me that children learn differently and that as an Educator I need to take these different learning styles into consideration when helping the childten to learn.
As I reflect on my teaching I have come to realise that I have been exhibiting or practicing the Pastoral care as I have always realised that there is a need to pay attention to each child, noticing their subtle distresses as well as the blantant ones and to reach out to help them at all times ecpecially when they are "acting up" in my classes. I take the time out to find out what is wrong and what can be done to help them.
I have also learnt that the quality of the home environment plays a huge role in the child's development and that there is a need to build strong Teacher-Student-Parent relationships so that we can work together to address the difficulties children are facing. Parents can make a difference. They need to support teachers towards the goal of developing their children - as they seek to empower them to perform well in their social interactions and in their academic endeavours. They need to help and support teachers to provide a loving, caring learning environment for the young people.
After all SCHOOL IS SUPPOSED TO BE A JOYFUL PLACE.
