Teachers know how their students learn and how to teach them effectively
Artefact 2


Have a sound knowledge of current learning theories and of pedagogical models from which they draw
their practice.
Have knowledge of theory and contemporary research in child and adolescent development and other
fields of study which contribute to an understanding of student learning.
This essay, which was written in my fourth year of University in EDFD452 Transition into
the profession was the basis for my Individual Teaching Philosophy. This essay discusses my
personal understandings and knowledge of current learning theories and pedagogical
approaches, inclusive of contemporary research.
Individual Teaching Philosophy Essay
As a graduating teacher one should further their knowledge and understanding of key
concepts that they believe are important to their individual teaching philosophy. The Walker
Learning Approach which incorporates inquiry based learning, play based learning, and
individualised curriculum and independent learning are further explored. Student learning
styles and intrinsic and extrinsic motivation should be investigated. It is also important to
understand how students will progress in the twenty-first century, as Australians in a
borderless world, inclusive of their spiritual development, physical development, wellbeing
and technological advancements.
The Walker Learning Approach (WLA) is a philosophy and curriculum based on “student
engagement through the children's investigations and interests, and it still requires formal
teaching in literacy and numeracy (Early life foundations, 2012, para 7).” Although it is a
curriculum on its own, the WLA enables state and the eventual National curriculum
frameworks to run intertwined with it. The main aim of the WLA is that “students’ interests
are used as the predominant means for learning experiences alongside explicit teaching of
skills and understandings in literacy and numeracy. (From here,) children's interests are
expanded, scaffold and supported as a means of ongoing engagement in particular learning
areas (The Walker Learning Approach, 2012, para 1 & 2).” This is then expanded into other
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Individual Teaching Philosophy Essay
Teachers know how their students learn and how to teach them effectively
Artefact 2


Have a sound knowledge of current learning theories and of pedagogical models from which they draw
their practice.
Have knowledge of theory and contemporary research in child and adolescent development and other
fields of study which contribute to an understanding of student learning.
learning areas and across the school community. When implemented correctly students,
teachers and schools can anticipate increased “student engagement,” (Kathy Walker &
Associates, 2009, p. 6) “significant improvement in literacy levels for boys, … significant
improvement in pro-social skills including adaptability, self-initiation and working
collaboratively with others.” (Kathy Walker & Associates, p. 4) the implementation has also
been seen to lead to “higher levels of deeper relationships between students and teachers”
(Kathy Walker & Associates, p. 3)
Whilst the WLA does include many elements that will ensure a positive and successful
classroom, it is essential to acknowledge other theorists and philosophies. Piaget is another
philosopher who recognizes concrete materials, open learning, discovery learning, matching
strategies to student’s abilities and that the pace of learning should be consistent with
student’s capabilities (Marsh, 2000, p. 24). It is understood that these implications used
during the correct operational stage, with in the primary school setting will lead to thriving
students. It is important how ever to recognise criticisms of Piaget’s theory including
“overlooking the effects of student’s cultural and social groups (Marsh, p. 25).” If
implementing Piaget’s beliefs, it is important to overcome these situations, for example,
during the pre-operational stage students form and use symbols such as words, gestures and
signs. These should be explored with in a range of social and cultural groups relevant to the
students and not just the school. Another theory that should be explored is the Multiple
Intelligences. (Gardner, 1983) By adapting the Multiple Intelligences ideologies in the
classroom students and teachers can “discover and develop their individual talents”
(Campbell, 1997), they can encourage them, build upon them and use them in multiple ways
with in the classroom. Teachers can use this knowledge to assist in assessment and learning
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Individual Teaching Philosophy Essay
Teachers know how their students learn and how to teach them effectively
Artefact 2


Have a sound knowledge of current learning theories and of pedagogical models from which they draw
their practice.
Have knowledge of theory and contemporary research in child and adolescent development and other
fields of study which contribute to an understanding of student learning.
practices for the students. Through these examples, it can be seen that “developmental
theories provide some reasonable principles we guide our teaching but no single theory can
provide all the answers (Marsh, p. 36).”
By using these models that promote independent and individual learning it is important to
include an intrinsic and extrinsic motivation so students are consistently pushed to achieve
their best. Whilst intrinsic motivation can be capitalized on by using innovative teaching
including “creating (and posing) puzzling questions, dilemmas, novel situations … if this
intrigues the class then this will lead to self motivation” (Marsh, 2000, p. 38) to find
solutions. Borich and Tombari, (1997) have indicated that intrinsic motivation is only
successful in certain situations for particular students. Therefore extrinsic motivation needs to
play a part in classroom discipline and motivations. “Extrinsic motivation provides students
with a reward or enables them to avoid punishment”, (Ryan & Deci, 2002, p. 1) it is as a
result a positive reinforcer where the results show that the stimulus or event has improved
learning. It is important to explain to students why extrinsic motivation is being used, and it is
through the positive results of the extrinsic motivation that students become “more confident
and independent learners and hence more likely in the long run to become intrinsically
motivated (Marsh, p. 39).”
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Individual Teaching Philosophy Essay