Chapter VI

Personal Growth
And Professional
Development

155 FIELD STUDY 1: A GUIDE FOR 21ST CENTURY STUDENT TEACHERS

Lesson 1 Philosophy of Teaching
This lesson will help you understand that teachers' practices are guided by beliefs and values. These
beliefs and values form part of the teacher's philosophy of teaching. This lesson will focus on the different
philosophies of teaching. The objectives of this lesson are the following:
1. identify the different philosophies of teaching; and
2. determine the teaching philosophy that can address the needs of the 21st century learners.

Education Theory

How a teacher views teaching and learning is dependent on exposure, culture, and training
(Pajares 1992). Teachers' practices in the classroom are basically an offshoot of education and exposure.
All these experiences form part of beliefs that become a basis of the teacher's philosophy.
The teaching philosophy influences content and pedagogy. Teaching philosophies can be
categorized into two: teacher-centered and student- or learner-centered.
Teacher-centered philosophy underscores the relevance of teachers in education. This kind of
philosophy places an emphasis on the teachers' role in transmitting knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values.
Teachers who believe in this philosophy use tests to determine if the objectives are met. Essentialism and
Perennialism are two examples of a teacher-centered philosophy. Essentialism advocates the teaching of
basic skills in order to train the mind. These skills gradually become complex as students progress to the
next level. Core knowledge in different disciplines is essential and the teachers should use lectures,
memorization, drills, and assessment. Perennialism, on the other hand, focuses on developing critical
thinking skills, mastery of content in a sequential order and reasoning skills (Lynch 2016).
Student- or learner-centered philosophy puts emphasis on how students learn. Teachers focus on
individual needs of students to make sure that they will benefit from the teaching learning process.
Teachers who adhere to this philosophy focuses on maximizing the potential of the students in order to
equip them with knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will help them face and overcome the challenges of
the real world. Since teachers and students plan together the relevant concepts to be taught and the way
these concepts will be learned, classes are less structured and are more focused on problem-solving skills.
Progressivism, existentialism, and social reconstructionism are examples of a student entered
philosophy. Progressivism believes in equipping students with the ability to learn through hands-on
engagement. Teachers are regarded as facilitators rather than a source of information. Small group
discussions and learning centres dominate the progressive classroom.
Existentialism, on the other hand, believes in giving the students opportunities to learn concepts
that interest them. Teachers who believe in existentialism believe that students should be able to find

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meaning in whatever it is that they are learning. Thus, the classroom is equipped with things that are of
interest to the students. Since students learn better when they have interest in the subject matter, a typical
existentialist classroom will have students learning different topics at different rates. Social
reconstructionism believes that schools can contribute to solving social problems. Teachers who believe in
social reconstructionism will engage students in projects or activities that will enable them to address a
social issue and create an impact in society (Lynch 2016).
In responding to the needs of the 21st century learners, a student- or learner-centered philosophy
is essential so that communication, creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills will
be developed.

Observation

Observe a teacher for two weeks, Please write your observations on the following:
1. Classroom Layout
In the classroom that I had assigned, I observe that the classroom layout was already set up. In
entering the classroom all are ready and prepared. The physical arrangement of the classroom helps the
students anticipate and participate in the activity and adjust their behavior in each area as well. A well-
planned classroom has clearly defined boundaries designating where different types of activities will take
place.

2. Teaching Methodology
Teacher’s strategy was very good. I can say that he is an ideal teacher that is very inspiring
and know the learners well. He can manage everything in between him amd the students. He is able
to inquire sensitively, listen carefully, and look thoughtfully at student work, as well as to structure
situations in which students write and talk about their experiences.

3. Assessment
A good classroom assessment plan gathers evidence of student learning that informs teachers'
instructional decisions. It provides teachers with information about what students know and can do. To plan
effective instruction, teachers also need to know what the student misunderstands and where the
misconceptions lie.

4. Materials
Learning materials act as a guide for both the teacher and the learner. They can provide a
valuable routine in the teaching and learning process. For example, by providing a summarizing poster
or video after each topic.

Other comments and observations:

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
.

Processing

Read carefully and answer the following questions.

157 FIELD STUDY 1: A GUIDE FOR 21ST CENTURY STUDENT TEACHERS

 1. What do you think is the teaching philosophy of the teacher that you have observed?
He was fostering a safe and positive learning environment where students are not only building
relationships with me, but also with each other.

2. Cite the reasons for your answer in the previous question.

I observed that he was not focusing only on academics but securing the safeness of everyone. He assure
that everyone has unity and knows each other well as one family in the classroom by knowing the
boundaries and respect one another despite of their cultural backgrounds and diversities.

3. How does the teacher's philosophy of teaching impact the learners?

A teaching philosophy is an integral part in learning about a candidate, their willingness to reflect
and change in response to the feedback from students and peers, and their future ideas and goals for
teaching and learning effectiveness.

Reflection

Complete the following:

1. I realized that,
Teaching philosophies express our values and beliefs about teaching. They are personal
statements that introduce us, as a teacher, to your reader. As such, they are written in the first person and
convey a confident, professional tone.

2. I believe that,
It is important to understand how philosophy and education are interrelated. In order to become the most
effective teacher you can be, you must understand your own beliefs, while at the same time empathizing
with others.

3. I feel that,
The good teacher knows and understands students, how they develop and learn.

4. When I become a teacher, I will

Maintain the set up of a classroom because that is very important how a classroom is being managed. The
teacher needs to make sure his/her classroom is arranged for the students to be productive. The teacher
also needs to make sure their classroom has a positive environment for the students as they enter the
classroom. Another key fact a teacher needs to consider is that their classroom needs to be ready for
learning everyday. This is because in order to manage a classroom with proper discipline, a product and
active classroom set-up is important. The students need to be placed in an arrangement that will keep them
focused on the lesson and not deter them from learning.

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Lesson 2 Dignity of Teaching as a Profession
This lesson will guide you in determining the qualities of a teacher, which promote and contribute to
the dignity of the teaching profession. More specifically, the objectives of this lessons are the following:
1. discover personal traits of a good teacher; and
2. discuss professional traits that teachers should possess.

Education Theory

Teachers play a big role in the lives of students. Thus, teachers should possess personal and
professional qualities that will help students succeed in school and develop the love for learning.
Pearson (2018) conducted a study to determine the personal qualities that students are looking for
in a teacher. Based on this study, students aged 15-19 cite the following characteristics of effective
teachers: relates well with students; nurturing, understanding, and kind; knows students well; committed to
the profession; and engages students in learning in order to motivate them. In other words, students are not
really focused on how much knowledge the teachers can share, but are more concerned with how teachers
can connect and establish a relationship with them. This just goes to show that when teachers are able to
establish a rapport with students, it will be easier for students to learn (Peterson-DeLuca 2016).
In terms of professional qualities, effective teachers possess the following characteristics: taking
time to listen and help students, manages class well, collaborates with other professionals to share
expertise, constantly seeks ways to grow professionally, uses appropriate instructional methods, has
mastery of content, and is decisive (Goldberg 2003). These professional qualities reveal that effective
teachers go beyond the call of duty. Teachers should continue to update self with knowledge and skills for
the good of their students.

Observation

Observe a class. List down the personal and professional qualities of the cooperating teacher,
which, you think, contribute to the development of the students.
1. Personal qualities
-Strong Communicator
-Good Listener
- Adaptable

159 FIELD STUDY 1: A GUIDE FOR 21ST CENTURY STUDENT TEACHERS

-Engaging
-Shows Empathy
-Have Patience
-Value Real-World Learning.

2. Professional qualities
-manages the classroom effectively
- instill enough confidence
-practices self-reflection
-uses teaching strategies

Processing

Read carefully and answer the following questions.

1. What do you think are the best qualities of the teacher that you have observed? Why ?
Among all the qualities of a teacher the best that I can describe my cooperating teacher
is for having a professional qualities of managing the class effectively and very engaging towards
the learners.
2. How can the teacher continue to grow personally and professionally?.
For me, a teacher continue to grow personally and professionally if he or she is open, willing and
adapts the changes and new styles of teaching. Knowing all the students and to their respective
backgrounds so that we will know how to get in. Other than that, we will grow if we experienced failures
as we discover our weaknesses.

Reflection
____________________________________________________________________________________
Complete the following:
1. I realized that,
Teachers must respect every person, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender diversity,
appearance, age, religion, social standing, origin, opinions, abilities and achievements.Teachers act as
role models, mentors, caregivers and advisers. They can have a profound effect on the lives of their
students. Primarily, teachers will impart knowledge to their students to help them learn new things
about a specific group of subjects.

2. I believe that,
Professional dignity validates who teachers are and who they strive to be. Teachers want the
school community to acknowledge them as educated professionals and especially as individuals. Teachers'
professional dignity implies that the school community dutifully “knows” the teachers both professionally
and personally.

3. I feel that,
The professional values of social justice, integrity, trust and respect and a professional commitment are at
the core of the Professional Standards. The values are reflected across the Professional Standards and are
relevant to all registered teachers regardless of post.

4. When I become a teacher, I will

160 FIELD STUDY 1: A GUIDE FOR 21ST CENTURY STUDENT TEACHERS

 Value personal growth and professional development and exhibit high personal regard for the
profession by maintaining qualities that uphold the dignity of teaching such as caring attitude, respect
and integrity. They value personal and professional reflection and learning to improve their practice.

Lesson 3 Professional Links With Colleagues

To grow professionally, teachers need to connect with other educators. This lesson will help you
understand the value of collaborating with other teachers. More specifically, this lesson will guide you to:
1. discover the importance of collaborating with other teachers; and
2. discuss ways on how to link with other educators.

Education Theory

It is a recognized fact that teachers need to collaborate with one another to grow professionally.
Collaboration among teachers means working together to reflect on practices and improve teaching
(DuFour 2005). In recent years, schools have emphasized the need for studentsto collaborate. In the same
manner, educational leaders have also seen the importance ofcollaboration in professional development
(Robbins and Alvy 2003).
A study by Peterson in 2002 reveals that collaboration with colleagues is more significant than
short-term workshops or seminars. The reason behind this is that short-term workshops may inspire
teachers for a moment but will have little impact on the way they teach. However, when teachers are given
the opportunity to work together for a period of time, they establish a relationship that can greatly impact
the way they teach. When teachers share practices, reflections, and experiences with colleagues whom
they have been working with for quite some time, they tend to learn more.

Thus, conversing about professional practice is necessary as it provides novice teachers some
kind of mentoring. It also allows seasoned teachers to renew their interest in teaching as they are given the
opportunity to share their expertise (Williams 2010).
If schools do not provide opportunities for collaboration, teachers need to look for opportunities to
link with colleagues. It is important to note that before professional relationships can be established,
teachershave toforgepersonalrelationshipswithother teachers. There are various ways of connecting with
colleagues. First, find time to talk to colleagues. Second, ask them about their experiences in the
classroom. Askfor advice and listen to how theywereable to addresssimilarconcerns. Third, volunteerto
workon a project with other teachers. The more you engage yourself in projects,the more you will learn not
only about the working style of your colleagues but also about lessons on commitment, passion, and hard
work.

161 FIELD STUDY 1: A GUIDE FOR 21ST CENTURY STUDENT TEACHERS

 Observation

A. Ask the cooperating teacher if you can volunteer as shadow teacher for a day. List down ways on how
the teacher collaborates with other teachers.

B. Interview the cooperating teacher. Ask the following questions:

1. In what ways do you collaborate with your colleagues?
Teachers collaborate in a multitude of ways when they interact with their colleagues to exchange
ideas and resources, discuss student learning, team up for joint activities and knowledge creation.

2. Why do you need to collaborate with your colleagues?

Active collaboration is important for fostering a growth-oriented learning environment and
advancing student learning. According to research, teachers who collaborate and learn from one another
are more successful than those who work alone in improving student outcomes.

3. What do you think are the advantages of collaborating with colleagues? What are the
disadvantages?
The advantages of collaborating them are : support for teachers, closer integration of staff, variety of
ideas and better involvement of students. The disadvantages are: acceptance of change by teachers,
rigidity in teachers, bad team management, personal conflict and inability to complete the curriculum.

Processing

Read carefully and answer the following questions.

1. Do you think that linking with colleagues is important in teaching? Why? Why not?
Yes, when we work together, we create a better learning experience. Teacher
collaboration positively impacts student achievement, and allows us as educators to explore new
territory.

2. How does collaborating with other teachers impact the students?

Give students the opportunity to work and collaborate together to learn and grow from each other.
Collaborative learning has been shown to not only develop higher-level thinking skills in students, but boost
their confidence and self-esteem as well.

3. If you were the teacher, how will you collaborate with your colleagues?
If I will a teacher, I will collaborate my co-teacher in a way of creating a truly shared vision and goals. I
will develop a sense of community where I belong, I will identify group norms, I will use discussion and dialogue
and work through conflict and work under pressure.

Reflection

Complete the following:

1. I realized that,
Good working relationships will make your job more enjoyable. What's more, close-knit teams
are more productive, which frees up time to innovate and focus on your personal development. The
professional connections you make will also help you to further your career.

162 FIELD STUDY 1: A GUIDE FOR 21ST CENTURY STUDENT TEACHERS

 2. I believe that,
Professional relationships are built on respect and there is no better way to earn the respect of
your colleagues than by proving yourself an engaged and valuable member of the team. And where
better to prove that you are here to take part than in meetings.

3. I feel that,
Developing positive and professional relationships with our colleagues is critical to us surviving
and thriving in our teaching career.

4. When I become a teacher, I will

Build a strong relationships that provide a foundation for student engagement, belonging, and,
ultimately, learning. The more high-quality relationships students have with their teachers, the better their
engagement in school.

Lesson 4 Professional Reflection and Learning to Improve Practice

To grow professionally, teachers need to reflect on their own practice. This lesson will guide you in
discovering the value of reflecting on your own practices to improve teaching. More specifically, this lesson
will help you to:
1. discover how reflecting on one’s own practice can improve teaching and
2. determine various ways to engage in reflective practice.

Education Theory

People do not learn from experiences unless they reflect on these experiences (Dewey 1933). One
of the ways in which teachers can improve the way they teach is to reflect on their own practice. Reflective
practice is a term used when teachers study their own experiences to improve the way they teach. It is a
deliberate act to think about past, present, and future actions in order to improve teaching (Harvey et al.
2016).
There are various ways of reflecting on one's practice. This can be done using an autobiography,
student evaluation, peer observation, and research (Brookfield 1995).
Autobiography is a way of documenting practices. This can be done in the form of journal writing,
portfolio, and other forms of writing that teachers can use to reflect on their practices in class.
Students are the direct recipients of teaching. They are in the best position to gauge how teachers
perform in class and how effectively they teach. Thus, student evaluations, which can be done formally or
informally, can best inform teachers about their practices.
Peer observation can inform teachers about the practices that they need to keep and improve.
Through peer observation, teachers can learn the best practices of their colleagues, ponder on their own
practices, and determine the ways to improve these practices.
In trying to improve their own practices, the teachers can also resort to studying researches and
theories. Teachers are guided on how practices can be further improved-based on the results of studies
conducted.

163 FIELD STUDY 1: A GUIDE FOR 21ST CENTURY STUDENT TEACHERS

Interview

A. Interview the cooperating teacher. Ask the following questions:

1. How do you evaluate your practices in the classroom?
Gathering student feedback. Gathering information from your students about their experience as
learners in your class is a valuable way to assess your teaching.Understand assessment design · Assess
the knowledge and understanding of your students · Assess the capabilities and skills of your students.

2. Do you think it is necessary to evaluate one's own practices? Why? Why not?
Evaluating my eaching is a way of ensuring that Iam doing all I can to help my students in
achieving their potential. By regularly evaluating my teaching strategy. I am more likely to provide my
students with a continually improving learning experience.

3. If given a choice, what do you think is the best way that you can do to help improve your own
practices?
If I will be given a chance the best things that can help me to improve my practices are to try
something new, improve the performance, being open and don't be afraid of taking risks.

Processing

Read carefully and answer the following questions.

1. How does the teacher reflect on her own practices?
Reflective teaching involves examining one's underlying beliefs about teaching and learning and
one's alignment with actual classroom practice before, during and after a course is taught. When teaching
reflectively, instructors think critically about their teaching and look for evidence of effective teaching.

2. What can you say about the way the teacher reflects on her own practices?
If teachers practice reflection they can more effectively encourage learners to reflect on,
analyse, evaluate and improve their own learning.

3. How do you think reflective practice can be further reinforced in schools?

Participate in shared planning with peers. Invite colleagues to observe a lesson and reflect on their
feedback. Record yourself for self-reflection or reflection with peers. Ask students for feedback.

Reflection

Complete the following:

1. I realized that,
Reflection is a systematic reviewing process for all teachers which allows you to make links from one
experience to the next, making sure your students make maximum progress.

2. I believe that,
Reflecting allows you to understand how you have helped others to achieve and what this looks
like in a practical learning environment. By asking your students for their thoughts and feelings on the
learning, they play an active part in the learning cycle.
3. I feel that,
The benefits of using personal reflective practice include: Promotion of life-long learning
(enhances the knowledge of the world around us) Identification of personal strengths (gaining

164 FIELD STUDY 1: A GUIDE FOR 21ST CENTURY STUDENT TEACHERS

 confidence and self-assurance) Realisation of personal weaknesses (understanding what areas require
focus)

4. When I become a teacher, I will

Improve practice influence the personal and professional growth of teachers through self-
evaluate your knowledge and skills. Seek and reflect upon feedback from co-workers and clients.
Provide feedback to co-workers. Identify how the values, beliefs and behaviours influence your
practice.

Lesson 5 Professional Development Goals

In order to improve the teaching-learning process, teachers need to identify goals that will
helpthem grow professionally. This lesson will guide you to:
1. determine the goals that teachers should pursue to grow professionally and
2. use the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers as a guide to develop goals for
professional development.

Education Theory

Teachers need to be life-long learners because of the constant changes in the education
landscape brought about by developments in the field of research. Hence, it is but logical to point out that
teachers should set goals to keep them abreast with the needs of their students and at the same time
promote the development of the teaching profession.
In a study of teachers' professional goals, it was found that teachers focus on different objective sat
each level of their career. Early and mid-career teachers are interested in knowing more about curriculum
and instruction and becoming a specialist in the subject or area that they are currently teaching. Teachers
who are in the late career stage are no longer interested in improving their teaching skills. Rather, their
goals are focused on learning more about technological innovations and how these changes can be applied
in the classroom (Louws et al. 2017).
The study only revealed that a standardized continuing professional degree program will not work
with all teachers. Thus, for this reason, the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST) was
developed. PPST is composed of seven domains, each of which is composed of different strands where
teachers in different stages of their career are guided to develop themselves professionally. More
specifically, these seven domain shave a total of 37 strands (Department of Education 2017). The following
are the domains and the different strands:

Domain 1 - Content Knowledge and Pedagogy

1. Content knowledge and its application within and across curriculum areas
2. Research-based knowledge and principles of teaching and learning
3. Positive use of ICT
4. Strategies for promoting literacy and numeracy
5. Strategies for developing critical and creative thinking, as well as other higher-order thinking skills
6. Mother tongue, Filipino and English in teaching and learning

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 7. Classroom communication strategies

Domain 2 - Learning Environment

1. Learner safety and security
2. Fair learning environment
3. Management of classroom structure and activities
4. Support for learner participation
5. Promotion of purposive learning
6. Management of learner behavior

Domain 3 - Diversity of Learners

1. Learners' gender, needs, strengths, interests, and experiences
2. Learners' linguistic, cultural, socio-economic, and religious backgrounds
3. Learners with disabilities, giftedness, and talents
4. Learners in difficult circumstances
5. Learners from indigenous groups

Domain 4 - Curriculum and Planning

1. Planning and management of the teaching and learning process
2. Learning outcomes aligned with learning competencies
3. Relevance and responsiveness of learning programs
4. Professional collaboration to enrich the teaching practice
5. Teaching and learning resources including ICT

Domain 5 - Assessment and Reporting

1. Design, selection, organization, and utilization of assessment strategies
2. Monitoring and evaluation of learner progress and achievement
3. Feedback to improve learning
4. Communication of learner needs, progress, and achievement to key stakeholders
5. Use of assessment data to enhance teaching and learning practices and programs

Domain 6 - Community Linkages and Professional Engagement

1. Establishment of learning environments that are responsive to community contexts
2. Engagement of parents and the wider school community in the educative process
3. Professional ethics
4. School policies and procedures

Domain 7 - Personal Growth and Professional Development

1. Philosophy of teaching
2. Dignity of teaching as a profession
3. Professional links with colleagues
4. Professional reflection and learning to improve practice
5. Professional development goals

166 FIELD STUDY 1: A GUIDE FOR 21ST CENTURY STUDENT TEACHERS

Interview

A. Interview the cooperating teacher. Ask the following questions:

1. As a teacher, in what areas do you think you should improve on?
As a teacher, I need to improve my skills in communication specially in speaking because I am
not good in English and I am not fluent about it.

2. What do you do to address the areas that you need to improve on or develop?
Trying my best to practice good communication skills.

Processing

Read carefully and answer the following questions based on the interview you conducted.
1. Do you think the teacher was able to address her learning goals? Why? Why not?
For me, Yes. It is was his obligation to have a good communication skills so that he can help the
students and gives enough knowledge.

2. Based on the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers, what particular domain or strand
should the teacher address as her learning goal? Explain your answer.
Domain 7 - Personal Growth and Professional Development
It accentuates teachers' proper and high personal regard for the profession by maintaining qualities
that uphold the dignity of teaching such as caring attitude, respect and integrity. This Domain values
personal and professional reflection and learning to improve practice.

Reflection

Complete the following:

1. I realized that,
Professional development goals are objectives you can set for yourself to help further your
career. These might include taking steps to learn relevant skills, expand your professional network, or
find more satisfaction at work.

2. I believe that,
Professional development improves your confidence and adds to your credibility by learning
new skills and attaining professional designations. Continued professional development allows you to make
more meaningful contributions to your team and to become more effective at your workplace.

3. I feel that,

Professional development allows for instructors to keep up to date on curriculum standards and the
latest teaching strategies. When it comes to school-wide initiatives, it increases the skill sets of individuals,
and as a result, increases the overall value of the department and grade-level teams.

4. When I become a teacher, I will

Gives educators the tools and skills to stay modern with the needs of students and allows them to
plan ahead for changing trends in education. In order to realize areas of strength and areas that need
attention for growth, reflective practice is necessary.

167 FIELD STUDY 1: A GUIDE FOR 21ST CENTURY STUDENT TEACHERS