Ryan Connolly Tutorial Paper Revised

ID of Student: G00320853 Ryan Connolly Article/Reading Code of professional Conduct for teachers

1. CONCISE SUMMARY OF READING

The teaching council was established to promote teaching as a profession at both primary and post primary levels, to promote the professional development of teachers and to regulate standards in our own profession (Teaching council 2018) Purpose • It aids and directs the teacher in a professional manner towards best practice and upholding a professional manner within the profession • It demonstrates to new teachers which enter the profession the high calibre of what is required to succeed • The code also demonstrates to the public that the education system is being ran in the correct manner and that it can hold the public’s trust • It stands as a legal document regarding the abilities and purposes of a teacher whether they can be deemed ‘fit’ to teach if there ever was a legal issue Values • The code stresses that respect, care, trust and integrity are all taking into account when in an educational profession • It values the opinions of parents and the public and shows that certain responsibilities should be undertaken by teachers at times • At all times the code revolves around students/pupils receiving the best education they can meeting all the requirements to which may be needed when catering for all students needs Professional Values • The code states ‘the role of the teacher is to educate’ but they must be also mindful of the students regarding their trust and integrity • Professional collaboration is a major key to developing as a teacher, working with fellow teachers will lead to building on better educational experiences and learning for the students

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2018-2019

Complaints • The code states that only major/serious complaints will progress to an inquiry • Complaints will only be adhered to if there is misconduct, poor performance or convictions. Conclusion: To conclude the code of professional conduct is set to help and develop teachers to maintain a better educational system and to uphold to an exceptional level. It allows students receive the best learning experiences to which they can. It also demonstrates to the public the high standard of an education system there is in place. 2. CRITICAL REFLECTION

From my reading of the code of conduct for teachers I have noticed that it sets a very clear vision for teachers as towards what they are required to do with in the educational system in relation to best practice and achieving a high standard. Dealing with serious complaints against teachers is a strong section of the code as it is an area in which must be very clear as regarding whether a teacher can be deemed ‘fit, to teach. In my opinion I feel this is an important section to the code as dealing with complaints like such could have a profound effect on your profession. Moral thinkers behave appropriately from fear of punishment or hope of reward (Noddings, 2006). I have found that having a moral code and following the correct ethical guidelines is a major factor to which is stressed evidently within the code. When reflecting on reading the code I have noticed that sticking by the correct morals will lead to the development of your class as a whole as you will not alone gain trust but also respect from your students which in turn will lead to a better learning environment. Catering for all different students learning requirements can be challenging but it is a requirement to which must be met to ensure a successful lesson. Each student achieving the most learning outcomes from the class depends on a number of reasons which could be the engagement by the student or the availability of resources and supports. The code states that such factors are beyond the teachers control but which leads to a bearing on their work. ‘Each student is unique individual, different in cognitive and affective development, social maturity, ability, motivation, aspiration, learning styles, needs, interests and potential’(Curriculum Development,2012)

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2018-2019

Regarding professional conduct communication has a major role to play to ensure there is a good positive learning environment provided which caters for all students and their personal needs. The code suggests that you as a teacher communicates with fellow teachers and co operate along side them to a certain degree. This I believe is a positive move towards building a stronger working relationship with your fellow teachers and also by sharing collaborative material for building on stronger and better lessons with more learning outcomes. ‘Developing teaching skills that are fresh, sharp and cutting edge depend on the teachers motivation’ (kyriacou, 2007)

From my time spent on placement I have experienced that not every lesson can be the same even when you set a plan, things still may change slightly depending on the level of students and their learning abilities. Regarding to professional values and relationship, the code states that being fair and committed to the best interests of the students will lead to a productive class. In my opinion when completing my placement, I found that being Fair with the students lead to a productive class. Although not building a friendship with them it is important, you still must form a teacher student relationship where you have a friendly attitude that is work based in the classroom. Students entrusting you with their safety will lead to a class that has a happy work environment where students are willing to work and are self-motivated. Students can be found to become motivated by certain aspects of education one of them being when they are given interactivity. Students are given feedback on their work in which drives and motivates them to succeed. As stated by the literature Effective Teaching evidence and practice that students given immediate feedback on their work is known as interactivity and found to motivate and stimulate their learning to a higher level (Daniel Muijs, 2001). I feel this ties in majorly with the aspect of motivation and relationships within the classroom. As I have stated above having the correct working relationship within the classroom leads to a more productive atmosphere. (Daniel Muijs, 2001) Positive teacherstudent relationships promote a sense of school belonging and encourage students to participate cooperatively. Students develop confidence to experiment and succeed in an environment where they are not restricted by the fear of failure. Teachers are able to assist

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2018-2019

students with motivation and goal setting and students can turn to them for advice and guidance’ (Scots college, 2017). Respect within the class room plays a major role regarding the effectiveness of the lesson. Students having respect for their teacher and likewise a teacher respecting the students and build on the development of the class as a whole. The Competency that is portrayed by the teacher can determine the amount of respect shown by the students to the teacher. ‘Mutual respect largely develops from the pupils seeing by your actions that you are a competent teacher, and that you care about their progress by planning and conducting effective lessons and carrying out various tasks with commitment’. (kyriacou, 2007)

3. LIST OF REFERENCES

Bibliography College, S. (2017). Developing student teacher relationships. Curriculum Development. (2012). Daniel Muijs, D. R. (2001). Evidence and practice kyriacou, c. (2007). Essential teaching skills. London. Noddings, N. (2007). Philosophy of Education . Cambridge .

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2018-2019