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!
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| 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! |
I loved reading your blog! We're both very enthusiastic about being on the scene and not just sitting down and letting them work on their own. I make a point of always being availible too. I Must say time flies and before we know it we're back in room 3001! Enjoy the last few days!
ReplyDeleteBelieve me the feeling is mutual, I miss going to class and catching up with everyone so much. Im starting to feel sad that its almost time to leave...But I am happy that your ecaluation went well, hard work pays off. Enjoy the last few days at school.
ReplyDeleteIt's very interesting that your school has a youth worker which is partly exclusive at a government school. Where the the students that are not a part of the group go? Have they set up another facility cater to the rest of the students needs?
DeleteHi Saskea
DeleteThe youth worker, is not instated by the school or WCED, but by his church and gets paid by them. He is studying theology part time and is the leader of the youth ministry at church and part of his job description is to be actively working with young people, thus his reason for being at the school, which he could choose.
There is no other alternative on a Wednesday morning when most of the learners gather in the wall with the youth worker. The other learners remain with the register teacher till 1st period.
There is a culture group that meets after school within the week.