This was my first time taking the Teaching Perspectives Inventory, and I thought the results were quite interesting. My results show a definitive emphasis on the Apprenticeship perspective. This is confirmed by my preferred approach in teaching, which involves experiential learning, hands-on activities, and the development of practical skills through observation and participation. My recessive category is the Social Reform perspective. This may be a result of having taught diverse cultures in different areas of the province and the world, where populations had strongly held cultural beliefs which were non-negotiable. My beliefs in this area are also weaker than what I put into practice, as government in British Columbia has increasingly used curriculum in schools to effect social change.
My teaching approach is constructivist and student-centred in practice; however, I do hold some teacher-centred beliefs. I believe that the subject matter is important, as is personal responsibility and discipline. In reflecting on my practice, I see that I place importance on not only content knowledge, but more critically on pedagogical content knowledge. As Shulman (1986) also emphasizes, I believe that pedagogical content knowledge is essential for effective teaching.
My approach in using technology in my classroom is to use the best available technology to teach in the most efficient manner possible. Technology to me is merely a tool. To use an analogy, when I am constructing a building, I will use the most efficient tools that I have on-hand. For instance, I will bring out my air compressor, air nailer, electric saws and so on in order to save time in the process. If the power goes out, however, I will continue on with a hand saw and a hammer. The same thing works in the classroom. If devices are conveniently available, then I will use them for all manner of tasks. If devices are not readily available, inconvenient, unreliable or limited, then my use of those tools will reflect this. Having taught in numerous schools, I found that my technology use was reflected mainly in its availability and convenience. One school would have interactive whiteboards or Smartboards with class sets of iPads, as well as a computer lab. The next school would have enough iPads in the entire school for only half a class, chalkboards and unreliable computers. I have had to be flexible in my teaching approaches, but have always sought out the best technology if it was available.
References:
SHULMAN, L. S. (1986). Those Who Understand: Knowledge Growth in Teaching. Educational Researcher, 15(2), 4–14. https://doi-org.ezproxy.tru.ca/10.3102/0013189X015002004
lpeter
September 23, 2023 — 4:34 pm
Hi Geoff,
I approach technology in very much the same way as you, but I scored highest in the nurturing category.
I also feel that content knowledge is important. One of my biggest frustrations as an English teacher is that English classes are often given to teachers who have no background in English at all. It seems to be the case that administrators believe that if a teacher is an English speaker, they can be an English teacher. It is something that would never happen in Math. Knowing how to speak English and knowing enough about English to teach it are two very different things.
I found it very interesting to hear how your social reform score was connected to your international/multicultural teaching experience. It is a good reminder that the Canadian context is just one of many.
Overall, it sounds like you are a very flexible teacher who is willing and able to change your approach depending on your students, their culture, and the tools available to you!
hwinsnes
September 25, 2023 — 9:25 am
Hi Geoff
I really liked your metaphor for building a house and using the right tools. One could take this further to extend to the different devices for different people, and as such, you need to have a warehouse fully available. For example, I am very short, so to do the same job as you, I will most certainly need a ladder you would not use. Thank you for your post!
glammie
September 26, 2023 — 3:27 pm
Hi Geoff,
Thanks for sharing. I agree that a flexible approach is relevant regarding the use of technology and reflects its availability, reliability and applicability to the subject matter. Your analogy for constructing a building clearly demonstrates that the use of technology in teaching should be based on its availability rather than as the core instrument of instruction or learning.