Foundation 3 - Week 2 Achieving Excellence in education

Upon reading the title of the Ministry of Education document, what did you think the renewed vision might entail? Why?

Ministry of Education aims to renew the vision of education. I believe this will mean a more focus in making education equitable for all by catering to individual students. There will be more integration of technology and indigenous knowledge. All subjects should reflect real life by blending subjects to make education relatable to students.

BEFORE reading the document, how do YOU envision “achieving excellence” in education?

We can achieve excellence in education by truly taking into account the students. We need to understand our students, their interests and abilities. We need to plan lessons to cater to the students’ personal interests and abilities. We need to ensure what students are learning are relatable so they are engage with learning.

How does the Ministry of Education describe the “achieving excellence” ? What would it look like/sound like?

The ministry of education has outlined many different action plan to achieve excellence. This will mean more integration of technology in learning and teaching skills for coding, graphic design to prepare students for the future. Education will be blended to make learning relatable with more project and problem based learning to encourage inquire and problem solving.

How does your vision of achieving excellence compare with the Ministry’s renewed vision for education in Ontario?

My vision of achieving excellence in education is closely aliened with the ministry’s views as they believe technology integration is vital and blended with all subjects to make it relatable to students.

What surprised you about the research findings? What resonated with your own experience thus far in your teacher education journey?

It is surprising to me that only half of teachers have opportunity to teach the way they aspire to teach and that after 25 years of experience. I wonder what prevents them. I understand that policies and protocols can prevent teachers to be as creative as they want as many times teachers are under pressure to finish a curriculum and prepare students for tests and I guess administration has a great deal to play when it comes to governing how teachers can teach.

I like that caring and commitment to students scored highest as attribute need to be a good teacher. I too believe that is the most important trate for a teacher. We always need to understand that our students come first, this will ensure we provide lessons that truly caters to the students and make learning more meaningful.

7. How do the two documents align (or not)? Why?

Both the ministry and teachers call for more resources such as technology in the classrooms. This is vital as technology is greatly governing our lives and will do more in the future. So, it is imperative we introduce technology to our students and educate them in the skills they will need to be successful.

Teachers believe trust is in important part if education. Similarly the ministry’s main aim is to renew public trust. “Trustng and mutually supportive relationship re key dimension of the teaching/learning dynamic.” (Canadian Teachers’ Federation, 2012)