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Standard 6: Engage in professional learning

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.
AITSL is committed to improving Australias educational outcomes by
leading and influencing improvement in teaching and school leadership.
Teachers share a significant responsibility in preparing young people to
lead successful and productive lives. The Australian Professional
Standards for Teachers reflect and build on national and international
evidence that a teacher's effectiveness has a powerful impact on
students,1 with a broad consensus that teacher quality is the single-most
important in-school factor influencing student achievement.2 Effective
teachers can be a source of inspiration and, equally importantly, provide a
dependable and consistent influence on young people as they make
choices about further education, work and life (Vertigan, 2014).
6.2 Engage in professional learning and improve practice:
Understand the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning
for teachers.
In todays society, teachers have access to endless sources and
information to foster professional learning. Some are listed below:

Mandatory training such as code of conduct, code of ethics,


asbestos training
The principal has access and opportunity to distribute selected
readings to staff from the head office.
University courses
AITSL Teacher Toolkit
Professional development, such as tutes and workshops are always
available in schools for teachers to extend their professional
knowledge in areas of interest and need. There are often a lot
available on One School.
Class observation-Teachers can arrange to visit another teachers
class to make observations to improve their practice
Professional conversations

6.3 Engage with colleagues and improve practice: Seek and apply
constructive feedback from supervisors and teachers to improve teaching
practices.
This standard is achieved through working and planning collaboratively
with my colleagues to broaden and revise my ideas and extend my
professional knowledge of effective teaching strategies and practices. I

also attend any professional development opportunities that I have access


to.
6.4 Apply professional learning and improve student learning:
Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continued professional
learning and the implications for improved student learning.
Research consistently highlights that the quality of teachers plays a key
role in student achievement. (Ferguson & Ladd) Engaging teachers in high
quality professional learning is the most successful way to improve
teacher effectiveness (Elmore & Burney, 1997)
(rebeccawilmot.weebly.com)
A school with an effective professional learning culture has high
expectations that there needs to be transference.
Teachers can contribute to effective transference if they:
Consider professional learning to be an opportunity to share new
knowledge with others.
Make an effort to ensure that the professional learning leads to
change in their teaching practices
Are supported to introduce improved teaching practices into their
own classes
Are held accountable for improved teaching practices within their
class
Are encouraged and supported to assist other teachers in the school
to understand and take up the improved teaching practices.
(Peter Cole 2012)

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