Career & Guidance Reflection

Portfolio Reflection

Reflecting on my Ontario Career and Guidance e-portfolio journey has been quite the eye-opener. It’s given me a deep dive into the curriculum, showing me just how diverse the needs of students can be and how dynamic Ontario’s education really is.

Going through the curriculum has helped me grasp the essential learning outcomes and skills students are meant to pick up along the way. Understanding this curriculum is like laying the groundwork for building effective lesson plans tailored to the specific needs of my future students, which this class has helped with. What stood out to me the most, however, was the emphasis on taking a holistic approach to career development and guidance. It’s not just about academics…it’s also about nurturing the personal and social growth of students too. This holistic view makes sense in today’s world, where a student’s career choices are often influenced by factors beyond just what they learn in class such as their friends, family, extra-curriculars, what’s happening in their life and more.

From online career tools to hands-on workshops and guest speakers, the possibilities are endless when it comes to the resources available to career and guidance teachers. By tapping into these resources, I can make learning more engaging and interactive, which is crucial for keeping students motivated and excited about their futures. What’s also important is partnering up with industry pros, colleges, and local businesses which can give students real-world insights and experiences they won’t find in textbooks. Plus, it helps them see the relevance of what they’re learning in the classroom to the real world.

As I look back on this course and building this portfolio, I’m feeling inspired to take a student-centered approach to teaching. I want to encourage my future students to explore their interests, passions, and goals. After all, everyone’s journey is different, and it’s essential to provide personalized support to help each student find their path. With this new knowledge that I’ve gained in this class, I’m excited to dive into my future teaching career and help students navigate their way to success in all aspects of their lives!