Jessika Malouf

BRITE: Building Resilience In Teacher Education

AITSL Standards: 3.5; 3.6; 3.7; 4; 6; 7;

Links to the toolkit I compiled as I went through modules:

Module B AITSL 4; 6:
https://www.brite.edu.au/brite/toolkit#fndtn-B

Module R AITSL 7.3; 7.4; 3.7:

https://www.brite.edu.au/brite/toolkit#fndtn-R

Module I AITSL 6.1; 4.2 :

https://www.brite.edu.au/brite/toolkit#fndtn-i

Module T AITSL 6; 7; 3.5; 3.6; 3.7

https://www.brite.edu.au/brite/toolkit#fndtn-T

Module E AITSL 4 :
https://www.brite.edu.au/brite/toolkit#fndtn-E

I really enjoyed doing the Brite modules. They reinforce readings, topics and
tasks covered in the EDN5501 unit and offer handy, experience-based and
practical tips. They contain a wealth of information around teaching not only in
terms of content, but also in additional resources, links, videos and references to
the AITSL and ACARA. They are very easy to follow and work in a stepwise and
systematic process with plenty of examples and scenarios to support learning.
Not only do modules support all that was learnt throughout the unit but also
enhance knowledge and put everything together coherently.

I will attempt to describe the effectiveness of the Brite modules by reflecting on

some of the modules, with strong emphasis on Module T, as I took away a lot of
helpful tools and was inspired by the videos provided.

I enjoyed doing module T, taking initiative, the most. Teaching isnt about
perfection, its about reflection (Teacher Feature AITSL, 14 March, 2012
https://youtu.be/r9jFKh_NlAA). Module T emphasized the importance of
problem solving like a detective and a scientist. With that I reflect on my chosen
CODA picture, rule 5 Experiment, Experiment, Experiment backed up by a
picture of a science conducting an experiment. Teaching itself is a learning
experience.
Module T contained valuable tips for the classroom, from teaching techniques to
classroom management. I was able to draw on my experience with the children
at the practicum where I tried to observe behaviours and learning styles to help
with my lesson planning. Some of these tips included having plan B to address
activities or student groupings, a bag of tricks to create distractions, and
continuous self evaluation of lessons and readings for improvement. There was
a strong emphasis on seeking collegial assistance and ongoing professional
development. A video resource from St Pauls School in QLD provides examples
how teaching is assessed and feedback provided for teacher assistance.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g58uuc9wE10&feature=youtu.be)

The other positive about the T module is highlighting the importance of ongoing
professional learning, assertive communication and goal setting. The video
highlighting St Pauls Schools (QLD) approach to learning and teacher feedback
highlights importance of support and ongoing feedback to the teacher
(https://youtu.be/g58uuc9wE10). This also touches on the importance of
collegial collaboration. On goal setting, the acronym SMART (specific,
measurable, attainable, realistic and timely) clearly describes what constitutes
effective goal settings, and the video entitled One Step at a Time encourages
patience and systemic approach, emphasizing that goal attainment is a journey
made up by one step at a time. (Cartooning Genius, 14 January 2013
https://youtu.be/8cCiqbSJ9fg). Its a great illustration to take into account in all
aspects of life and relates to my CODA rule 1, start small, which explains that
teaching is a journey and stamina builds up as you go.
An inspiring true story, Hawas story, highlights the importance of teachers
commitment to students and helping them develop a learning goal.
(https://youtu.be/_IdyEJ6q3l8). Hawa had lost her parents as a child and
migrated from Somalia. She was shy, scared and withdrawn at school and
couldnt speak English. Her teacher recognized her love for singing and taught
her simple lullabies. In no time, her vocabulary grew and her English got better.
Hawa made it to university and graduated with a Bachelors Degree. Hawa
commented how her teacher filled the void of missing her mother and was
nurturing, helping her reach her goal. What an incredible example this is of the
effect of teachers have on students emotions, learning and ambitions!

Module B- Building resilience is at the core of a successful teaching career. The

actual classroom is the only constant in the teaching area but within it, so many
variables exist and an effective teacher needs to successfully deal with those.
With so many people and factors involved such as students, colleagues and
parents, departments, governing bodies, actual teaching content, teacher
responsibilities, constant changes to curriculum and social scenes, it is no
wonder that resilience is vital. It is defined as the capacity to cope with change
and challenge, bounce back during difficult times. (Cahill 2005, p.9). The
module provides tips on how to help build resilience in students themselves.

Even though the first module is about building resilience, the other modules also
instil that character. They encourage building resilience every step of the way
and make reference to previous modules, drawing correlations and emphasizing
learning.
Module R- Relationships are all about creating and maintaining strong and
positive network with colleagues, parents, students and principals. It goes
through strategies and practical ways to maintain networks and how to best
utilize your support team. It also warns you about venting on online platforms
and the misuse of social media. It is absolutely crucial that students and their
affairs are shielded from public view.

Module I on wellbeing provides straightforward tools on how to look after

yourself physically by getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, having time out
with friends, exercising, and eating well. It also emphasizes the importance of
mental health and creating a fulfilling and meaningful life as teachers mental
health influences the classroom. The video by Professor Helen Cahill from the
University of Melbourne (https://youtu.be/x0H-8wPp9hM) talks about the
influence that the school environment has on childrens mental health and how
mentally healthy children can learn better and achieve more. The module
encourages the teacher to focus on implementing strategies that help reduce
their stress level inside and outside the classroom, creating a work-life balance,
have good time management skills and staying motivated. Taking pleasure in
the little things in life, role playing the teacher you want to be, consciously
recognizing negative or unhelpful thoughts, and have optimistic colleagues are
some of the cognitive tools to help maintain a positive mental state.

This somewhat correlates to Module E, emotions, where teacher emotions

management and awareness are crucial in creating emotionally safe classrooms.
These are vital in supporting students cognitive learning, growth as well as
expression. The acronym RADAR (recognize, assess, dispute, add the alternative,
rehearse) is an amazing strategy to develop optimism, manage emotions and
bring it all into perspective whilst focusing on a positive outcome. It also
emphasizes how being aware of emotions gives you the chance to improve, feel
better and be a positive influencer. Physical, mental and emotional wellbeing
are correlated, and are strong influencers on the classroom emotional climate.
Responsible teachers look after themselves by adopting healthy daily practices.

In my opinion, the Brite modules are a powerful and valuable resource for
learning this unit, acquiring survival skills, becoming an effective teacher and
appreciating the diversity of the teaching career. To me, the modules represent
the Bible and mentor for the pre service teacher. They give a clear snapshot of
what teaching is about and the range of mental skills needed for success.
Content was backed up with tips, videos from teaching professionals, graduates,
pre service teachers, parents and students themselves. Although it would have
been useful to complete prior to placement, it is invaluable in building on current
knowledge and preparing the pre service teacher for the next steps. Thank you
to all involved in putting such an amazing resource together.