My Teaching Practice Journey at St. Mary's HSS Pattom: Day 23

 As a student teacher at St. Mary's Higher Secondary School in Pattom, each day brought new challenges, lessons, and growth. On the 23rd day of my teaching practice, I experienced a significant milestone in my journey towards becoming an effective educator. This day was a blend of excitement, preparation, and a bit of nervousness as I got the opportunity to lead a class of 9th-grade students in a chemistry lesson on the topic of chlorine and its preparation.

The Lesson Plan:

The focus of my lesson was to introduce the concept of chlorine and its preparation to the students in an engaging and memorable way. To make the lesson more interactive, I incorporated interesting videos and images related to the topic. I wanted my students not only to understand the theory but also to visualize and remember the process.

The Classroom Experience:

As the first period commenced, I entered the classroom filled with eager and curious faces. I started the class by briefly explaining the importance of chlorine and its various applications in our daily lives, like disinfection and water treatment. Then, I used captivating visuals to explain the process of chlorine preparation, which included videos of industrial methods and historical context.

The highlight of the day was when I demonstrated the preparation of chlorine right in front of the class. I had set up a simple experiment to show the reaction between hydrochloric acid and potassium permanganate, producing chlorine gas. The students were visibly excited to witness a chemical reaction live in their classroom.

Review Questions and Follow-up Activities:

After the demonstration, I gave the students a set of review questions to gauge their understanding. These questions ranged from recalling key points about chlorine to asking them to explain the chemical reaction they had just witnessed. I also assigned a follow-up activity where they had to research and present a real-world application of chlorine. This allowed them to connect the classroom learning to practical situations.

The Principal's Observation:

On this eventful day, our college principal made a surprise visit to observe my class. This unexpected visit added an extra layer of excitement and pressure. However, I remained focused on delivering the lesson as planned, and I was pleasantly surprised to receive positive feedback and encouragement from the principal after the class.

Supporting Tasks:

Apart from teaching my own class, I also had the opportunity to assist my chemistry teacher in showing various experiments in different classrooms. This not only expanded my teaching experience but also allowed me to witness different teaching styles and classroom dynamics.

Reflecting on the Day:

As I look back on this day, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and pride. It was a significant step forward in my journey as a student teacher. The experience of leading the class, demonstrating a chemical reaction, and receiving positive feedback from my principal were moments that boosted my confidence as an aspiring educator.

This day taught me the importance of thorough lesson planning, incorporating multimedia resources, and engaging students through hands-on experiences. It also reinforced the idea that teaching is not just about imparting knowledge but also about inspiring curiosity and critical thinking in our students.

In conclusion, the 23rd day of my teaching practice at St. Mary's HSS Pattom was a memorable one. It reminded me that every day in the classroom is a new opportunity to learn, grow, and make a positive impact on the lives of students. I am eager to continue my journey as a student teacher, armed with the lessons and experiences gained from this remarkable day.