Frame of Reference

Sommer Burgmann

A classroom is a place where we are able to all make mistakes and find growth

in a place that may not seem comfortable. In the heart of learning, it may be muddy

and unknown. We may be questioning and not knowing what is coming next. Through

these questions, we realize we are digging deeper and deeper into the learning

process. In order to do that though, there must be structures in place for learners to

feel safe with this feeling. The main structure being a community of learners. We need

to reverse the idea that everything must be “right.” I want my students to know that

some of the best learning comes from this muddy place where mistakes are made. My

wish is to create this experience for my students. I want them to find the potential in

themselves as students and be able to develop a growth mindset.

Carol Dweck has offered me a great deal of insight when it comes to thinking

about mindset in the classroom and how vital it is. My goal is to watch my students

succeed. Dweck suggests that in order for children to have success they have to be

able to switch from “fixed mindsets” to “growth mindsets.” I have to be aware of the

type of praise I am giving and remember to reward challenges and hardships and

mistakes. It is from these triumphs that deep learning happens. Praising children on

simply “being smart” limits them to so much more than I was cognisant of. “Test

scores and measures of achievement tell you where a student is, but they don’t tell

you where a student could end up (Dweck, 2006).”

I hope to continually find new ways to be passionate about teaching and

learning. I don’t want my students to see subjects as separate but how they all connect

with each other and the outside world. As a student, I liked asking the question, “Why
are we doing this?” Unfortunately, in my experience I wouldn’t find myself satisfied

with the answers I was given, and I feel like “good” teaching should always be able to

answer that question. Students should always know what they are learning and why

it is relevant.

As a teacher, I am just as much a researcher. There is no formula for what

makes a “good” teacher, but we can always keep questioning our practise and what is

good for our learners. The Spirals of Inquiry will give me a framework to work with

to deepen my learning for the areas I can develop in my classroom. I will never stop

learning.

The new curriculum allows a more student-centered approach. As Clay

Bedford tells us “If you can teach a student to learn by creating curiosity, he/she will

continue the learning process as long as he/she lives.” We want to develop life long

learning habits for our students and not just push them forward to the next grade. It

is our job to help them find their own meaning and for me, that makes teaching the

most rewarding job ever

Formative assessment will be woven into all aspects of my teaching. Through

a variety of ways, I will support students to have control over their learning by

understanding where they are and where they need to get to. With formative

assessment everything about the learning is transparent and students are very much

involved with creating the criteria. Formative assessment allows for collaboration

and students building off of each other’s strengths and being able to point out where

to go next. Being able to give feedback should be something my students want and

look forward to. Formative assessment helps build lifelong learners. “Students will
need to take more responsibility for their own education and how it is delivered- to

ensure that it equips them with the aptitudes they need for the future (Kestenbaum,

Chief Executive of the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts).”

Effective communication is vital because parents are constantly being updated

through planner messages, FreshGrade, or evaluated work with formative feedback

(from teacher and student). There is no gap in communication regarding the

progression of each individual student and that really sets the student up for success

at school and at home. Feedback and communication will allow students to make

progress because they know where they are, and they know where they are going.

I strongly believe that everyone has the ability to learn. This may look different

to each individual. Taking time to make a class profile is vital. Having a clear sense of

each learner’s strengths and fostering their growth through a variety of activities/

lessons. When we develop plans for individuals, we also have to develop a group plan.

We need to develop a community of learners where students understand that

everyone is on their own learning journey and they are all unique. Differences make

us stronger and if we can understand them, we are able to be vulnerable. When we

are vulnerable, we are able to tap into that strength to push us forward.

Relationships and human connection are the backbone of education. If you

have this element, you are able to create a space for students to feel a sense of

purpose. They are seen and recognized as humans with needs, goals, passions,

stretches, strengths, interests and so on. By tapping into the whole student and by

understanding them, you are supporting them in unlocking their growing potential

as students and people. My classroom will be a safe space to express feelings,

questions, concerns, or struggles. I want to create a classroom where my students feel

like they are driving their education as much as I am. My hope is to stay organized

and keep the room warm and inviting. I want everything in my classroom, whether it

is on the walls or a set of expectations, to be purposeful and push the learning

forward. To get there, I have to stay honest and truthful to whom I am as a person. It

is about forming positive relationships, and that is something I strive to do in my

classroom.

First Peoples Principles of Learning is not just going to be a “subject” in my

classroom and my hope is to seamlessly have it weaved throughout all learning. By

drawing from the wisdom of First Nation community members I hope to bridge the

gap with the traditional education system and other ways of knowing and learning. I

believe this to be very powerful and will make an impact on all students’ lives.

I know that the greatest source of experience and resources comes from the

community of teachers around me. I will draw on this great strength wherever I land.

Together, we become stronger and learn more along the way. As teachers, we are

never alone.

Lastly, I want to ALWAYS reflect on my own beliefs, values and biases when it

comes to education. There are so many layers to teaching and if I don’t continually

reflect on those three core factors then I will not become the best teacher I can be. My

philosophy is that each child is perfect the way they are. I am not trying to change my

students. I am planning to listen to them and respond with tools and opportunities to

tap into their learning potential and let them create their learning journey. I am

merely lighting their way.