Critical incidents essay
Critical incidents Analysis
Introduction
In this assignment I will look at two critical incidents in my teaching. I will firstly describe the critical incidents, then relate these incidents to relevant teaching and learning theories and finally explain how these incidents have influenced and changed aspects of my teaching practice. Cunningham describes a critical incident as a situation in working life that causes a ‘significant disturbance’ to our beliefs and the way we practice, and following reflecting upon this event it changes our viewpoint (2008:166).
Consideration of own specialist or context area and appropriate subject specific or context-specific pedagogy
I teach on a music production and business course, which is part of a foundation-learning programme for young people. These programmes are designed for students working at entry level and level 1 and consist of three components:
Vocational learning
Personal and social development
Functional skills
Many of the students on this programme have few qualifications, if any, emotional or behavioural issues, learning difficulties or have been out of education for a prolonged period of time.
I teach the vocational subject of the programme. The aim of the course is to develop music production skills, specifically using computer technology alongside many other skills such as working in groups, communication and presentation skills.
The teaching methods that suit teaching this type of learner are based around a lot of practical ‘hands on’ activities. I use a lot of short exercises and tasks that provide the opportunity for feedback. This works especially well because many of my learners get distracted easily and lack motivation. I find by giving them many short tasks with plenty of feedback keeps them focused and motivated.
Critical incident 1
As explained earlier many of the students I teach have a varied range of special educational need, and this incident occurred when teaching a young person with
Introduction
In this assignment I will look at two critical incidents in my teaching. I will firstly describe the critical incidents, then relate these incidents to relevant teaching and learning theories and finally explain how these incidents have influenced and changed aspects of my teaching practice. Cunningham describes a critical incident as a situation in working life that causes a ‘significant disturbance’ to our beliefs and the way we practice, and following reflecting upon this event it changes our viewpoint (2008:166).
Consideration of own specialist or context area and appropriate subject specific or context-specific pedagogy
I teach on a music production and business course, which is part of a foundation-learning programme for young people. These programmes are designed for students working at entry level and level 1 and consist of three components:
Vocational learning
Personal and social development
Functional skills
Many of the students on this programme have few qualifications, if any, emotional or behavioural issues, learning difficulties or have been out of education for a prolonged period of time.
I teach the vocational subject of the programme. The aim of the course is to develop music production skills, specifically using computer technology alongside many other skills such as working in groups, communication and presentation skills.
The teaching methods that suit teaching this type of learner are based around a lot of practical ‘hands on’ activities. I use a lot of short exercises and tasks that provide the opportunity for feedback. This works especially well because many of my learners get distracted easily and lack motivation. I find by giving them many short tasks with plenty of feedback keeps them focused and motivated.
Critical incident 1
As explained earlier many of the students I teach have a varied range of special educational need, and this incident occurred when teaching a young person with
References: Armitage, A., Bryant, R., Dunnill, R., Hayes, D., Hudson, A., Kent, J., Lawes, S., and Renwick, M. (2007) Teaching and Training in Post-Comulsory Education. Milton Keynes: Open University Press Cunningham, B. (2008) Exploring Professionalism. London: Institute of Education, pp.166 Petty, G. (2009) Teaching Today: a practical guide (4th ed.). Cheltenham: Stanley Thornes Reece, I. and Walker, S. (2007) Teaching, Training and Learning: A practical guide (6th ed.). Sunderland: Business Education Publishers, pp. 86 Wallace, S. (2007) managing behaviour and motivating students in further education (2nd ed.). Exeter: Learning Matters