Final weekly experience of a student teacher!

The final week of the teaching Practical!

When I woke monday morning I was just in awe of how quickly these past 9 weeks went for me. I still remember the very first day stumbling in the staff room awaiting to be greeted and seated by some teacher.

As with everything in life, things come to an end and I felt at peace with what has been accomplished thus far! The week although it was the last, felt like any other week and the focus was on the learners, academics and making sure that I soak up all other moments to learn.

As I'm writing(typing) this I'm thinking of all the learners I have met and formed a relationship with. Again reminded of how special young people are and I'm pleased to know that I could make a mark in the lives of young people that goes beyond the classroom. The learners were absolutely fantastic, they knew it was our last week together and they fully cooperated, which I truly appreciated.

One of the highlight's of the week was meeting with the principal and having a relaxed conversation about him regarding education and his personal journey. Talking with him felt comfortable and one could see his passion for teaching. His heart for people is truly evident especially in the way he engages with the naughty learners. We both agreed that a teacher's personality is of out most importance along with their subject knowledge. One cannot be a teacher and not have a warm, positive attitude toward people. Loco parentis is truly what a teacher should be striving to be at the school.

I know that is natural that there will be certain aspects miss regarding school, but I too feel the time has come to be back at campus. As mentioned before I miss Stellenbosch and I look forward to engage in thought provoking conversation that will challenge my thinking. I enjoyed being at the school and being the only student teacher after the CPUT students left for 5 weeks made often feel despondent. As I always wondered how this journey would've been if there was fellow class mates with me at the school. 

Ending off Friday was super special, a few learners wrote me letters to thank me for the time teaching them and reading it made me learn how valuable I was. I'm truly appreciative of this gesture and these letters I will forever keep in a safe place, to return to them when the going gets tough.

Was all in all a good week. All teachers were busy finishing their marking, here and there I could help out my mentor teacher with that. I must say I had one of the sweetest mentor teacher's. She has such a warm, kind heart and was at all times helpful and encouraging! 

Weekly experiences of a teacher in the making!

As the school term is drawing to an end, it was a full academic week. Not only are the matrics writing their preliminary exams, but all the other grades had test scheduled within this week as well. 

There was a few definite lows this past week, where I got to close to knowing what it feels like when a parent is disappointed in their child. Whilst teaching the grade 8's on Tuesday after break time, I noticed that there was a few boys acting differently than normal and I got a slight smell of marijuana. I proceeded with the lesson, but their behaviour became a problem as all the other learners knew what they did during break time. I stopped with the lesson and gave the class a good pep talk, because I have formed a good relationship with the class, they were listening and the guilt was evident on the faces of the boys involved. 
I however gave a general speech about how disappointed I am in their behaviour and how important it is for them to take care of their lives. I was real and honest as well and said that I know that there are a few learners high on weed. 
After talking to them I remained silent for a while. I could see how the silence in the classroom is getting uncomfortable for some learners. We eventually continued with the lesson, during this I had to hide my disappointed and carry on as normal and make sure that I still interact with the learners with great enthusiasm. After the lesson I asked one of the boys who I knew definitely smoked as could see on his face, his eyes to stay behind. He admitted to me. He didn't try to hide it or lie and that I appreciated. Had a good conversation with him about it and he kept on saying sorry, he is a good boy, always eager to answer in class, has good grades. Reminded him of how valuable and precious his life is. I unfortunately had to report to the grade head what I've learnt as it's a serious offence. Have to admit there was a part of me that didn't want to inform the grade head on black and white (if it's not on paper it's vapour) as I didn't want the learners to get into trouble, but of course this had to be reported to keep myself out of any trouble. The grade head then followed up on the situation, they got detention and with discretion the parents were informed and of course the grade head had to use language such as, "their might be a possibility", "we have heard" that your child smokes marijuana during school time. 

Another few lows were, learners that stole English question papers. This left the English department up in arms as the teachers learned about it very last minute, which meant new papers had to be drawn up. 

Interestingly enough, the high light of my week was with the grade 8 class mentioned before. The lesson was about "how do we see objects" in terms of our eyes. The learners were eager to learner about how the eye and it's different functions allows us to see. The learners were full of questions. They asked why we have as humans have different eye colour and I got so excited having to explain to them. It was good being able to use that which I've learned during my undergrad in the Genetics classroom to help learners understand better. Class was much more well behaved then the previous lessons. 

I've learned that although there is a scheduled followed, that it is okay to stop with a lesson and talk to the learners. To share life with them without over stepping any personal boundaries. I believe it is important for young people to know how special they are and it felt like that I've reached my own person goal, which is to inspire learners beyond just Science and Math.    
I've also spent more time this week observing lessons that is not my curriculum modules. Was great to see the different teaching styles of teachers, the interaction between the teacher and the learners or lack thereof.

Again I lost my voice on Thursday, it is really unfamiliar to my vocal chords for me to speak a lot, I think lol. As I've mentioned before, I'm generally the quiet, loner, observing kind. Thus speaking a lot takes some getting use to. 

All in all, week 8 was packed, but it was a wonderful week of learning especially about how the teaching profession gives meaning to my life.
One more week to go! Feeling rather bitter sweet!

The remedy I've been using to doctor the voice! Cup of rooibos with two honey and lemon lozenges! 

Weekly experiences of a student teacher drawing to a close...

This past week flew by so quickly and I'm starting to realise how this journey is drawing to a close. The feelings surrounding this fact is rather mixed as I terribly miss Stellenbosch, but I know for sure that I will miss being a student teacher at President High School as well.

There has been many things happening on our campus and throughout the week my thoughts have been with Stellenbosch and it's students. Times I wished I was there and not just see things on the news and read information on social media... But I also understood and accepted that this is where I need to be. 

Teaching this past week went extremely well and it started to feel more and more like second nature. When learners enter the classroom they know what is expected and they behave accordingly, thus the structure of one's lesson is important especially for the junior grades, but without falling into the trap of everyday feeling monotonous. This is where excellent planning plays a role. If one plans well, then the lessons will go well. I've learned over the course of teaching, that it is important to keep the learners occupied from the start to the end of the lesson. I'm in the fortunate position where I don't have any heavy workload in comparison to teachers. Thus I pay attention to them throughout the lesson. I often witnessed how teachers would give learners a class activity to complete, then they remain stationery at their desk, not to sit and do nothing, but to complete work. If you're firm with a class then this can work, as learners do need to battle with the content of a subject on their own. However there are moments where learners decide to do as they please, because they know the attention of the teacher is elsewhere. Again, this is where efficient planning and time management is key as a teacher and hopefully I will try and succeed at this to the best of my ability as a teacher in the future.

I've also had my second lesson evaluated for Natural Sciences as I didn't get a chance to present Natural Sciences during fish bowl. I was very apprehensive about the behaviour of the learners. They're grade 8 and is super energetic and struggle to pay attention, because they get distracted easily. I had to tell myself that I need to get rid of the thought that an excellent lesson is a lesson without any reprimanding or ill behaviour by learners. Nonetheless, the lesson went well, it was a great teaching-learning moment and the Evaluator was very pleased with what he observed.

The school has a youth worker and over the weeks I've formed a good relationship with him. We are the same age and could relate on many things. He is loved by the learners of the school. He deals with the learners and the struggles they face as young people. Every Wednesday there is a time after register class where he meets with the school in the hall, which is not compulsory, as he shares a message with the learners that is Christian based, thus it's not compulsory out of respect for those with other belief systems. A school having a Youth worker is definitely an advantage.

Looking forward the upcoming week! Will miss teaching the grade 12's, because they have started with their preliminary exams. Wish them all the best!

The learners gathering Wednesday morning, learning what is to be part of the youth today! The message shared by the youth worker, is relevant and hopefully it inspired learners to be greater!

This past week has been physically draining as I have become sick and started losing my voice to the end of the week.

Throughout my life I have been the silent, deep in thought guy. Being a quiet observer is a part of my nature, but when it is required to speak up I do which has been required of me this past week more than any other.

I had to keep vigil of a teacher's class for the entire week. Unfortunately this is an English teacher, thus I jumped at the opportunity with less excitement as my subjects are Natural Sciences and Mathematical Literacy and I knew I wouldn't be able to teach as I do in my other classes, I however could explain what a 'Metaphor' and 'Simile' is and also make use of relevant example, felt quite chuffed about this. I deemed the experience as another learning moment and looked forward as I knew it will come with many challenges to further build my character as a teacher. The school has a strict policy of not leaving student teachers alone with a classroom, but with this teacher being absent as she's been invited to a seminar and other teachers being absent on various days, the vice principal stepped in and asked for my help, which they have avoided up until now. Fortunately I have completed all my Evaluations and Observations, thus it didn't infringe on any of my work.

"Baby sitting" a class can sometimes be an unpleasant experience. As the students know and have the mentality of "He's a student teacher, there's not much he can do", this has been the attitude of a select few. It amazes me how certain learners have no respect, they enter the classroom the way they please, others sit and then there's only a few that stands orderly at their desks waiting for me to greet. Although this week required "more" from me as any other, I did appreciate it. As I only grew from each encounter having to discipline a learner, figuring out which works and what doesn't. I can honestly say, that I didn't have to shout like a mad man, but only had to be firm and unwavering. It was a challenge with the bodies that filled the classroom, as I haven't formed a relationship with them as I have with the other classes I have taught. It surely became better later on in the week. The teacher left worked for each grade to complete each day, but in my opinion, she made the mistake of handing out the schedule to them the week before, thus many have completed it at home, and they eagerly showed me their workbook as their proof, so they entered the classroom thinking that it's an off period for them. I made it very clear that no one will enter the classroom with that mindset and will have to find other work and be productive. Hence, the reason why I have lost my voice, as I had to talk an awful lot this week and the added sickness has helped with the voice running away! 

In between the teacher's off periods I could still manage to teach Natural Science to the grade 8's. We did revision as they had an investigational research project and a test due within in the week. I was also allowed to mark these assessments. Which also have been a learning curve. My mentor teacher warned me to never take it personally when a learner fails in knowing the work I have explained to them. It is so easy to take it personally though, as you question yourself, but then you find reassurance in those students who have done exceedingly well. Made me realise again that certain learners are just quicker in understanding and also as a teacher I have to bear in mind what that child is facing outside the classroom and not positioned that child as a lazy learner.

There's only 3 weeks remaining of this journey, can't believe that 6 weeks have passed. Still remember that very first day so clearly. I have one more lesson that will be evaluated by a lecturer this week, hopefully it'll go well like all the other lessons!

Future of SA rugby is looking great!

The boys in red (my school) trying very hard to prevent the try!

And the boys in blue scores!!!

The boys at the school is really passionate about their rugby and it is always good watching them play, win or lose!

Weekly experiences of a teacher in the making!

The week started off on a sad note, as the principal told the staff on monday morning, that there's been a break in at the school. The 5th one for the year and again it was projectors that were stolen out of classroom. It left many teachers baffled as no one understands how this can happen. The school management is now closely looking at measures to ensure that this won't happen again. 

This has been a week solely focused on academics. All of the grades had test scheduled this week and teachers wanted to give revision lessons, thus there was less presenting of lessons for me than any other week.

This week I have experimented to see whether I'll be able to control a situation where I invite grade 8 learners to give their feedback on the board. I have done this before and it worked well with the Senior grades, but I was sceptical with the Juniors as I don't want any learner to be offended when they make a mistake and some learner shouts it out in a manner that is disrespectful. I wanted to avoid doing this at all cost, but deemed it as a good challenge. Prior to asking learners their contribution on the board, I have explained to the class what will be expected from the other learners. I think it went fairly well, but there was the occasional random shout out's from other learners, "That is not the answer" but I would immediately address the individual. 

I'm also learning that it helps to speak to learners that are misbehaving after a lesson as they leave to the next class, by just gently saying, I didn't appreciate that or I expect better from you! One can then see on their body how guilty they feel about their actions and it's during this time one needs to motivate them to be better, but not just in my class, but all other classes. 

On certain days the interaction between me and the learners is better than other days. When learners find the content interesting they willingly and freely participate within the lesson, but their are days where I need to create the hype about learning something that doesn't seem to make sense to the learners. On Thursday morning I felt despondent when there was a few learners that didn't understand a certain concept (Right Hand Rule, Natural Sciences). Which have been explained in a series of lessons before, this period was used as revision as they had a project the Friday on Electromagnetism. Thus I felt the way I did as this has been dealt with before. I would ask them questions on the content and they struggled to answer correctly during the lesson, even after I've simplified the explanations and using other visual aids, such as pictures demonstrating. I had to remind myself that I cannot allow how I feel to show on my face and that it's not a reflection on me. I did question myself whether it's me that's creating the hurdle, but again I had to realise in reality there will be learners that will grasp something quicker than others. This is where doing revision and homework is of cardinal importance as learning shouldn't just occur within the classroom. After the lesson I then stretched the importance of home work to the class, hopefully it made an impact on them. 

On Wednesday a lesson I was observing was interrupted by the police. All the learners were shocked, me included as it came unexpected. The police was there to search the boys, the girls were asked to leave the classroom. The principal that he suspects that learners are using illegal substances on the school grounds and he felt that the police should intervene so that learners may understand how important it is to the school that such behaviour will not be tolerated. Although it was drastic, it surely made the impact it had to.

The prefects for the year 2016 have been nominated as well within this week. At the high school I attended only the teachers had a say, but this school uses a different system where fellow learners can nominate as well, which I found interesting.

On to week 6, for some more teaching and learning! 

Weekly experiences of a teacher in the making!

The experience of this week was super bitter sweet!

There has been a few moments within this week that made me appreciate the teaching profession so much more! In this week I again learned that it's more than just about teaching content. At this stage I'm able to form relationships with young people that goes beyond Natural Sciences and Mathematical Literacy. Although I have a stance of pure professionalism, the children just find it easy to share things about their life's, their interests, dislikes and passions without me having to intrude.

My favourite moment of this week was when a grade 11 learner called me while the class is doing an activity and handed me 5 of his poems to read. He also whispered that no one has ever read his poems before as he doesn't share them. It felt super special that he could entrust me with reading his personal writings. I too do some writing of my own and I too don't share it with others therefore I could relate in many ways. 
He is super talented and really creative. After reading his poetry I thanked him and told that maybe I too can build up the courage to share some of my writings with him. 

The bitter part regarding this week is that the personnel is not a united front when it comes to certain aspects and the meetings before school starts brings such a heaviness that one's day starts off unpleasant. I realise that this is a group of different individuals therefore everyone has his/hers own opinion, but I believe there is a certain standard that should be maintained when disagreeing with a fellow colleague. I'm not involved in any of this and steer clear from any negativity. It is an eye opener and I think this journey is preparing me how to conduct myself in the working environment in the future. 

For the first time this past week I got to teach the gr 12 learners. I felt apprehensive as I already formed a working relationship with the gr8's and gr11 and I wasn't sure how the lesson will go, but I was excited at the same time. The attitudes of some learners is disheartening, because some of them wouldn't bother to take out a pen or book to work with the class and as much as I try to engage, encourage and motivate them to participate, they simply don't care at all. I however had to realise that I cannot waste my energy on those that chooses not to participate, but my focus has to be on those that wants to work, that comes to school to learn. Despite their I don't care attitude I will continue to not lose hope and will continue to try and inspire them to reach their full potential.

On Friday I had my evaluation for Mathematical literacy. The planning went well and the learners worked well with me to have a successful lesson. The lecturer was pleased and he advised that me to involve learners by writing/doing sums on the board, which I have in other lesson, but this didn't take place in Friday's lesson. Nonetheless, it was a good lesson. There was no nerves, I was comfortable and well prepared. I look forward to see what this 5th week holds! 

The 2 CPUT students had their last day of practical on Friday, I will now be the only student teacher at the school, it should be interesting!

I found this magnetic duster and kokies,  which I think is super cool, at CNA! When I purchased this and transparencies I felt like a real teacher!

Weekly experience of a teacher in the making!

I had an amazing week of pure brilliance and learning galore!

But, first let me say that President High School won the derby on Saturday against a near by rival school. Thus the mood during the assembly on Monday morning was filled with excitement as all the learners and teachers that contributed to this win, were celebrated!

The Pressies Nettball team doing their thing!

I am truly finding my rhythm as a teacher, all the time I make a concious decision about what type of teacher I want to be! I think this is very important, that one needs to know how they want to present and conduct themselves within the classroom. I had a few special moments within this week. I found complete freedom about the choice to do a course in education when I was able to assist learners in understanding certain concepts better. It truly is rewarding like dr Davids shared with us, when a child's face lights up and their eyes sparkle, because you were able to be that help they needed to understand something. 

I am starting to form a relationship with the learners. By now they know what to expect from me and they behave accordingly. So when the grade 8's entered the classroom disorderly on Wednesday, I gave them I good pep talk. I told the class that I will not tolerate this type of behaviour and that I expect better from them as the standard have been already made aware to them. During all of this I spoke with them in a gentle, calm tone. I refuse to succumb to anger or raising my voice when learners behave the way they're not suppose to. I'm aware that this can easily change after a good few years in the teaching profession, but I too think that it is important to handle learners with care and the out most respect, although they lose their respect for you it doesn't give you any right to lose your respect for them. This will truly be my aim and most probably be my greatest challenge maintaining an attitude such as this. Kids are special and I don't know what circumstances they come from or how they're treated at home, but the time I'll be graced with their presence they will know that they're worthy and deserves nothing but the best from me!

I also noticed in the grade 8 Natural Science class and after confirming it with the principal, that there's a boy with a learning disability within the class. He has been medically diagnosed as a special needs learner. He has a short concentration span. His parents have tried to put him in a school to accommodate his needs, but at the moment the school is too full, which is really unfortunate. He has caused quite an uproar in some classes and today he tried to be disruptive which has never happened out of the classes I have taught them. When I noticed his seek for attention, I asked him questions regarding the content and he would answer, although he was wrong I still thanked him for his contribution and one could see it on his body how good it feels to him to be given praise. I look forward to see how I will deal with him in the future.  

My best time at the school is really that 45minutes I get to teach a specific class. This journey gives so much more meaning to my life, to my existence. I didn't think I would enjoy it this much, especially being the only one out of our PGCE group at this school. 

The week was eventful. The matrics had their 40 days on Thursday, which made for a very chaotic day. They truly came full force with an agenda to disrupt the norm, they "kidnapped" (tying hands, feet and mouths) teachers out of their classes, while teaching a lesson and held them prisoner in the quad. Not quite sure why I say them, because I too was "kidnapped", but I chose to go willingly, meaning I walked down to the quad and not carried by anyone. Out of the few teachers that went through this "traumatic" ordeal, most teachers laughed it off, while one teacher was really upset. All the time I was just saying/asking myself "Is this really happening?". "How can such disruption occur in a school?" School which is a place of order. 
I too have to admit it was exciting to behold the fancy costumes and this type of behaviour displayed by them as my school never had these events. It however affected the behaviour of the other grades as well and this made it unpleasant for teachers. But everything did stabilise and returned to somewhat normal.

It is also the Matric Farewell Tonight, so I look forward to hear how their night went. When I get a chance to finally teach the grade 12's.
I am very pleased to know that I will be able to sleep a little bit later on Monday, before the teaching and learning commences on Tuesday!

Weekly experience of a teacher in the making!

Boy oh boy, I thoroughly enjoyed this week! 

Firstly, let me say that presenting is definitely way more fun than observing. There was absolutely no nerves and everything about teaching felt natural. From Monday I was assertive and told both classes that no behaviour that will disturb the process of learning will be tolerated within the classroom. I knew that when I'm well prepared and know the subject content that things will go well and presenting my first ever lesson in the school bunks was a super special moment and I will treasure it with me always.

This week I started to learn the dynamics of the school. There is great room for improvement regarding the discipline of the school. The behaviour of some learners towards teachers are utterly disrespectful and the young people of today (not all) do not seem to know what it is to have respect for the elderly. As someone who came from an era where you listened when an older person speaks to you, this is sad to see and I have to stop myself from stepping in when a learner is rude toward a teacher. Only afterwards I would approach a learner and try and pick their brain as to why this attitude. Here I learned that the learner is troubled and are experiencing something that the teacher is not necessarily aware of, but in the same breath, some certain learners are just rude and it's not the teacher that is dispositioning them as such, but their behaviour that allows for this disposition.

Also in this week one learns about the staff room politics and I try my best to not notice things, but it is unavoidable and sometimes I have to stop myself from not laughing when I see how one teacher gets annoyed with another during staff meetings! Definitely eye opening, learning how a group of people with different personalities have to stand together at the end of the day to create a cohesive school environment! 

The thing I've looked forward to most was to see how I will handle any disciplinary problems. It was refreshing to know that when learners are reprimanded with gentleness they do feel bad about their behaviour and show respect. With regards to discipline in the observation of lessons, I feel that teachers need to pick their battles more carefully. It is not wise to create an unpleasant atmosphere within the classroom about something that's completely unnecessary. 

For my extra mural activity I have chosen to sit in with the school choir. The only thing about music I know is how to love it and appreciate it. The school choir is fairly small, but they're are competent and are exciting about their performance at the school's talent show next week. 

Saturday's the big inter schools competition between President High School and a neighbouring school. It was a busy week with finalising all the details as the school is hosting the event this year. Friday the school had their "Big Brag" introducing all their teams of respective sports and also getting all the learners excited for the encounter. It was great getting to see this aspect of school, besides the academics and management of a school.

Next week should be another great week of learning and personal growth!
I look forward! :)  

Choir rehearsing for the Talent Show!

Weekly experience as a Teacher in the making!

The journey of being a student Teacher at President High School!

It has been an eventful week with the first day being very overwhelming as I find myself in an environment once well known many years ago as a scholar, but this time unknown as I enter my journey of being a teacher in the future. As many has warned me and the entire PGCE group that teaching requires a lot of planning and commitment from teachers and the entire school governing body and this was noticeable from the very first day of school. 

Throughout the week I've observed a variety of different teaching methods. From the approach being teacher centred, learner centred and teacher-learner centred. I've found that when it is mostly the teacher speaking during a lesson learners tend to get bored and start to lose their concentration. In comparison with the learner centred approach, there is a lot of freedom given to learners to participate within the lesson, they are allowed to discuss answers in groups, but this can only work if the lesson is structured, because it may result in the discussions going off point. Thus the teacher needs to take charge and facilitate the discussion at all times. I've learned this week that it is best to make learners aware of what will be expected of them within the lesson, so that this can also help keep the lesson structured.

I'm fortunate that I was placed at a multiracial school as this brings a certain dynamic into the classroom. I observed in one class where a student called the teacher a racist, because according to this student, the teacher sided with the student of his race. In this I learned to be fair to all at all times and not be placed in a situation where my actions appear to be favouring anyone. I also learned that as much as a teacher motivates a learner to do their class activities or homework the responsibility lies on the learner as there is only so much a teacher can do. There were teachers that would check the homework and then there were teachers who didn't care whether learners did their homework or not, but all teachers gave feedback on the homework.

I had a good week, after the first day everything got better, as I had to find my feet the first day, learning the names of teachers and where their classrooms are, so there was a lot of running around the first day. As the week progressed I felt more comfortable, I became more confident about that which is expected of me to do at the school. When I presented my first lesson on Friday, I've put into practice all the things we've learned during 1st semester, by being assertive the first day so that learners may know where they stand with me. And also the better you're prepared, the more confidence you'll have in the classroom when teaching. Throughout the week I was thinking about how I will deal with telling a learner to behave. I questioned whether they will respect me as the age gap between me and them is small. I look forward to see when the time comes to address a certain situation how I will deal with it. 

The lack of interest of some grade 12 learners in class got me thinking a lot, because they had an attitude of I don't care and that is scary. I approached some of them to ask why this view, then they explained that they're not planning on going to study further, or the subject(Mathematical Literacy) is too easy. I tried my best to motivate them and encourage them to think about their valuable input during class!

Hopefully next week will be a great week of learning as well!

Ulrich F van Wyk

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