Throughout my studies at CQUniversity I have come to the realisation that their aim for Student Success is to develop certain attributes that we can use within the professional realm. These graduate attributes also coincide with the sixteen Habits of Mind, that as a learning manager we strive to develop with our own students inside and outside of the classroom. However, the graduate attributes that CQUniversity aim to achieve include:
• Communication
• Problem solving
• Critical thinking
• Information literacy
• Team work
• Information technology competence
• Cross cultural competence
• Ethical practice
The majority of these skills I thought I had already developed prior to when I started my degree. However, whether I did or did not have the skills then I now know that my time at CQUniversity has been very beneficial. Courses such as Learning Management 1-5, Ensuring Student Success, Competence in English and Literacy Skills, Health and Physical Education, The Arts, Effective Learning Environments, Managing Diversity and many more, have all made me become the person I am now to commence my role as a Professional Learning Manager.
So what does it mean to be a Professional?
Mariel Camilleri Saringer puts it this way...
"A professional is someone that is committed to giving their best for what you are paid to do". There are certain skills that you develop from a range of specialized training. You develop a standard of behaviour, ethics and practice which those in the field are obliged to adhere to.
A Professional is someone that has mastered a skill or a practice. It is a person that is engaged in a learned profession. I believe that a 'Professional' is one that enjoys what they strive to achieve. Anyone can be a professional to an extent. There is a level of Professionalism and it is up to the individual how far they take their skill. As a Learning Manager, I now have the authority and the qualifications to teach a range of diverse students.
What does it mean to be a Professional Learning Manager?
Smith, Lynch and Knight believe that, 'The Learning Management concept and its associated practices have the potential to influence a range of pedagogical practices throughout the world. Its intention for Learning Managers is to have pedagogical capabilities to achieve desired learning outcomes within students'.
Caplan argues that 'the concept of Learning Management implies a technical language, and a tool kit of capacities to achieve desired outcomes. It is intertwined with instructional design theories and direct teaching rather than with learning theory or constructivism'. (Smith, Lynch and Knight, Learning Management, (2007) Pp. 3)
Professionally competent teachers have demonstrated successful teaching experiences. They are highly accomplished and successful practitioners. They demonstrate their leadership skills by keeping a record of outstanding teaching and are committed to enhancing the quality of teaching and learning (Professional Teaching Standards, NSW Institute of Teachers, Pp. 2).
As a Graduate Teacher, the Professional Teaching Standards I have undertaken is an approved program of teacher preparation and therefore possess the requisite knowledge, skills, and values to plan for and manage successful learning. I have engaged in and negotiated a process of ongoing professional learning. My commitment to students and student learning is reflected by my desire to support students' achievement of the highest possible education outcomes.
