Teaching
quality depends on culture development
In the article ‘Teaching quality depends on
culture development’, Tony Mackay emphasizes the concept of creating a culture
within schools with the main theme of development as it provides teachers the support needed to advance professionally, further influencing their students for the best. Tony goes on
to say that “there is growing evidence that teachers thrive in a culture focused
on improving teaching to enhance student outcomes and characterized by frequent
feedback, coaching and access to high-quality professional learning.” (Mackay,
.T, 2012).
As the aims and purpose of a school is to sharpen
and enhance students’ abilities as well as creating an environment in which
leadership qualities can be created and encouraged, it is vital to seek the
main influences and motivations of both the staff as well as students in
order to actively work towards the goal of the school. “Research consistently finds that
quality teaching is the leading in-school influence on student outcomes, with
quality leadership not far behind”. (Mackay, .T, 2012). Tony further explores
the notion of an distinct culture being one of the main motivations for teachers, meaning that students will further be affected as a result of the teachers influence. The article
depicts a call for action in which a culture is created in schools supporting
teachers in their efforts to educate and teach. “ Simply, change is more likely
to occur when teachers and school leaders are operating in a culture where
learning is encouraged, nurtured and supported” (Mackay,.T,2012). Ultimately reinforcing
the pivotal importance of the support for teachers in order to effectively create a culture within
schools that actively seeks to motivate children for the better.
“Simply
put, culture shapes education and education shapes culture. So it’s absolutely
vital to understand what culture is and how it is connected to the education system
if we want to understand our students and the world of which they are a part.”(Wadham,.
Pudsy,. Boyd, 2007)
Further the article by Wadham,Pudsy & Boyd
entitled culture and education displays the importance of culture within
schools and how it shapes individuals actions and thoughts. Within the first
opening paragraph the author explains how he did not understand an individual’s
choice of clothing, although upon further examination realized that the pieces
the individual was wearing ultimately conveyed his sense of culture, from his
big buckle belt to his baggy pants. That in fact through the use of symbols he
was able to convey the culture he was a part of. Meaning that in order for
individuals to understand the way in which a school operates as well as brainstorming
ideas that will ultimately assist the students in school, one must first look at
the educators as they are a part of the school and depict the culture of a school.
Therefore culture provides the frameworks for learning in schools in terms of teacher’s
motivations, as well as a means of encouraging interpersonal interactions and
forming identity.
Hey Chanel,
ReplyDeleteGreat Post regarding the significance of teachers and the schooling institutions role in the development of culture and identity.
I completely aggree with Wadham,Pudsy & Boyd in that the school environment "shapes individuals actions and thoughts". I understand how positive culture within a school can provide positive responses from students, conversly how negative cultures within schools have negative responses from students, can schools with negative culture go under reform?
Well, i don't know, due to Wadham etal. suggesting it can influenced by teachers I suppose culture can be altered. But within situations where students are from low socio economic status or a minority group in whcih the teachers cannot identify with can positive culture and identity be formed?
I guess, the role of a teacher, as in your blog, is highly important in identity and culture within a school and can determine the ways students can respond.
Thankyou for your post, I enjoyed reading it :)