TTQ

QS NG
A GUIDE FOR STUDENT TEACHER REFLECTION
Professional
LEARNING
TOOL

TTQ
QS
Rationale
l
ACCORDING TO the Alberta Teachers’ Association, “Teacher professional growth
means the career-long learning process whereby a teacher annually develops and
implements a plan to achieve professional learning objectives or goals that are
consistent with the Teaching Quality Standard.” To begin the process of professional
growth during pre-service teacher education, the following tool has been developed
as a guide. The tool should be used to promote reflection on student teacher practices
related to each of the Teaching Quality Standard competencies and their influence on
student learning experiences. This reflection should then lead into the development
of an inquiry question(s) and the identification of a professional goal(s) and the
related process that will be undertaken to achieve the goal. The tool has been
designed to be a working document that student teachers can use throughout all
professional semesters of the program. In other words, the tool will be used across
semesters to reflect upon growth in relation to each of the TQS competencies and to
track the evolution of professional learning for the individual.

The Alberta Teachers’ Association (2018). The Revised Teaching Quality Standard:
1

Building Awareness and Professional Capacity, p. 27.

2 Professional Learning Tool
Professional
LEARNING
TOOL
Keyy components
of the professional learning tool

1 Links to Teaching Quality Standard and student learning – To enhance the

meaningfulness of professional learning, reflection on the Teaching Quality Standard
and student learning are embedded features

2 Provides an inquiry-based approach – Professional learning is grounded in curiosity and

P
th
he teacher’s desire to explore their professional practice

3 Promotes dialogue amongst colleagues related to professional learning

P

How to use the tool

1 Reflect upon each of the competencies related to the Teaching Quality Standard and how
you have attended to these in your practices (Note: The Teaching Quality Standard
document includes numerous examples of how each competency may be achieved).
Use the ATA online tool at www.abselfreflectiontool.com to begin reflecting upon your
confidence level in relation to each of the competencies in the Teaching Quality
Standard. Then, reflect upon your specific achievement of each compentency using
this tool. List the manner in which competencies have been demonstrated in the left col-
umn titled “Student Teacher Practice” and then highlight how those practices influence
student learning experiences in the right column. Use a different
ff colour pen during each
professional semester to track changes over time.

2 Use the reflection to identify an area for inquiry/ goal related to your teaching practice.
U
Then complete the remainder of the Planning for Learning guide by identifying
Th
strategies, supports needed, evidence of successful achievement of the goal and a
timeline for its completion.

3 SSh
hare your work with this document with your Teacher Associate and University
Consultant during practicum.
C

4 When completing PSIII, consider school goals and other school initiatives prior to
W
id
dentifying your professional learning goals.

Faculty of Educaiton 3
TTQ
R
QS e Teaching Quality Standard

1 A teacher builds positive and productive relationships with students, parent/guardians, peers
and others in the school and local community to support student learning

Student Teacher Practices Influence on Student Learning Experience

Reading with students at any chance - D.E.A.R,
at the beginning of each lesson, before school,
etc.
This has been a great relationship building tool.
It allows me to learn more about my students,
their interests, and their humour. It also alows
me to spend time with individual and small
groups of students.

***Attending student sporting events outside of Letting students know that I care about them
school. beyond their academics is a really big part of
my teaching philosophy. It allows me to build
meaningful connections with my students,
which in turn allows me to better understand
their needs in the classroom

Students love to see their teachers being

*** Participating in extracurricular activities such
as the Clash of Titans Teachers vs. Students
volleyball tournament
human and having fun. Taking the time to play
and engage with students and coworkers in a
non-academic atmosphere encourages deep
and meaningful relationships to form. It also
models to students how to have fun and let
loose when given the opportunity.

4 Professional Learning Tool

TTQ
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QS e Teaching Quality Standard
2 A teacher engages in career-long professional learning and ongoing critical reflection to im-
prove teaching and learning
p
Student Teacher Practices
Accepting feedback is something I take very
seriously, as I believe that a teachers greatest
assets are the brilliant minds surrounding them.
Based on feedback from TA’s and UC’s, this is
something that comes naturally to me.
**Working and communicating with my grade
team constantly in order to better meet the
needs of my students
***Observing other teachers in my school.
Influence on Student Learning Experience
Students are able to see that their teacher is
learning and making mistakes alongside them.
This works to create a welcoming and inclusive
classroom environment.
This helps me to identify student needs to the
best of my ability. Students are also made
aware of this communication, which shows
them how much we care as their teachers.
By observing other classes in the school, not only
does it improve my relationships with other teachers,
but it gives me more strategies and ideas to
implement into my own teaching. I believe that the
brilliant minds of my coworkers are some of my best
resources as a student teacher, and by taking the time
to observe other teaching practices, my own classes
will become more engaging and effective.
Faculty of Educaiton 5
TTQ
R
QS e Teaching Quality Standard

3a teacher applies a current and comprehensive repertoire of effective planning

practices to meet the learning needs of every student
Student Teacher Practices Influence on Student Learning Experience
I ensure that all of my lesson plans are detailed Students always know what is expected of them
and include differentiation. Based on feedback and what is to come in class. I ensure to have a
from TA’s and UC’s, this is one of my strengths structured class format so that students know
as an educator. what to expect on a daily basis.

*** Adjusting plans as I go is a skill I have been
developing throughout all of my practicum
experiences. Constantly trying new strategies to
address behaviour is something I have done
weekly in PS3.
My willingness to adjust and try new things has
resulted in each of my classes having their
specific needs met more efficiently. For
example, one of my classes needs a seating
plan whereas the rest learn better when they
get to choose their seats.

6 Professional Learning Tool

TTQ
R
QS e Teaching Quality Standard
3 teacher applies a current and comprehensive repertoi e of effective
practices to meet the learning needs of every student
Student Teacher Practices
Switching, when possible, from pencil to paper
learning, to a more hands on learning
approach.
***When possible, my students can choose
between writing by hand, typing on a laptop, or
speaking out loud.
****- Incorporating the appropriate use of digital
technology into lessons. For example, using Google
Maps to examine the physical geography of the
traditional Indigenous lands we have been studying.
Another example is using our ViewSonic board for
vocabulary games such as Pictionary.
Influence on Student Learning Experience
Students connect more to their learning this
way. When they get to use their hands, it builds
a social emotional connection that a pencil to
paper activity cannot do for some students.
This is a strategy that helps meet the learning
needs of every student. When hand writing is
not necessary for students to show their
learning, I find it benefitial to allow students to
show their learning in whichever way they are
most comfortable with.
Digital technology is an engaging strategy that
students often enjoy. Incorporating technology into
lessons is an important way to encourage students to
become comfortable using digital technology out in
the world. It also provides rich learning experiences
that students would not have access to without the
use of modern digital technology.
Faculty of Educaiton 7
TTQ
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QS e Teaching Quality Standard
3 teacher applies a current and comprehensive repertoire of effective
practices to meet the learning needs of every student
Student Teacher Practices
By using Google Classroom as much as
possible, this allows all students to access their
school work, regardless of their school
attendence or literacy abilities.
**Giving students some sort of choice in their
assessments.
***Providing prompt and personal feedback on
student learning after summative assessments.
After our first larger summative assessment, I
held a class period dedicated to “office hours.”
During this time, I met with each student
individually and we discussed their recent
assessment mark, their current grade in my
class, and any ways that we can work together
to see success in the class.
8 Professional Learning Tool
Influence on Student Learning Experience
Students who struggle with reading and writing
have been able to use tools such as speech to
text and electronic readers in order to complete
assessments and be successful in class. It also
allows students who may be having COVID
related attendence problems to still feel
included in class and work on classwork as
needed.
By allowing students to have some sort of
choice when it comes to how they are
assessed, it allows them to have ownership
over their learning and play on their strengths.
Providing feedback in a timely and personal
way benefits all students by easing nerves,
aiding in focus, and increasing effectiveness
of the feedback. This type of face-to-face
connection can aid in relationship building,
while showing the students that you are there
to help them see whatever success looks like
to them. After this class period, I saw an
increase in students retaking assessments, and
an overall increase in grades.
TTQ
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QS e Teaching Quality Standard

4 A teacher establishes, promotes and sustains inclusive learning environments where diversity
is embraced and every student is welcomed, cared for, respected and safe
Student Teacher Practices Influence on Student Learning Experience
Differentiated assessments has allowed all my All students are able to engage with and
students to be set up for success in the complete assignments successfully and
classroom. accurately.

**I have a zero bully tolerance rule in my
classroom that is strictly enforced from day one.
This means that any comment, attitude, or
action that could be seen as bullying behaviour
is dealt with immediately through 1-on-1
conversations and administration guidance if
necessary.
My students are made well aware of this rule
starting on their first day in my class. This
shows my students that my room is a safe
place, and promotes an inclusive learning
environment for everyone.

****Hosting a lunch group in my classroom once - I began this practice just to build stronger
a week. relationships with some of my grade 7 girls who
were experiencing some difficult situations in
their personal lives. It has resulted in so many
of my students building new friendships with
peers that they may not have interacted with
much before. Our lunch meetings have become
a safe place to express ourselves, and chat
about some of the challenges that we are all
going through.

Faculty of Educaiton 9
TTQ
R
QS e Teaching Quality Standard
5 A teacher develops and applies foundational knowledge about First Nations, Metis and Inuit
ffor the benefit of all students
Student Teacher Practices
Sharing Circle - I introduced the traditional
Indigenous sharing circle to my grade one
class.
Discussing complicated topics such as the
legacy of John A. Macdonald in a critical way.
***Using literature created by Indigenous
authors and artists in the classroom often.
10 Professional Learning Tool
Influence on Student Learning Experience
The students loved having their own special
time to share their thoughts and feelings in a
safe space. It enriched our classroom culture
while educating the class on an Indigenous
tradition.
Almost all of my students were able to comment
on the lesson where we discussed the legacy of
John A. Macdonald in their final exam. This
shows me how important it is to have these
conversations.
This is an effective way that I can bring
Indigenous voices in my classroom. It gives
students a more personable view of the
Indigenous perspective, while introducing them
to creators and characters that Indigenous
students can see themselves in.
TTQ
R
QS e Teaching Quality Standard
6 A teacher demonstrates an understanding of and adherence to the legal frameworks and poli-
ccies that provide the foundations for the Alberta education system
Student Teacher Practices
Being informed and up to date on COVID
protocols in my classroom is something I take
very seriously.
** I engage in practices consistent with policies
and procedures established by my school
jurisdiction or school authority as they relate to
my teaching responsibility.
**Actively participating in individual creating IPP
goals, and IPP meetings.
****Being aware of my school division’s
Education Plan.
Influence on Student Learning Experience
Students are able to feel safe knowing that their
teacher is knowledgable about safety protocols.
Being consistent on school policies such as
dress code and cell phone rules, is extremely
important for all staff members. Students thrive
on having consistent boundaries to follow, and it
is important for all staff members of a school to
be on the same page to ensure clear and
consistent expectations are provided at all
times.
IPP’s are designed to help all students succeed
in our education system. By participating in the
development of IPP goals, as well as attending
IPP meetings with the student’s guardians and
other teachers, students are given more
opportunities to succeed in school. Having a
solid relationship between students and their
families and the school team, student learning
experiences are enhanced.
By ensuring I have taken the time to go
through the Education Plan of the division I am
working in, there is an increase in consistency
when it comes to broad learning goals. If the
division has a goal to get all students at reading
level, then it is my responsibility working in the
division to assist in achieving that goal by
incorporating appropriate strategies into my
classroom.
Faculty of Educaiton 11
 PLANNINGfor
Planning FORLearning
LEARNING- PSI
PSI
Related Resources/ Evidence of
TQS Strategies Support Required Success Timeline
Inquiry Question:
How can an increase Demon Be creative Feedback and More engaging and Re-assess
in unconventional strating while planning advice from TA, memorable lessons. daily for
learning impact the a lessons. UC, and the last 2
classroom professi students. weeks of
environment? onal practicum
Establi Take advantage Showcasing Continue
shing of all adaptability in working
inclusiv opportunities to situations that don’t at it for
e practice necessarily go the remainde
learnin unconventional way I had planned. r of

Goal: Demonstrate a Positive feedback

Try new things in growth mindset from my TA and UC.
lessons that will make when it comes to
learning more trying new
memorable and hands things in the

Planning for Learning - PSI

Related Resources/ Evidence of
Inquiry Question: TQS Strategies Support Required Success Timeline

How can teaching Demon Reflect on each Assessment Increase in student Re-assess
become more effective strating lesson, paying strategies/tools understanding of daily for
by using assessment a attention to areas that are curriculum. the last 2
data to adapt teaching? professi that should be appropriate for weeks of
onal re-visited. the grade level practicum.
Establis Look back on Feedback and Direct evidence that
hing previous advice from TA lessons are based on
inclusiv reflections and UC. previous feedback.
e before planning
learning
Goal: Pull individual Positive feedback
Modifies and adapts or groups of from TA and UC.
teaching based on students in order
assessment data (e.g. to revisit ideas
employs alternative they didn’t fully

12 Professional Learning Tool

 REFLECTING ON LEARNING PSI
How can an increase in unconventional learning impact the classroom environment?
Inquiry Question:

Towards the end of my
practicum, more of my
lessons did not contain
worksheets, and instead had
hands on learning strategies.
I attempted a class outside
and had great success with it.
I’m learning ways to Taking learning outside more
incorporate fun brain/ is a way to address this goal
movement breaks into my in the future.
lessons.
Practicing formative
assessment that is based on
the hands on activities
students are doing rather
than just the things they hand
in.

I have found that it is so important to allow students to play and socialize throughout the learning
process. By inorporating unconventional ways of learning into the classroom, students are able
to learn together which builds a strong classroom community, and benefits a majority of learners
as well.

Inquiry Question: How can teaching become more effective by using assessment data to adapt

I am beginning to recognize Making time to revisit topics It is important in the future for
quickly through my with the students that need it, me to include extra
assessments which students while accomodating the intervention time into my
need extra intervention. students who are ready to lesson plans in order to
move on. create that time.
I am finding which forms of
assessment work best for
me, and how to adapt those
to work best for my students.

It is so easy to see that one or two students are struggling but to notice the rest of the class
doing well, and moving on from a topic anyways. When the time is taken to revisit the topics with
students who would benefit from it, relationships become stronger and curriculum goals are hit
more successfully.

Faculty of Educaiton 13
 PLANNINGfor
Planning FORLearning
LEARNING- PSI
PSII
Related Resources/ Evidence of
TQS Strategies Support Required Success Timeline
Inquiry Question:
How can student 4. Be creative Feedback and More engaging and Re-assess
learning become Establis while planning advice from TA memorable lessons daily for
more effective hing lessons. and UC. for all students. the
through inclusiv remainde
differentiation? e r of
3. Consider all Being prepared in
Demon learning levels situations where
strate a and speeds differentiation is
professi when planning needed.
onal
Goal: Attempt Positive feedback
Use differentiation to different from my TA and
reach every student differentiation UC.
and benefit their strategies in
order to find

Planning for Learning - PSI

Related Resources/ Evidence of
TQS Strategies Support Required Success Timeline
Inquiry Question:
How can student 3. Reflect on each Assessment Increase in student Re-assess
learning become Demon lesson, paying strategies/tools understanding of daily for
more effective by strating attention to that are curriculum. the
using hands on a areas that appropriate for remainde
learning strategies? professi should be re- the grade level r of
4. Look back on Feedback and Direct evidence
Establis previous advice from TA that lessons are
hing reflections and UC. based on previous
inclusiv before planning feedback.
e
Goal: 5. Pull individual Positive feedback
Modifies and adapts Applying or groups of from TA and UC.
teaching to Foundati students in
incorporate more onal order to revisit
hands on learning Knowled
ideas they

14 Professional Learning Tool

 REFLECTING ON LEARNING PSII
How can student learning become more effective through differentiation?
Inquiry Question:

I began using EdPuzzle as a
fast finisher tool during social
studies. This has allowed
those students to get a
greater understanding of
topics, and practice
independent work.
Creating assessments that Plan for differentiation first
set up all my students for and use group work to ensure
success, and building all students are keeping up.
differentiation into those
assessments instead of
adding it on after.

Producing a modified chapter exam for a predetermined list of my students was a practice
learned from my TA that I will most definitely take with me into my teaching career. I was able to
experience how the students benefit when they are set up for success in advance.

Inquiry Question: How can student learning become more effective by using hands on

I have been incorporating In subjects such as social Hands-on learning activities

more hands on learning
strategies into my classroom.
Examples of this are sharing
circles, and mini on-the-spot
debates.
studies and language arts, it
is easy to feel the need to
stick to reading and writing
types of activities. I want to
continue being more creative
with my lessons to
incorporate hands on learning
experiences.
make class much more
memorable. Asking
experienced teachers for
ideas is a great strategy, as
they have tried out different
things and know what works.

After marking my students social studies chapter test, it is evident that the hands-on learning
activities that we did do throughout my practicum made a lasting impact on all my students.
Almost all of them referred to things that we learned or talked about during our sharing circle
lesson on their exam.

Faculty of Educaiton 15
 PLANNING FOR LEARNING PSIII
Get every student reading at grade level.
Inquiry Question:
How can student
comprehension skills
improve through
effective planning and
instruction?
Goal:
Improve
comprehension
levels of the grade
Inquiry Question:
How can I better
understand how to
differentiate my planning
to better meet the needs
of all students?
Goal:
I will seek out resources to
improve my knowledge and
ability to differentiate my
planning.
16 Professional Learning Tool
3a Communicate with Current Improved Aug 30-
the ELA team in comprehension comprehension scores Dec 17
order to gauge on literacy testing done
scores.
comprehension by ELA teachers.
levels.
Incorporate Diverse and Improved results
comprehension engaging on comprehension-
activities into
literature (ex. based assignments.
weekly plans.
picture books,
news articles)
4 Discuss “Differentiation in Increasing number Aug 30-
Middle and High
differentiation with of students Dec 17
School: Strategies to
the teachers in my Engage All Learners” by participating and
school in order to K. Doubet and L. engaged in class
gain new ideas Hockett.
Read 2 resources about ”A Differentiated I will have new
differentiation Approach to the
ideas and
Common Core: How do
strategies to add to
I Help a Broad Range
of Learners Succeed my differentiation
with Challenging
plans.
Curriculum?” Tomilson
 REFLECTING ON LEARNING PSIII
How can student comprehension skills improve through effective planning
Inquiry Question: and instruction?

Better scores overall on the In order to provide Implementing a solid

midway comprehension
assessment.
Increased engagement in
class on a daily basis.
scaffolding, we have moved procedure for discussions
from mainly picture books to around literature would be
a novel study. beneficial going forward.
Increasing the amount of
formative comprehension
assessments to better track
progress.

How can I better understand how to differentiate my planning to better

Inquiry Question: meet the needs of all my students?

Completion of the first I am currently reading the Ensuring that I continue to

resource, and a good start on
the second one.
New strategies and ideas to
implement into my daily
classroom routine.
second resource I chose to plan for my most excelled
explore on differentiation. students, and scaffolding and
differentiating so that all
Continous progress on students are engaged.
ensuring all students can do
the same projects, but with
adequate support to do so.

Faculty of Educaiton 17
 NAME:

Fostering
Effective
Relationships

Adhering Engaging in
to Legal Career-Long
Frameworks Learning

QUALITY
TEACHING
in
ALBERTA
Applying
First Nations, Demonstrating
Métis and Inuit Professional
Knowledge Knowledge

Establishing
Inclusive
Learning
Environments