Portfolio Tasks: English & History Reflection on Teaching Practices

This portfolio presents a student's reflections on various aspects of teaching English and History, addressing key educational concepts and practices. The English section focuses on improving classroom practices through inclusion, emphasizing differentiation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, and support for students with English as an Additional Language or Dialect. It also explores the value of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in engaging students in speaking, listening, writing, and representing within the Stage 4 and 5 English curriculum, providing specific examples of ICT-focused activities. Furthermore, it discusses the importance of student engagement and outlines strategies to foster student interest. The History section examines the importance of balancing historical content, concepts, and skills in Stages 4 and 5, referencing the K-10 History syllabus. It also highlights the value of formative assessment in informing lesson planning. The tasks cover key elements of effective teaching, including cultural sensitivity, the use of technology, and assessment methods, offering practical insights for educators. The portfolio demonstrates an understanding of pedagogical principles and a commitment to creating effective and inclusive learning environments.

PORTFOLIO TASKS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ENGLISH........................................................................................................................................3
PORTFOLIO TASK -2 ...................................................................................................................3
Reflection to improve classroom practices related to aboriginal and torres...............................3
PORTFOLIO TASK 3.....................................................................................................................5
Value of ICT in stage 4 and 5 of English in order to engage students........................................5
PORTFOLIO TASK 4.....................................................................................................................6
Importance of student engagement.............................................................................................6
HISTORY........................................................................................................................................8
PORTFOLIO TASK -1....................................................................................................................8
Importance of achieving balance with regards to historical content, concepts, skills in stage of
4 and 5 history.............................................................................................................................8
PORTFOLIO TASK -2 ...................................................................................................................9
The value of formative assessment in informing lesson planning .............................................9
PORTFOLIO TASK 3...................................................................................................................10
Core topic for year 9 to 10 students..........................................................................................10
PORTFOLIO TASK -4..................................................................................................................11
Use of problem solving method model in implementation of Key learning areas....................11
The way strategy of problem solving will be utilized in stage 5 in second teaching area........11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

ENGLISH
PORTFOLIO TASK -2
Reflection to improve classroom practices related to aboriginal and torres
Principles of inclusion education can be defined as equal opportunities provided to all
students so that they can grow and learn new things (Fernando, 2019). In other words, it can be
stated that providing student open and free access to information so that they can easily learn and
get progress. Thus, it contributes in providing equal opportunities and right to education to
children without any discrimination. From my perspective, it can be reflected that there are
various practices that could be used in order to improve the classroom by abiding to principles of

inclusion. Knowing culture needs of various students is one the practices that could be used as
most of the aboriginal students tries to avoid contact with adults because it has been considered
as rude in aboriginal culture. Moreover, it has been identified that these children does not like to
answer question because of their culture and traditional. So in order to provide equal access to
education to them story need to be used thereby they can easily learn and grasp the new things
for their future growth and success.
Another inclusion principles that has to be followed while teaching aboriginal students is
that they do not think that they are under-performed or different from other students. From my
point of view, most of the teacher think that aboriginal student performance is low, so they do
not provide much attention to them so that they can get educated and learn. So, it can be stated
that they should be included in the study and learning process equally so that they can grow and
achieve higher success in future career. Principle relates that aboriginals must be aware about
their greater sense of autonomy as they have been raised by their parents or society as an
individual with a right to express or show their requirements and expectations in order to taken
them seriously by others (Parmenter, 2018). As per my perception I have evaluated that it is only
the education of qualification of an individual who change the complete scenario of looking
others even I also feel like through effective education I get to changes my thinking level
towards the aboriginals and even the way of world looked at them. It is a well-known concept
that English is secondary language for aboriginals. So according to me teachers should have
described their topics covered at the time of study in more than one way in order to make sure
that the aboriginals also able to grasp the things easily or effectively. According to my
perception, in order to ensure about their proper understanding, teachers must ensure about their
understanding level and if possible primarily describe the contents in their first language.
Another principle is to give them more chances in order to solve their problems or manage their
understanding towards the study of various topics. As per my understanding the changes given to
aboriginals should be higher than other students as they may face various behavioral problems
but it has been highly manageable if teachers give them time to properly listen and then react
accordingly after understanding the things effectively.

PORTFOLIO TASK 3
Value of ICT in stage 4 and 5 of English in order to engage students
ICT is an prolonged term for information technology that is used on a broader perspective
by everyone in order to make information available at the correct time, right place and to the
right person. ICT plays an important role in order to enhance the level of English language skills
among the students. English is one of the most important language in the process of globalization
and knowledge explosion (Randall , 2017). In order to teach and develop English language skills
among students, lot of approaches and methods has been used, however most of the procedures
are traditional and less interesting. So, in order to make them interesting, the introduction of ICT
is essential. According to my perspective ICT is highly important and plays vital role in
developing better understanding related to basic skills i.e. reading, writing, listening and
speaking of English language among the students. Due to their easy approaches, convenience,
effectiveness and being economic, ICT tools and approaches are being widely used by students
as well as teachers. The introduction of science and technology in the stream of communication
has revolutionized the whole world. Usage of modern technology tools has led to the rise in
information and communication technology. As per my understanding, information and
communication technology helps a lot of persons to get education and training at the same time
at a very low cost and it has been used worldwide in all aspects of education. My experience says
that with the usage of internet, projectors, mobile phones, email facilities, online audio and video
conferencing and new applications as well-made the teaching and learning English language
process more comfortable and attractive (Witham , 2017). The technique is highly efficient in
order to save time, money and energy. In my opinion there are some tools and applications that
helps in learning and teaching English language are: Computers: It is the most important tool of information and communication technology
as all the modern age communication are impossible without computers. It provides help
in storing, collecting, researching the data which is relevant for the topic.
 Internet: Internet is another helpful tool while communicating with others regarding
necessary informations. It has made the overall communication in very fast, convenient
and economical manner. Through internet there are various facilities taken by the
students in order to learn English language as various online learning programs and

courses are available on the internet (Grizzetti , 2019). Some of them are free while
others require registration and fees.
PORTFOLIO TASK 4
Importance of student engagement
Student engagement is an activity that has been represented by good behaviour of the
students, require their positive feelings towards learning and their positive thinking. Students
have been emotionally and behaviourally invested in each task and in order to make it efficient
the engagement of their complete focus is highly required in order to complete the tasks
appropriately (Zhou , 2018). There are certain elements which helps the teachers in order to built
understanding and generate student engagement emotionally, behaviourally and cognitively
which affects the student learning and achievements in positive manner. According to my
perspective there are various ways that will engage student interest in teaching area are: Foster a sense of ability within students: With the help of foster a sense of ability within
students. As per my perspective, effectively performing of activities helps to enhance
positively on subsequent engagement. In order to strengthen the sense of ability within
students the activities could be performed by them are up to their level of understanding
only or could be just slightly beyond their current proficiency level, give opportunities to
demonstrate understanding throughout complete project and inclusion of feedbacks
which helps students to make progress continuously. Make the knowledge meaningful and understandable: It is important for teachers or
learners to make the activities as being more meaningful so that the students are able to
grasp appropriately. If students do not find the activities efficient and appropriate and
time worthy, then they might not get that much engaged in satisfactory ways. As per my
perception, in order to engage the students efficiently the teachers have to connect the
activities through their previous understandings, experiences and knowledge in order to
highlight the value of activity in personally relevant manner. Establishment of positive relationship between teacher and student: I think in order to
make engagement of students within the learning activities efficiently, the teachers have
to built positive relationship with their students in determining student engagement in

activity (Shacklock , 2018). A sense of caring relationship helps the teachers to fulfil
developmental needs of students.
 Promote mastery orientations: According to me in order to promote mastery within the
students related to certain topic, it has been essential to engage the students properly so
that their knowledge level also enhances rather than just for good grades and outreach
their peers. Teachers can take measures such as not comparing the understanding level of
one student to another helps them to engage in better ways and thus improves student
understanding and efforts in order to understand the particular topic.

HISTORY
PORTFOLIO TASK -1
Importance of achieving balance with regards to historical content, concepts, skills in stage of 4
and 5 history
It is important of achieving balance with regard to historical content, concepts, skills in
stage of 4 and 5. The stage 4 and 5 consist crucial information related to continuous change or
development that have been made in the economic in recent scenario, case and effect,
perspective. Furthermore, contained information related to empathetic understanding that is
ability to understand another points of view, significance of events etc. At the same time skills
that are present in stage 4 and 5 of history are comprehension, analysis and use of sources,
research, empathetic understanding and communication (Masters, 2018).
The stage 4 of History K-10 was related to The Ancient World to modern world” that
helps student in getting in-depth study related to end of ancient period to beginning of modern
period. So, it has explained about social, economic and other belief that has changed and
contribute in shaping the modern world. Overall the stage-4 has in-depth about the investigating
Ancient past, the Mediterranean world and The Asian world. And for ancient to modern world, it
has covered, study in context of The Western and Islamic world, Asia-pacific world and
expanding contacts.
On the other hand, The stage 5 is about modern world and Australia or period of
industrialization and various changes that have been brought in the living, working and thought
of people. Thereby the stage 5 of K-10 Syllabus has helped in understanding of Australian
development, its global standing and its place within Asia pacific region. For making of the
modern world, it has consisted of in-depth study related to making a better world, Australia and
Asia and Australian at War. At the same time, rights and freedoms, globalizing world and
school developed are some of “ The modern world and Australia” (Knoster and Goodboy, 2021).
So, balance between concepts, skills in stage 4 and 5 is important as it will helps in
understanding the topic in better manner.

PORTFOLIO TASK -2
The value of formative assessment in informing lesson planning
Formative assessment can be defined as varieties of method that are used by teachers in
order to evaluate student learning needs, academic progress and comprehension. In in other
words, it can be stated as information that is delivered during instructional process and before
the summative assessment. Both student and teachers make use of results of formative
assessment in order to take correct decision about several actions that they need to be undertake
in order to promote future learning. Therefore, formative assessment is an ongoing, dynamic
process that include frequent testing and measuring of student learning for informing lesson
planing.
The main motive behind formative assessment is to monitor and evaluate student learning
and progress through providing regular feedback that can contribute in improving learning of
student to maximum level. Moreover, it can be stated that the formative assessment helps student
in informing lesson planning such as:
Student can easily identify their strength, weakness and the target areas that they need to be
improved so that they can easily learn numerous things. Thereby it can be stated that the
formative assessment helps in identification of areas in which student excel or needs to be
improved thereby contributing in lesson planning (Yüksel and Gündüz, 2017).
Secondly, it can be illustrated that formative assessment helps faculty in recognizing where
actually students are struggling or facing challenges, therefore it helps in identifying or
finding alternative method that could be used to address the problem.
Teacher by understanding things that student knows before and during the instruction is able to
improve the students skills and capabilities. Thus, it contributes in student academic
achievement by gaping between current knowledge and learning goals of individuals.
Therefore, it can be stated that formative assessment are also considered important part of
learning as they serve as practice for students. They also helped in differentiate instruction
thereby helping student achievements. Formative assessment contribute teachers in
understanding the way follow by student thereby guiding in effective decision-making for future
instruction. Thus, on the basis of actual performance of students it provides them feedback
regarding the way they improve their skills, knowledge and capabilities for bright future ahead.

So, overall it can be stated that formative assessment is valuable as it helps in informing lesson
planning as per needs and preferences of each student in the classroom.
PORTFOLIO TASK 3
Core topic for year 9 to 10 students
War, rights and freedom fights related topics has existed within the study of history
subject since very beginning of the subject knowledge. There are countless books, articles,
novels, etc. that has complete knowledge about wars. But for the topics related to wars that has
been covered in the books of 9 to 10 year students has become a challenge for parents and
teachers as well to introduce the concept of war within children in a responsible and appropriate
way so that it does not affect the mental stability of kids and the overall level of understanding.
However, it can be completely understandable that having knowledge related to historical events
has also positive effect on the current life of children (Clavin, P. eds , 2017). Everything that
happens in history and ancient times does affect the current society as well. In order to introduce
the concept of history, wars and rights, the teachers have to offer some intense period by period
account in order to make the subject more interesting for children and in manner which does not
impact the mental health of the students.
Rather than the topic of wars, freedom and rights the topic related to The modern world
and Australia should be included in the books of the students of 9 to 10 year old as it efficiently
gives complete information about the modern world and Australia from 1918 to present which
provides complete knowledge in global context. It describes complete detail about the social,
cultural, political and economic development within the Australia along with the transformation
of the modern world during course of action of international cooperation. The concept related to
this topic gives opportunities to the students of Australia to get understanding with the help of
evidences, changes, effect and cause of changes, different perspectives of individuals,
significance and many more.
The history should be the core and compulsory subject for 9 to 10 year students as it
helps to provide complete and detailed knowledge about past societies, systems, governments,
cultures, political orientation and technologies were built and now the way in which the whole
process have been changed (Matisoo-Smith, E.A , 2018).

PORTFOLIO TASK -4
Use of problem solving method model in implementation of Key learning areas
Problem solving learning is a complex and students centred approach in which each
student is provided a real open-ended problem to solve in order to learn about particular subject
or key area. A well-designed problem solving method contribute in developing various skills,
knowledge and capabilities among student such as working in team, self- awareness, written
communication. Teacher make use of several steps in order to make use of problem solving
method in implementation of key areas such as understand the problem, describe the various
barriers, finding alternative solution, implementation of solution and finally evaluating the
results(Rustaman, Hamida and Rusdiana, 2017). The solution can be easily identified through
creation of visual images, creation of table, look for pattern and work background. Therefore,
key learning areas are communication, mathematics, personal, social and emotional development
of students. So, providing students to solve real problem helps them in implementing the
knowledge them in key learning areas and enhancing their existing skills, knowledge and
capabilities.
The way strategy of problem solving will be utilized in stage 5 in second teaching area
Problem solving strategy will be utilized by teacher in stage 5 by providing student with
real problem of the world, or they learn by working on real problem. So, they make use of their
existing analytical, observation and understanding skills to identify the actual problem and
alternative key method that could be used in stage 5 in second teaching areas. In my teaching
class, I will give suggestion regarding the way particular problem can be resolved, rather than
providing them direct answer. Moreover, teach or make aware them about various strategies that
they could use in order to resolve particular problem. At last provide varieties of problem, time
to student to practices, identified alternative method that could be used to solve the same.

REFERENCES
Books and Journal
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mathematical problem solving. Psychological research, 84(6). pp.1495-1506.
Fernando, T. and Bennett, B., 2019. Creating a culturally safe space when teaching Aboriginal
content in social work: A scoping review. Australian Social Work, 72(1), pp.47-61.
Gosling, A.L. and Matisoo-Smith, E.A., 2018. The evolutionary history and human settlement of
Australia and the Pacific. Current opinion in genetics & development, 53, pp.53-59.
Knoster, K. C. and Goodboy, A. K., 2021. Making content relevant: a teaching and learning
experiment with replication. Communication Education, 70(1). pp.4-26.
Lei, H., Cui, Y. and Zhou, W., 2018. Relationships between student engagement and academic
achievement: A meta-analysis. Social Behavior and Personality: an international
journal, 46(3), pp.517-528.
Masters, G., 2018. The role of evidence in teaching and learning.
O’Reilly, D., Wilmott, D. and Witham, G., 2017. The utility and impact of information
communication technology (ICT) for pre-registration nurse education: A narrative
synthesis systematic review. Nurse Education Today, 48, pp.160-171.
Parmenter, J. and Trigger, D., 2018. Aboriginal cultural awareness training for mine employees:
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Assessment to Explore Problem Solving Skills Based on Pre-Service Teachers’
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Xerri, M.J., Radford, K. and Shacklock, K., 2018. Student engagement in academic activities: a
social support perspective. Higher education, 75(4), pp.589-605.
Yüksel, H. S. and Gündüz, N., 2017. Formative and summative assessment in higher education:
Opinions and practices of instructors. European Journal of Education Studies.