Embarking on an Education Adventure
My name is Deborah (Deb) Cranston. I am down to earth but professional. I have worked as a Manager and Accountant for 20 years, and now I am beginning a new adventure as a secondary school educator in Mathematics and Business and Accounting. I am a passionate life-long learner, and I am looking forward to supporting students to find joy in understanding.
I have always been fascinated by how differently humans learn. How is it that at times we just get something and at other times it is like wading through mud? What makes it click? What doesn’t? Why did it work so well with one group of year tens but not with another? Teaching is the most fascinating profession, and I do not think I will ever stop being amazed and motivated by how intricate and challenging it is.
Though I have much to learn, in my practicum experience to date I have resonated most strongly with inquiry-based learning pedagogy. I really enjoy the idea of content being delivered in a way that supports students to unearth their own “get it” moment and this is what I endeavour to master mind in the way I plan and deliver lessons.
I believe it is really important to demonstrate you like the students. This extends to communication with parents. It is in my nature to focus on the positives and though I understand this does not solve all behavioural problems, I believe it paves a good foundation for handling tough conversations when they do arise. I also believe the ten essential skills for classroom management, which my previous practicum experiences have focused on, are an excellent starting point for all teachers but are particularly helpful for initial teachers to begin to develop a repertoire of classroom management skills from which to grow.
In maintaining this portfolio, I’m excited to embark on a journey into the wonderful world of educating and to share and reflect on artefacts as I develop teaching skills and professional learning. I have created a matrix of evidence links, sorted by APST to help me identify areas that require additional professional development. To access my matrix, click on the link below.