Reflections on My 20th Day of Teaching Practice at St. Mary's HSS Pattom

 As a student teacher, my journey through teaching practice at St. Mary's Higher Secondary School Pattom has been an incredible learning experience. Each day has brought its own set of challenges and opportunities, and my 20th day of teaching practice was no exception. On this particular day, I had the privilege of taking the first period in a class of ninth-grade students for a chemistry lesson. The topic of the day was "Types of Mixtures in Water," and I was excited to engage the students with some interesting videos, images, and real-life connections.

Lesson Plan Overview:

Topic: Types of Mixtures in Water

Class: 9th Grade

Subject: Chemistry

Objective: To introduce and explain various types of mixtures in water, emphasizing their relevance to daily life activities.

The Classroom Experience:

I began the class with a brief introduction to the topic and its importance in our daily lives. I explained that understanding different types of mixtures in water could help us make informed decisions about water purification, environmental conservation, and more. To make the lesson engaging, I incorporated a multimedia approach.

I showed the students captivating videos and images depicting various mixtures in water, including suspensions, colloids, and solutions. The visual aids helped the students grasp the concepts more effectively and made the learning experience enjoyable. We discussed real-life examples of these mixtures, such as muddy water, milk, and saltwater, which allowed the students to connect theory with practical applications.

Review Questions:

To assess the students' understanding of the topic, I posed some review questions:

What is a suspension? Provide an example from your daily life.

Explain the difference between a solution and a colloid.

How can you separate a mixture of sand and water?

These questions encouraged active participation and critical thinking among the students.

Follow-Up Activities:

To reinforce the concepts learned, I assigned the following follow-up activities:

Create a Visual Poster: In groups, students were tasked with creating visual posters that illustrate the three types of mixtures in water. They had to include real-life examples and explain the significance of each type.

Water Filtration Experiment: In the next class, we planned to conduct a simple water filtration experiment. Students would bring in samples of muddy water, and together, we would work on purifying the water using different materials and techniques. This hands-on activity would deepen their understanding of suspensions and solutions.

Beyond the classroom, my day also involved supporting the school in preparations for the upcoming Republic Day celebration. It was heartwarming to see the school community come together to organize an event that celebrates our nation's unity and diversity. My involvement allowed me to connect with colleagues and gain a broader perspective on the school's ethos and values.

Conclusion:

My 20th day of teaching practice at St. Mary's HSS Pattom was a fulfilling experience. It reaffirmed the importance of innovative teaching methods, real-life connections, and student engagement. Through captivating visuals, discussions, review questions, and follow-up activities, I hope to inspire my students to explore the fascinating world of chemistry and its relevance to their daily lives. Additionally, contributing to the Republic Day celebration reminded me of the sense of community and shared values that make teaching such a rewarding profession. I look forward to the remaining days of my teaching practice, each one a new opportunity to grow and learn as an educator