Today, I had successfully completed my second phase of teaching
practice. I learned many things through my student teaching experience,
which will shape the way I teach for years to come. The biggest and most
important thing I learned during student teaching is to be confident. In the
beginning of the practice, I was a little timid with my students, even while
presenting them information that I know backwards and forwards. After a couple
weeks, however, I was more comfortable in front of the class. This experience
has taught me that students are much more likely to buy into your class and
listen to you when you come in with a positive and confident demeanor. Once I
gained my confidence in the class, I had more fun with teaching, and my
students had more fun as well.
My increased confidence levels definitely
translated to the students doing better in class, and even worked to stem some
of the problems I had with classroom management. Respect for myself and my
students ties into this as well, and is closely related to the relationships
you have with students. I learned that respect and confidence will go a long
way in terms of connecting and maintaining relationships with your students,
which does help the classroom atmosphere and performance.
It was not an easy task for me to manage a classroom in a Boys
School. We all struggled hard and did our level best to coordinate the students
in the desired way. Finally, I can proudly say that I learned to manage the classroom.
My biggest take away about classroom management is the relationship piece. When
I started building better relationships with my students, there was an obvious
correlation to classroom management improvements. The students listened and
respected me more, so there were less distractions and negative behaviors.
Another effective strategy I learned to implement was walking around the room
while doing the activites. Although my practice went very well, and I had many
positive and negative experiences to share, which will be an asset for me.
Things may not go well like what you expect. Sometime we have to
adjust with the surroundings. We had went through many situations which we didn’t
expected at all. But still I would say that, all we learned must have an use in
our future. Moreover I went through so much positive learning experience which
made me strong and confident. Now, I will never think how can I teach in tomorrow’s
class but .I think that how can I make my class even better than yesterday.
Overall, my student teaching experience was very positive. The things I would
change are small and easy changes to make, and the things I have learned are
invaluable. It was fruitful and it will.
