Michaela King Frame of Reference 1

Frame of Reference

Michaela C. King

5th Year Bachelor of Education

Vancouver Island University

Michaela King Frame of Reference 2

Frame of Reference

Education should be available for everyone, customized to their individual learning styles.

I believe that the purpose of education is to provide opportunities for creative and intellectual

development to students. This is my aim as professional educator.

Promoting student learning through positive student-teacher interactions, parental

involvement, and engaging presentation of content within the classroom is essential, in

classrooms organized for students observation and interaction with peers. This contributes to the

development of a strong classroom community. Classrooms need to be open environments where

everyone feels safe and community members, as well as school personnel, are welcome to be

involved in activities. The ethical principles that guide my actions as an early primary educator

are demonstrated in the following example: I expect students to raise their hand when they have

a contribution to the conversation, to treat everyone as they expect to be treated, to only make

physical contact with others when it is welcome, and to include everyone in the classroom

community.

Educational issues such as the inclusion of LGBTQ students and Aboriginal Content are

a top focus for my career in education. I want to have an open-door policy with everything my

students need, but especially when it comes to at-risk students and bullying. Students often have

unique situations that I won't always be able to aid in, but I try my best to be a part of the support

system for each individual student. As stated in the OECD's Seven Principles of Learning

(Dumont, Istance, & Benavides, 2010) integral to a classroom community is the recognition

individual differences; in my classroom all differences will be encouraged and included during

lesson planning.
Michaela King Frame of Reference 3

One theory that has shaped my educational stance is the Montessori Method. I believe, as

did Maria Montessori, that children are constantly learning therefore it is important to give them

the opportunity to learn through play and self-discovery (David, n.d.). Combining this thinking

with the BC Curriculum, I will be able to ensure that all students utilize their curiosity and find

their interests to further their learning, throughout their educational careers.

It is my responsibility to do my very best to reach all learners by including their

individual learning styles. Guidance comes from Walter Burke Barbe, a theorist who developed

the VAK model of learning styles.VAK means Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic, describing the

types of learners that are best reached using those specific learning styles (Taylor, n.d.). All

students learn differently therefore I will use a variety of teaching strategies, such as changing

my teaching location and incorporating multiple modes of visual devices in my lessons, to

connect with each individual learner.

Throughout my teaching career I want to be able to teach children to learn and develop,

as individuals and as part of a community. Working in harmony with this goal are the First

People's Principles of Learning (First Nations Education Steering Committee, n.d.). It is

incredibly important to me that I recognize and honour the First Nations People of this country

and give credit to the wealth of knowledge offered by local First Nations People, and

appropriately infuse that wisdom in daily learning experiences.

I can't imagine myself in any other career, since I experience such joy in helping students

thrive in an educational setting and encouraging them to be their best selves. It is my duty to

nourish young minds, provide opportunities, and find the resources for every learner’s success in

school. Every student, regardless of their background or family income, deserves to have a safe
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place to learn and a chance to uncover their identities while learning in an inclusive and trusting

community.

References

First Nations Education Steering Committee. (n.d.) First peoples principles of learning.

Retrieved from http://www.fnesc.ca/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/PUB-LFP-

POSTER-Principles-of-Learning-First-Peoples-poster-11x17.pdf

David, L. (n.d.). "Montessori Method (Montessori)," in Learning Theories [online summary]

Retrieved from February 1, 2016, https://www.learning-theories.com/montessori-method-

montessori.html

Dumont, H., Istance, D., & Benavides, F. (2010). The nature of learning: Using research to

inspire practice. OECD Publications. Retrieved from

https://www.oecd.org/edu/ceri/50300814.pdf

Taylor, A. (n.d.). Learning Style Assessments: Definition & Tools | Study.com. [online]

Study.com. Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/learning-style-assessments-

definition-tools.html