Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Developed and updated by Elke M Gunn ACU Ballarat FEA March 2020 1
RATIONALE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
The Professional Learning Plan (PLP) is important to clearly outline the goals and strategies
(AITSL, 2017) before commencing the teaching period. This will allow for reflection and
improvements to practices. Professional learning is an intensive, ongoing environment, which is
connected by practice (Keay & Lloyd, 2011). Professional learning is an essential part to provide
effective and successful teaching. The elements involved in professional learning will enable
teachers to have developed appropriate tools to offer quality teaching. This will help extend and
develop students critical thinking and problem solving skills as well as building learning
communities (Dinham, 2008). The commitment of teachers is crucial because without this,
professional learning will not occur. According to Day and Qing (2010) the students’
achievement and progress is determined by the level of commitment a teacher has towards their
professional learning and development.
As teachers, part of professional learning is the reflective process. This is important to critically
think and reflect on actions and implementations in the classroom that indicate the development
of learning. These applications in the classroom need to be specific and clear (Zimmerman,
2011), to enhance the learning process and help decipher what needs to be changed for a more
effective lesson in the future. To cater for all needs of children in a class there must be a skill of
understanding the specific learning styles. This is accomplished through professional learning
and reflecting on the activities that are set to show how children learn. This reflection process is
a “powerful and empowering tool for change and development in education” (Keay & Lloyd,
2011, p. 10).
Within Australia, teachers are fortunate to receive access to further learning and development
through university and professional development courses. This will ensure pre-service teachers
and all other teachers to be competent in their career. These courses are available and accessible
for most, if not all and should be completed throughout their whole career. It will support teachers
to keep up-to-date with the latest information and skills and guarantee students are getting the
best education possible.
Collaborative professional development and learning can be an effective component for practice.
Sharing different goals and strategies with colleagues, might help with developing and extending
notions of professional learning (Wake, Swan & Foster, 2016) and from this, think of other ways
that the teaching will positively impact on students’ learning.
From my previous placements, where I have had opportunities in both the primary setting and
early childhood setting, I have already experienced the amount of work that goes into planning
for lessons and implementing them. I understand that this Professional Learning Plan is important
to enhance my improvements when teaching and how this will help me in the future. This will
help me set achievable goals within my lessons and reflect on them to change if necessary.
Challenges that I have faced throughout my professional practice is controlling the whole class
if someone or a few students are misbehaving and continuingly developing my teacher voice
where it is strong and loud, however not yelling. I believe this is essential for my ongoing
practice.
Developed and updated by Elke M Gunn ACU Ballarat FEA March 2020 2
SKILLS/COMPETENCIES NEEDED TO BECOME A HIGH FUNCTIONING TEACHING
PRACTITIONER
Organisational/Time Management Skills I need to have better time management skills and
not leave everything to the last minute. This makes
me become stressed and overwhelmed when it’s
not necessary. I want to manage my time more
effectively.
Personal Skills/Interests
Developed and updated by Elke M Gunn ACU Ballarat FEA March 2020 3
Graduate Teacher Professional Learning Action Plan
PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE: Standard 1 and 2
Standard 1: Know students and how they learn
GRADUATE Goals to improve professional knowledge- (you
AITSL FOCUS AREA and DESCRIPTORS may have 2 to 3)
1.1 Physical, social and intellectual development
and characteristics of students
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of
physical, social and intellectual characteristics of
students and how these may affect learning.
Updated AT1 Professional Learning Plan /Research Essay Master March 2020. Elke Gunn ACU FEA Ballarat (adapted by J le Noury 5/8/2020) 4
Standard 2. Know the content and how to teach it
2.6 Information and Communication Technology I want to develop effective uses of ICT and only use it
(ICT) as a tool to enhance the students learning, rather than
Implement teaching strategies for using ICT to using ICT because it’s there and easy to put in a lesson.
expand curriculum learning opportunities for students Firstly, I will research and attend PD’s to understand
the benefits and negatives of ICT. Then when creating
lessons, I will use the research and the Victorian
Curriculum to implement effective uses of ICT into
the classroom to expand learning and development of
students. My long term goal is to increase my
understanding of how I use ICT in a beneficial way
and only when necessary. The timeframe is in the first
term, however each week or two I can start
implementing my new teaching strategies.
Plan of action- how I will achieve my goals Relevant support networks and resources
Goal 1.5 – Reading current research relating to Working with companies like ‘Raising Children’
cognitive disabilities. Discuss ideas and other https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/school-
assistance from colleagues. learning/learning-
Timeframe: 3 weeks. difficulties/dyslexia?gclid=CjwKCAjwgZuDBhBTE
iwAXNofRGD3qgfNfkXpeZJ90WYnrxUhIfQH4bD
4GwKMUj1WewLXO8nwo5aPdxoC55EQAvD_BwE
Updated AT1 Professional Learning Plan /Research Essay Master March 2020. Elke Gunn ACU FEA Ballarat (adapted by J le Noury 5/8/2020) 6
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: Standard 3,4 &5
3.4 Select and use resources I want to have a range of resources that will cater for
Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, all abilities and needs. I want to learn how different
including ICT, that engage students in their learning. resources will help different people and how I can
implement them into all the lessons. I want to learn
more hands-on activities that will involve resources. I
will watch read academic pieces and educational
websites that discuss the value of resources and
engage in my professional learning communities to
see what resources are available. My goal will be
gathering more valuable resources and implementing
them into my lessons. This will be achieved in four
weeks, however the collection of resources will be
continuous.
3.5 Use effective classroom communication
Demonstrate a range of verbal and non-verbal
communication strategies to support student
engagement.
3.7 Engage parents/carers in the educative Parents/carers is an area I want to improve on. I want
process to develop multiple communicative strategies that are
Describe a broad range of strategies for involving effective. Further, I want to learn about all the different
parents/carers in the educative process. times parents should be notified. I will communicate
with my colleagues to gauge what techniques and
strategies they use and what appropriate things they
communicate to parents/carers. I will also ask
parents/carers at the beginning of the year what they
expect from me and what form of communication they
prefer, to further my professional knowledge. I will do
this before the commencement of the term 1, in 2
weeks.
Updated AT1 Professional Learning Plan /Research Essay Master March 2020. Elke Gunn ACU FEA Ballarat (adapted by J le Noury 5/8/2020) 7
Standard 4. Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments
GRADUATE Goals to improve professional knowledge- (you
AITSL FOCUS AREA and DESCRIPTORS may have 2 to 3)
4.1 Support student participation My goal is to have specific strategies for student
Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation in all areas of ability. For instance, I will
participation and engagement in classroom activities. have a list of strategies that accommodate for students
that are more reserved, students who have disabilities
or impairments and students who are from diverse
backgrounds/EAL/D. I will do this by researching and
attending professional development courses. From
researching, my long term goal is creating
opportunities for all students to participate. The
timeframe will be more long term around half the year,
however, smaller goals will be every two weeks,
which would include at least two strategies every time
for an inclusive learning environment to occur.
4.2 Manage classroom activities
Demonstrate the capacity to organise classroom
activities and provide clear directions.
Updated AT1 Professional Learning Plan /Research Essay Master March 2020. Elke Gunn ACU FEA Ballarat (adapted by J le Noury 5/8/2020) 8
Standard 5. Assess, provide feedback and report on student learning
GRADUATE Goals to improve professional knowledge- (you
AITSL FOCUS AREA and DESCRIPTORS may have 2 to 3)
5.1 Assess student learning I want to learn more about the differences between
Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, formative and summative approaches and how I am
including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative able to apply them into the classroom. I will discuss
and summative approaches to assess student learning. with previous educators and mentors that I have met
along the way to show me some examples and
techniques. My goal is to develop an understanding of
this form of assessments and provide a quality learning
environment as a result. This should be able to be
achieved in 4 weeks.
5.2 Provide Feedback to students on their I want to learn how to give constructive feedback to
learning students and feedback that is appropriate for future
Demonstrate and understanding of the purpose of tasks. I will go through textbooks that talk about
providing timely and appropriate feedback to providing valuable feedback and how it’s important
students about their learning. for it to be efficient as well. I would give this 3 weeks
to accumulate ways in which would help me give
helpful feedback to students work.
5.3 Make consistent and comparable judgements
Demonstrate understanding of assessment
moderation and its application to support consistent
and comparable judgements of student learning.
Plan of action- how I will achieve Relevant support networks and resources
my goals
Goal 3.4 – viewing educational websites and Department of Education and Training
texts that discusses resources https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/classrooms/
Timeframe: 4 weeks. Pages/resources.aspx
Goal 4.3 – attend PD’s and view videos to Professional development course:
show how to manage challenging behaviours - Behaviour Management for New and Beginning
like misbehaving students. Teachers
Timeframe: 1 term. First 3 weeks, have a o 17/05/21
few strategies. o 9:30-3:00
o Victoria
o $225
Educational video about how to talk to problematic students
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFagQ7sTTos
Goal 5.1 - Discussing goals with colleagues Constantly revising and changing my notes and strategies to
and/or previous educators and mentors to keep up to date.
assist.
Timeframe: 4 weeks
Updated AT1 Professional Learning Plan /Research Essay Master March 2020. Elke Gunn ACU FEA Ballarat (adapted by J le Noury 5/8/2020) 10
PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENT: Standard 6 & 7
Standard 6. Engage in professional learning
GRADUATE Goals to improve professional knowledge- (you
AITSL FOCUS AREA and DESCRIPTORS may have 2 to 3)
6.1 Identify and plan professional learning needs
Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in
identifying professional learning needs.
6.2 Engage in professional learning and improve I want to gain knowledge about professional learning
practice and development to help improve my practice in the
Understand the relevant and appropriate sources of future. I will do this by listening to educational
professional learning for teachers. podcasts which will give me many different
techniques and strategies to use in my classroom and
also how I can further develop my skills. My overall
goal is to increase my knowledge and understanding
in all aspects professionally, which will help improve
my practice. The timeframe is ongoing, as there is
always new information coming about and I can
continually be developing my expertise.
6.3 Engage with colleagues and improve practice
Seek and apply constructive feedback from
supervisors and teachers to improve teaching
practice.
Standard 7.
Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community
GRADUATE Goals to improve professional knowledge- (you
AITSL FOCUS AREA and DESCRIPTORS may have 2 to 3)
7.1 Meet professional ethics and responsibilities I aim to increase my understanding of the code of
Understand and apply the key principles described in ethics and conduct, and ensure students at all times are
codes of ethics and conduct for the teaching taught in an ethical way. I will achieve this by reading
profession. over the Code of Ethics statement and taking notes of
the current pedagogical research. I will continue to go
back to these statements and principles when working
professionally and apply them into the teaching
profession. This should be done in a week and at the
beginning of the year.
7.2 Comply with legislative, administrative and
organisational requirements
Understand the relevant legislative, administrative
and organisational policies and processes required for
teachers according to school stage.
Updated AT1 Professional Learning Plan /Research Essay Master March 2020. Elke Gunn ACU FEA Ballarat (adapted by J le Noury 5/8/2020) 11
7.3 Engage with the parents/carers
Understand strategies for working effectively,
sensitively and confidentially with parents/carers.
Plan of action- how you will achieve your Relevant support networks and resources
goals
Goal 6.2 – listening to educational podcasts to keep Podcasts
up to date with current ideologies. - Teachers on teaching (Paul Tritter)
Timeframe: Continuous throughout my teaching - Free teacher PD (SimpleK12.com)
career.
Updated AT1 Professional Learning Plan /Research Essay Master March 2020. Elke Gunn ACU FEA Ballarat (adapted by J le Noury 5/8/2020) 12
References
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. [AITSL]. (2017). Australian Professional Standards
for Teachers. https://www.aitsl.edu.au/teach/standards
Benmarrakchi, F., Kafi, J., Elhore, A., & Haie, S. (2017). Exploring the use of the ICT in supporting dyslexic
students’ preferred learning styles : A preliminary evaluation. Education and Information Technologies,
22(6), 2939-2957. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-016-9551-4
Chang-Seo, A. J. (2018). The Importance of Teacher Development: Investigating Teacher Experiences and
Perspectives in Professional Learning Communities. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.
Dinham, S. (2008). In How to Get Your School Moving and Improving: An Evidence-based Approach. ACER
Press.
Hébert, T. P., Corcoran, J. A., Coté,, J. M., Ene, M. C., Leighton, E. A., Holmes, A. M., & Padula, D. D.
(2014). It’s Safe to Be Smart. Gifted Child Today Magazine, 37(2), 95–101.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1076217514520966
Keay, J. K., & Lloyd, C. M. (2011). Linking Children’s Learning with Professional Learning: Impact, Evidence
and Inclusive Practice. SensePublishers.
Lambent Productions. (2006). Communicating with Parents. [Video/DVD] Teachers TV/UK Department of
Education. https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/communicating-with-parents-2
Lucero, L. (2012). Creating a safe learning environment for all students: Teaching strategies for helping
defiant and physically aggressive students succeed. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.
Wake, G, Swan, M , & Foster, C. (2016). Professional learning through the collaborative design of problem-
solving lessons. Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education, 19(2), 243–260.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10857-015-9332-9
Woollacott, L., Booth, S., & Cameron, A. (2014). Knowing your students in large diverse classes: a
phenomenographic case study. Higher Education, 67, 747-760. https://doi-
org.ezproxy1.acu.edu.au/10.1007/s10734-013-9664-2
Zimmerman, J. A. (2011). Principals Preparing For Change: The Importance Of Reflection And Professional
Learning. American Secondary Education, 39(2), 107–114.
https://search.proquest.com/docview/865921400?pq-origsite=primo&accountid=8194
Updated AT1 Professional Learning Plan /Research Essay Master March 2020. Elke Gunn ACU FEA Ballarat (adapted by J le Noury 5/8/2020) 13