About Me

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to explore my professional teaching portfolio.

My name is Lochie Forge, I am 19 years of age and is currently studying a bachelor of teacher education at Latrobe University as a pre service teacher, with a focus on primary education and a passion for Health and Physical Education. I am committed to becoming a confident, reflective and effective educator who makes a positive impact on the lives of students. My journey into teaching has been shaped by both personal experiences and academic growth and i am excited to be building the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the classroom.

From a young age, i was inspired by the teachers who believed in me and helped shape my learning journey. I recall early experiences with literacy, such as bedtime reading and writing achievements at school, which sparked my interest in education. However, i also encountered challenges, particularly with reading. With the support of my family and teachers, and later through tutoring. I developed not only stronger literacy skills but also a deep appreciation for the patience and dedication great teachers bring to their students. These experiences continue to influence my own philosophy as a future educator.

Now, as a pre-service teacher, i am actively developing my professional identity and pedagogical skills. I have completed coursework that explores child and adolescent development, language and literacy learning and inclusive education practices. These areas have strengthened my understanding of how students grow cognitively, emotionally and socially and how I, as an educator, can support and scaffold their development. I have learned the most importance of planning enagaing, student-centred lessons that cater to diverse needs and learning styles.

Health and Physical Education holds a special place in my approach to teaching. I believe that physical activity supports not only physical development but also emotion wellbeing, social skills and academic success. I am passionate about promoting inclusive participation and building students confidence through movement-based learning. Last year i had a gap year and done a PE sports traineeship at a school where i am from. During practical experiences and lesson planning assignments, i have enjoyed designing activities that develop physical literacy while encouraging collaboration, resilience and a positive mindset.

As i progress through my studies, i continue to refine my communication, classroom management and reflective practice skills. I have a growing understanding of the importance of intergrating literacy across all learning areas and i aim to support students in becoming confident readers, writers and critical thinkers. I also recognise the vital role that teachers play in creating supportive, inclusive and respectful learning environments that celebrate diversity and individual strengths.

Looking ahead, my goal is to become a teacher who inspires curiosity, encourages effort and supports every student to reach full potential. I value lifelong learning and am committed to ongoing professional development as i transition from pre-service to in-service training.

I invite you to explore the rest of my work, which showcases a blog post on AI in education, educational resources and critical reflections.

AI IN EDUCATION

Embracing the Future: How AI is Transforming Education

This blog aims to unpack the concept of AI in education, breaking down its key components, current applications and the very real benefits it brings to learning environments. We will also address common concerns, such as the balance between technology and traditional teaching and the implications for privacy and standardisation.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer the stuff of science fiction - it is rapidly becoming a key player in classrooms around the world. From smart tutoring systems to automated grading and personalised learning platforms, AI is reshaping the educational experience for both teachers and students. As technology continues to evolve, understanding its impact on education is essential.

 

The Role of AI in personalised learning

One of the most significant contributions of AI in education is personalised learning. Traditional classrooms often struggle to cater to the unique needs of every student. With AI- driven platforms, educators can now provide differentiated instruction tailored to individual learning styles, abilities and pace. Adaptive learning programs analyse student performance in real-time and adjust content accordingly, ensuring that learners are neither overwhelmed nor under-challenged. This can be especially beneficial for students with learning difficulties or those who require additional support.

 

The Use of AI-Powered Tutoring Systems 

Virtual tutors and chatbots are available 24/7, providing instand feedback and explanations. These tools can help students master difficult concepts outside of regular classroom hours, promoting independent learning and boosting confidence.  

Approach AI with Caution

However, while the benefits of AI in education are subsantial, its important to approach its intergration with caution. Concerns around data privacy and equity must be addressed. Not all students have equal access to digital tools and relying too heavily on AI could widen the digital divide. Additionally, the decisions made by AI systems must be transparent and fair, especially when used in high-stakes areas like student assessment.

Approach AI with Caution

However, while the benefits of AI in education are subsantial, its important to approach its intergration with caution. Concerns around data privacy and equity must be addressed. Not all students have equal access to digital tools and relying too heavily on AI could widen the digital divide. Additionally, the decisions made by AI systems must be transparent and fair, especially when used in high-stakes areas like student assessment.

Teachers Role in AI enhanced classroom

There is also the question of the teachers role in an AI-enhanced classroom. Rather than replacing educators, AI should be viewed as a powerful tool that supports and enhances teaching. Teachers bring empathy, creativity and critical thinking - qualities that AI cannot replicate. BY working alongside technology, teachers can create more engaging and effective learning environments.

Looking ahead 

Looking ahead, the potential of AI in education is enormous. Emerging applications include immersive learning experiences using augmented reality (AR) and AI, predictive analytics to identify at-risk students and natural language processing tools that assist in reading and writing development.

 

In conclusion, AI is transforming education in exciting ways. by harnessing its power thoughtfully and ethically, we can create more inclusive, personalised and effective learning experiences for all students. The key lies in striking a balance - where technology enhances human connection, rather than replacing it.

AI Activity 

Asking AI (Chat GPT) to create a lesson plan for me

Conversation w Chat GPT:

Can you please create a lesson plan on a year 8 sport class where the topic we are focusing on is Participate in physical activities that develop health-related and skill-related fitness components, and create and monitor personal fitness plans

ChatGPT said:

Here’s a detailed Year 8 Sport lesson plan focusing on the topic:
“Participate in physical activities that develop health-related and skill-related fitness components, and create and monitor personal fitness plans”.
It aligns with the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education (ACPMP083, ACPMP084).

Year 8 Sport Lesson Plan: Personal Fitness & Skill Development

Lesson Title: Building Fitness through Circuit Training & Personal Goal Setting
Duration: 60 minutes
Year Level: 8
Focus Area: Health-related and skill-related fitness; personal fitness planning

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

  • Identify and participate in physical activities that target various health- and skill-related fitness components.
  • Understand the difference between health-related and skill-related fitness.
  • Begin to create a basic personal fitness plan.
  • Monitor and reflect on their own fitness levels and set goals for improvement.

Curriculum Links

  • ACPMP083 – Participate in physical activities that develop health-related and skill-related fitness components.
  • ACPMP084 – Plan and evaluate personal strategies for maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Resources Needed

  • Cones, skipping ropes, medicine balls, agility ladder, stopwatches, mats
  • Student fitness tracking sheets or notebooks
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Speakers/music (optional)

Lesson Structure

  1. Introduction (10 mins)
  • Warm-up Game: “Fitness Tag” – Students play tag, but when tagged, they perform a fitness task (e.g., 5 star jumps, 10 high knees) before rejoining.
  • Discussion:
    • Ask students: What do you know about fitness?
    • Briefly explain health-related fitness components (e.g., cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility) vs skill-related components (e.g., agility, balance, coordination).
    • Share lesson goals and introduce the circuit training.
  1. Main Activity – Fitness Circuit (30 mins)

Set up 8 stations, each targeting a different component of fitness. Students rotate every 3 minutes.

Health-Related Fitness Stations

  1. Cardiovascular Endurance – Skipping rope
  2. Muscular Strength – Push-ups / Medicine ball throws
  3. Flexibility – Dynamic stretches / Yoga poses
  4. Muscular Endurance – Plank hold / Wall sit

Skill-Related Fitness Stations
5. Agility – Agility ladder drills
6. Balance – Single-leg balance tasks
7. Coordination – Ball toss and catch with partner
8. Speed – 20m sprint repeats with timed rest

Students record their performance on a tracking sheet (e.g., reps, time held, effort level).

  1. Cool Down & Reflection (10 mins)
  • Lead a guided cool down with static stretches.
  • Students complete a reflection prompt:
    • Which fitness component do you feel strongest in?
    • Which do you want to improve?
    • Set one personal goal (e.g., “Hold a plank for 2 minutes by Week 6”).
  1. Assessment / Homework (10 mins)
  • Introduction to Personal Fitness Plan:
    • Briefly explain how to create a personal plan (e.g., setting SMART goals, tracking progress).
    • Students begin planning their weekly fitness goal and record it in their journals or assigned tracking sheet.
  • Homework: Record one physical activity they do outside school and how it relates to one of the fitness components.

Differentiation

  • Offer modified versions of exercises (e.g., knee push-ups).
  • Encourage peer support and team encouragement.
  • Students can work at their own pace during stations.

Assessment Opportunities

  • Observation of participation and effort at stations
  • Completion of fitness tracking sheet
  • Quality of personal goal setting
  • Informal questioning during cool-down discussion

Would you like this formatted as a downloadable Word or PDF file?

4o

You said:

refine the lesson plan to include:

ChatGPT said:

Sure! Could you please let me know what specific elements you'd like refined or added to the lesson plan? For example, are you looking to include more explicit assessment strategies, cross-curricular links, literacy elements, or differentiation strategies?

4o

You said:

Asking to include a specific activity or piece of information or approach, Reorder activities, if you think the flow is not logical, Prompt the AI tool to differentiate activities for the different needs within your class

ChatGPT said:

Thanks! Based on your request, I’ve refined and enhanced the Year 8 Sport Lesson Plan to:

  • Reorder activities for better flow and engagement
  • Include a specific team-based fitness game to build motivation
  • Add differentiation strategies for a range of fitness levels and learning needs
  • Emphasize student-led goal setting and self-assessment

🏃‍♂️ Year 8 Sport Lesson Plan (Refined)

Topic: Participating in physical activities that develop health- and skill-related fitness and creating personal fitness plans
Time: 60 minutes
Curriculum Links:

  • ACPMP083 – Participate in physical activities that develop health- and skill-related fitness components
  • ACPMP084 – Plan and evaluate personal strategies for fitness and wellbeing

✅ Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

  • Actively participate in a variety of fitness activities targeting different components
  • Understand the difference between health- and skill-related fitness components
  • Begin developing a personalised fitness goal
  • Reflect on their strengths and areas for growth

📋 Resources

  • Cones, skipping ropes, medicine balls, mats, agility ladder
  • Whiteboard & markers
  • Fitness tracking sheets or student journals
  • Stopwatch/timer
  • Music for energy (optional)

🔄 Lesson Sequence (with updated flow)

  1. Welcome & Learning Intention (5 mins)
  • Students gather and teacher shares the learning goals and success criteria (e.g., “Today we’ll move through different types of fitness, reflect on our strengths, and set our first personal fitness goal.”).
  • Quick Q&A to check students’ prior knowledge:

“What do we mean by ‘health-related fitness’? How might that be different from ‘skill-related’?”

  1. Dynamic Warm-Up + Team Fitness Game (10 mins)
  • Warm-Up: Jogging, arm circles, high knees, leg swings (2–3 mins)
  • Game: “Fitness Dice Challenge – Team Edition”
    • Each team rolls giant dice (or spins a digital wheel) to determine a fitness task (e.g., 15 star jumps, 20 mountain climbers, 10 burpees).
    • Teams complete the task together – encourages cooperation, communication, and varied movement.
    • This gets students moving and engaged before the circuit begins.
  1. Fitness Circuit Activity (30 mins)

Students rotate through 8 stations, each for 2.5 mins with 30 sec rest. A mix of health- and skill-related fitness is targeted.

Station

Focus

Activity

Differentiation Options

1

Cardiovascular

Skipping Rope

Alternate between single/double skip

2

Muscular Strength

Medicine Ball Chest Pass

Use lighter balls or resistance bands

3

Agility

Agility Ladder Drill

Choose basic vs advanced patterns

4

Balance

Single-leg Balance & Reach

Use support or increase reach range

5

Flexibility

Partner Stretch or Yoga Flow

Modify stretches as needed

6

Coordination

Throw-Catch with Movement

Start stationary, progress to movement

7

Muscular Endurance

Wall Sit Challenge

Use shorter intervals for some students

8

Speed

20m Sprint Relays

Run/walk based on ability

📌 Differentiation:

  • Tasks are tiered by complexity or intensity
  • Visual instructions at each station
  • Partner or peer support encouraged
  • Student choice of challenge level within activities
  1. Cool Down & Self-Reflection (7 mins)
  • Guided static stretches: hamstrings, quads, arms, back
  • Students sit with their journals/tracking sheets and answer:
    • Which activity was easiest for you? Hardest?
    • Which fitness component do you want to improve most? Why?
  1. Goal Setting & Fitness Plan Intro (8 mins)
  • On the whiteboard, model how to create a SMART goal:

“I will improve my plank hold from 30 seconds to 1 minute by Week 5 by practicing 3 times a week.”

  • Students create their own goal using a provided template and write one action they’ll take at home or during sport time.
  • Encourage peer sharing or quick teacher feedback.

 Assessment

Formative Checkpoints

Evidence

Observation during stations

Participation, effort, teamwork

Student journal entries

Self-reflection on fitness

SMART goal setting

Goal relevance and clarity

REFLECTION

I have used a Generative AI tool before, but don’t use them that often as I like to write things my own way but these tools are really good to help you out when you are stuck and need rewording of things. When crafting the prompt the factors I considered, was to make sure it would be engaging and inclusive to the year 8 basketball students. To tailor the prompt to try to generate the most relevant lesson plan for the chosen topic “Participate in physical activities that develop health-related and skill related fitness components and create and monitor personal fitness plans”, we split into practical participation in fitness activities like health and skill related components. As well as personal planning and monitoring such as goal setting and fitness reflection. This help structured the lesson to actively involve students in movement-based tasks and encourage personal reflection and self-management skills. Some of the responses from chat GPT did surprise me, when they refined the lesson it gave me different steps to make sure that it was engaging and inclusive for all students. Yes, I was very satisfied with the output generated by ChatGPT as I couldn’t get over how accurate and good the lesson plan is. Where they gave a brief step by step on how the lesson is going to go. The strengths of this lesson plan generated by ChatGPT that it directly addresses the topic I chose where it includes both physical participation and personal planning as required by the topic. Also it has a balanced structure by including all essential phases such as warm-up, skill building, reflection and planning which help support engagement, safety and learning. The weaknesses can include that the 60-minute session may feel rushed where students start a fitness plan but don’t get to implement or revise it in the lesson, where a follow up lesson would be needed for full monitoring and development.

Gamification Activity

Using a Gamification activity to make classes more interesting.

Title of Activity: Cite it right, APA 7 Style

Materials required:

- Printed APA7 referencing cards with correct/incorrect examples of in text citations and reference list entries.

- Envelopes with cue cards

- Whiteboards and markers

- Stopwatch 

- A leaderboard on the whiteboard

- Lollie pops as rewards 

- Small prizes such as Latrobe merch.

Intended Learning outcomes:

By the end of this activity students will be able to:

- Correctly format APA 7 in-text citations and reference list entries

- Identify and explain common APA 7 referencing errors

- Apply APA 7 rules to reference a range of source types 

- Work collaboratively to reinforce learning through peer discussion and problem solving.

Activity description:

Cite it right, APA 7 style is a team-based referencing game where students race against the clock to solve APA-7 related puzzles and escape the referencing "maze". The activity incorporates points and leaderboards as well as challenges to boost motivation and engagement.

Structure:

Introduction:

- Briefly introduce the goal of the session and explain the rules of the game. Divide the class into small teams of 3-5 students.

Escape Room Style Rounds (40 minutes total):
Teams progress through 4 challenge stations, each with a specific APA7 referencing task. They must solve each task correctly before moving on to the next.

Station 1: Citation Scramble 

Teams are given a set of mixed-up in-text citations and must arrange them correctly. (5–7 minutes)

Station 2: Reference Detective
Students analyse sample reference list entries and identify which are correct and which contain errors. (10 minutes)

Station 3: Match It!
Teams match sources (e.g., journal article, book, website) with the correct APA7 reference format template. (10 minutes)

Station 4: Create Your Own
Using short sample texts and source details, students write both an in-text citation and a reference entry from scratch. (10 minutes)

Bonus Lightning Round (5 minutes):
The top two teams compete in a digital quick-fire quiz (using Kahoot or Quizizz) to earn extra points and potentially win.

Debrief and Wrap-Up (10 minutes):
Go over answers, correct any mistakes and highlight key APA7 takeaways. Celebrate the winning team with a small prize and acknowledge all participants.

This activity will take about 55 minutes to an hour. To facilitate the activity i will prepare and set up all materials and stations ahead of time, introduce and explain the activity, time and monitor progress at each station, offer hints or support if teams get stuck, keep the energy high and encourage positive teamwork and reinforce key learning points.

Reflection

In my activity, I incorporated two key gamification elements such as points/leaderboards and challenges/competition. These elements were chosen because they directly support the learning objectives of helping students accurately identify, format and apply APA7 referencing rules. The points system and leaderboard create a sense of progress and achievement, which motivates students to stay focused and engaged throughout the session. The challenged based structure is designed like an escape room to encourage active problem solving and collaboration, reinforcing students understanding through immediate application. These elements enhance engagement by tapping into students motivation. The friendly competition and time-based challenges create excitement, which increases participation and attention. At the same time, each task requires students to apply APA7 principles, ensuring that learning remains the central focus. I waa careful to ensure the fun aspects did not distract from the educational goals by designing each game to task to target a specific aspect of APA 7 referencing, such as formatting in-text citations or constructing reference list entries. One of the main challenges i encountered in the design process was ensuring that the activity remained accessible to students with varying levels of prior knowledge. To address this, I included scaffolding within each task, starting with simple identification and matching and progressing to more complex application. Additionally, i built in support and peer collaboration to help students who might feel overwhelmed. Another challenge was maintaining a tight structure to fit the 1 hour time frame. I overcame this by clearly allocating time limits for each station and ensuring transitions between tasks were smooth and guided. Overall, the gamification elements i selected were effective in transforming a traditionally dry topic into an interactive and engaging learning experience, while maintaining a strong focus on the core content and intended learning outcomes.

Infographic activity - see infographic below reflection

Reflection

I used piktochart to create my infographic. Creating my infographic on digital ethics and digital safety involved careful consideration to ensure the content was clear, concise and visually appealing. I made sure the language was simple and easy to understand so that it could effectively communicate important messages to a wide audience, including younger students. Each subheading focused on a key aspect of digital ethics and safety, followed by a short, direct sentence that highlighted the main idea. This approach helped ensure that the information was accessible and memorable. In terms of layout, i arranged the infographic with a main heading at the top to introduce the topic, followed by subheadings with brief explanations underneath. I decided on a top to bottom flow to guide the reader naturally through the information. Each section was clearly separated, making it easy to focus on one concept at a time. I used bold subheadings and different colours to visually distinguish each part and to highlight important words like "privacy" and "respect". My design choices, including the use of images and consistent colour, helped reinforce the message. Friendly fonts and bright visuals made the infographic engaging while maintaining a professional tone. These elements worked together to increase the impact of the message and make the infographic more appealing. One challenge i faced was keeping the text short while still delivering meaningful information. It was difficult at first to express ideas, like the importance verifying online information in just one sentence. To overcome this, I revises my sentence multiple times to simplify the language without losing the core message. Overall, the process helped me improve my ability to communicate clearly and effectively, especially on an important topic like digital safety.