Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students and how these may affect learning.

This page provides evidence for meeting Standard 1 (specifically sub-standard 1.1) at a graduate level. 

My personal teaching pedagogy encompasses the seminal theories of Piaget and Vygotsky, particularly that of constructivism. It is formed from the belief that not all learning is linear, and that in line with Franck & Nilsen the environment plays an equal and important part of of growth and development.  Gone are the days of passive recipients, and a greater understanding now exists in what Reinhardt describes as children's funds of knowledge, personal experience they bring into their classroom that enhances both their own and their classmates learning. 

Having worked in foster care and educational support I also have a great understanding and affinity to those students who may have have been impacted by trauma, seeking to ensure those students developmental differences are recognised and preventative interventions put in place. This includes building emotional regulation skills, and executive functioning and control. 

Achieving a high distinction for this report on egocentrism, I was able to show capabilities to identify relevant educational theories and development areas. I was also able in this paper to demonstrate my understanding of egocentrism, and its effects on the social and intellectual development of early childhood and adolescent groups in an educational setting. In addition, my tutor noted I was able to provide good research-based strategies. I noted theories from Piaget, a significant theorist in educational studies and reviewed studies by various additional sources. My tutors marks also indicate my discussion was well supported by these credible academic sources. In line with the assessment rubric I demonstrated excellent interpretation, analysis and synthesis of new knowledge. The study of additional development and characteristic qualities would be beneficial to expand on this particular focus area.

Completing this course that covers: the elements of child development, factors that influence child development and how children are impacted by trauma has greatly influenced how I manage my classroom. This webinar outlined emerging evidence on the impact of early adversity on children’s development and discussed implications for practice. Presented by Dr Sara McLean, it recognises that children exist within Vygotsky's zone of proximal development and that each child develops their own fund of knowledge, bringing their own experience into a classroom.