Even though it is not my dream country (my dream country is UK), but IT'S OKAY! =)
Field experience is very important to me.
I remembered once I discussed with my mum whether to choose Australia or UK, she said, "You are going to spend most of your time studying not travelling, so choose where that makes your studies fruitful and happier"
Okay, back on topic.
I had my prac in a child care centre last semester working in a toddlers room. This semester, in two weeks time, I am going to a state school (OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) teaching Year 1 (ARGHHHHH!!!!) everything is so new so challenging but ya, challenge accepted! =)
Today, my lovely partnership lecturer shared with us these tips she came out together with an experienced mentor so I thought I should put it down so that everytime before my prac, I should have a look at it:
1) Keep your end of the deal!
- Don't go in and say "Im going to do this, do this..." but ended up you didnt do it
- Say , "Can I do this?" and MAKE SURE you do it
- Keep your promises =)
- 讲到就要做到！做不到就不要讲！
- The children already have a way of of doing things since the start of the term. I have to be observant of their moves and join in the dance.
- Being there for a short period is not about having the concept of teaching them waltz and changing everything. Changes are good but if I want to teach something new, make sure it is slow and smooth....
- Asking questions require courage, I know how much courage I took on my first prac because of the different language background and sometimes I couldnt understand their accent well that's why sometime I hold myself back...but im improving and breaking that barrier =)
- Seek clarity is really important if I keep questions and doubts to myself, host teacher might think I dont take the initiative. And I am going to be very negative and unsure and unclear of what to do.
- I recalled last prac I poured my heart out to my host teacher that Im not sure how to plan lessons for such little ones, as I am more used to three to six. And it turned out really an empowering session.
- my strength! haha I love talking to kids and I can really talk for really long
- But I would like to quote my lecturer for her sharing, it is just too beautiful
Everyone is different, make those little moments matter. Personalize conversations. After all, there is no more September 2014 happening again...
5) Essential Skills for Classroom Management
- my weakness, so I have to work hard on this, reading more on this and she shared this document from Queensland Government with us "ECSM: Core learning component
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
- I remembered this during my prac in diploma, that is so weird looking back to yourself but my lecturer told us the importance to reflect and think about the teaching sequence.
You're here to be friendly not their friends! (couldnt agree more with this...)
9) Transitions, transitions, transitions
- think them through, make them meaningful
- they are gold teaching opportunities **
- have a growth mindset not a rigid mindset
- I have to learn this
- If I have a rigid mindset, when my teacher criticise me, I will take it badly and overwhelm myself ( I experienced this before but from a child ><)
- If I have a growth mindset, I will reframe the criticism in a positive way to help me grow..
