My Firts Teaching Experience
February 22nd, 2018
To be honest, this first week of
teaching practicum has been a curious experience. First of all, I have to point
out that I had never planned to be a teacher before I started the English
degree. There are many reasons that support the last idea. In fact, the
strongest one might by that I had rough experiences with teachers from primary,
middle and high school. Thereupon, the last profession that I wanted to choose
was doubtless the teacher´s one.
In this order of ideas, with a set
of memories, fears, and anxieties within my mind, it came to me the first week
of teaching practicum full of expectations and reflections. Two groups were anxiously
waiting for the English class since they had already had different classes but
the English ones. The groups are ADSI and Low Voltage Electricity Installation.
Nevertheless, it would be good to highlight positive and negative aspects that
are naturally present in every situation.
Regarding to the ADSI group, the
class was dynamical due to the level of motivation that students have.
Probably, it fosters a nice flow of activities since students are keen on
participating and focusing on the tasks. There are some students who are definitely
waiting all the time for new experiences that allow them to learn new aspect of
the foreign language. This fact gives me self-confidence while carrying out the
planned activities since I can tell in every task that they are involved and
interested and this gives me a safe feeling that reassures me that I am doing a
good job. This is really crucial to me to be self-confident since I consider students
to work such a sponge that absorbs the same feelings from the instructor.
On
the other hand, I had just two hours of the English class with the Low Voltage Electricity
Installation group. I may say that this is a very peculiar and different story
to tell. To begin with, students who conform this group are almost completely
opposite than the students from ADSI. Although there are differences, I have to
find the way to do a good job with all the students through the use of dynamic activities
that keep the students motivation in a good level.
I think it would have been better if I had done differently a couple of things. Firstly it is always good to ensure that the rules were clearly stated. Although students and me set the rules up, I consider that the attitude that I had while constructing together the rules was not the most suitable one. Rules are a really important issue that have to be firmly stated since the begining of classes. I just hope that I will not have problems with that topic in future classes. I definitely have to pay close attention to reinforce the rules through the development of every class so as to students to know that rules are made to be followed, and that the teacher will be ready to clarify in any event where rules have to be reminded or re-stated.
I think it would have been better if I had done differently a couple of things. Firstly it is always good to ensure that the rules were clearly stated. Although students and me set the rules up, I consider that the attitude that I had while constructing together the rules was not the most suitable one. Rules are a really important issue that have to be firmly stated since the begining of classes. I just hope that I will not have problems with that topic in future classes. I definitely have to pay close attention to reinforce the rules through the development of every class so as to students to know that rules are made to be followed, and that the teacher will be ready to clarify in any event where rules have to be reminded or re-stated.
It is really nice to read that you have not had serious problems the first week. I would like to know specifically why the Low Voltage Electricity Installation group is different. Are they less interested in learning English?. Are they less well- behaved than the ADSI group?. And, What kind of ways do you plan to find in order to make the Englsh class as efficient as the ADSI English class?. Regarded to the fact that you have not thought about being a teacher, I think you will change or keep the feeling during the two semesters of practicum. Then you could make a decision. :).
ResponderEliminarThank you Jasmin Coronado for taking the time to read the experience that I had while teaching English for the first time. The group that you named is different from the other one since they come from a different social context. Moreover, it has pased around three years since they do not take any sort of English classes. What I have in mind to overcome those differences, is to take into account the social context where they live in,and their learning normal pace. Then, I will intend to incorporate interesting topics for them. The class has to be very didactic so as to ensure that students keep their motivation levels very high.
EliminarI hope to fall in love with this beautiful profession. Thank you Jasmin coronado.