It is essential to have a thorough knowledge of the Key Learning Area as a teacher, so for myself that means becoming familiar with both the History and English syllabus. Part of the success of the curriculum is careful lesson planning. During my time on practicum, I have come to understand the process of lesson planning, and the important role it plays. It could almost be likened to cooking a complicated dish without a recipe to guide.

Through courses such as EED112 - Language as a Social Practice and EPT107 our practicum subject, my knowledge of the curriculum and what it involves has increased.

Prior to studying Language As A Social Practice, issues such as the difference in cultural background and literacy practices would not have influenced the way I taught. After completing an assignment on the ways in which language and literacy practices vary in homes and communities, it became clear that these differences in peoples' backgrounds impact on a student's behaviour. Here is an exerpt from my assignment:

"In the school environment students from different cultures may have difficulties learning due to the diverse ways in which meaning can be interpreted from a text. Students can bring their own literacy practices that are not valued by our society - these children aren't illiterate, "they simply use their literacy in ways different from the ways valued by the school" (Green 2003). The rejection of one's social or language practices can be seen as a rejection of their culture".

The knowledge of such key factors as these is essential in building the ability to become a great teacher.