Reflections on My Student Teaching Experience at St. Mary's HSS Pattom

 As a student teacher at St. Mary's Higher Secondary School in Pattom, every day has been a learning experience. However, my 11th day of teaching practice was particularly special, as I had the opportunity to teach an engaging lesson on the hardness of water to eighth-grade students in their third period chemistry class. This day was a true test of my teaching abilities and an opportunity to connect the theoretical knowledge with practical, everyday life applications.

The Lesson on Water Hardness:

The topic of the day was 'Water Hardness,' and I wanted to make it as interesting and relatable as possible for my students. To achieve this, I incorporated engaging videos and images into my lesson plan. These multimedia elements helped in visually explaining the concept of water hardness, which can often be abstract for young learners. I used animations and real-life examples to show how minerals like calcium and magnesium can make water 'hard' and how it affects our daily life activities.

Connecting with Daily Life Activities:

To make the topic even more relevant, I linked it to everyday life activities. We discussed how hard water can lead to scale buildup in kettles, damage to appliances, and even the need for extra soap when doing laundry or washing dishes. Students were encouraged to share their own experiences and observations related to water hardness, which made the topic more relatable and interactive.

Review Questions and Follow-up Activities:

At the end of the lesson, I provided review questions to assess their understanding:

What is water hardness, and why is it important to understand?

Name two common minerals responsible for water hardness.

How can you test the hardness of water at home?

Discuss one real-life situation where water hardness can cause problems.

For follow-up activities, I suggested:

Conducting a water hardness test at home using simple DIY methods.

Researching and preparing a short presentation on the impact of hard water on household appliances.

Writing a short essay on the importance of water quality in daily life.

Supporting Tasks:

In addition to teaching my class, I also assisted my chemistry teacher during her free hour with the tenth-grade students. This involved helping her set up experiments, answering students' questions, and providing additional support where needed. Furthermore, during this time, I took the opportunity to share some valuable exam tips with the students, which I hope will benefit them in their upcoming assessments.

Conclusion:

My 11th day of teaching practice at St. Mary's HSS Pattom was a day filled with valuable experiences and learning opportunities. Teaching about water hardness allowed me to connect theory with real-life applications and engage the students in meaningful discussions. It was also fulfilling to support my chemistry teacher and offer guidance to students preparing for exams. Each day at St. Mary's is a step closer to becoming a more effective and confident educator, and I look forward to the challenges and growth that lie ahead in this rewarding journey.