Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
GAVIN RHOADES
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter we will examine:
• The challenges of developing your capability
• Strategies for developing your Computing subject knowledge
• Why you need to update your Computing knowledge and skills
• The difference between Computing subject knowledge, skills and under-
standing and knowledge for teaching (pedagogy)
• How to cope with the changing nature of Computing as a subject.
By the end of this chapter you should be able to:
• Assess your current Computing subject and pedagogical knowledge, skills
and understanding and identify areas for development
• Identify a range of approaches to support the development of your knowledge,
skills and understanding
• Appreciate the need to continue developing your knowledge, skills and
understanding throughout your career.
THE CHALLENGES OF DEVELOPING YOUR CAPABILITY
As you begin training for your new career in teaching it is important to realise that
you now have a new specialism, in addition to your existing subject knowledge
expertise. Your specialism now is 'teaching', or more specifically, 'pedagogy'. There
have been many topics devoted to discussing the meaning of the word 'pedagogy'.
Here it is intended to mean any conscious activity by one person to develop learning
in another (Watkins & Mortimore, 1999). The main focus of your initial teacher
training will have a particular emphasis on learning in children and young adults
related to Computing.
As a prerequisite for entry into your form of teacher training you will already
have a degree of subject expertise, and you will almost certainly have been through
an assessment exercise as part of the admissions process. Whilst you will be
provided with advice about the areas you need to address and develop, it is highly
Search WWH ::
Custom Search