Reflections on Teaching Practice at St. Mary's HSS Pattom: Day 26
As a student teacher at St. Mary's Higher Secondary School in Pattom, I have had the privilege of gaining valuable teaching experience over the past few weeks. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth, and today, on the 26th day of my teaching practice, I'd like to share my experience from a particularly memorable day in class 8 Chemistry.
Teaching Surface Tension with Concept Attainment
On this day, I had the first period with class 8, and the topic was "Surface Tension." To make the lesson engaging and interactive, I decided to use the Concept Attainment Model. This model encourages students to discover concepts through critical thinking and deductive reasoning. It involves presenting a set of examples and non-examples to help students understand the characteristics of the concept.
I began by showing the students various images and demonstrations related to surface tension, such as water droplets forming on a leaf and a needle floating on water. Then, I asked them to identify the common characteristics among these examples. Through discussion and peer interaction, the students gradually deduced the concept of surface tension.
Review Questions and Follow-Up Activities
To reinforce the concept of surface tension, I provided the students with review questions and follow-up activities:
Review Questions:
What is surface tension, and how does it work?
Give examples of everyday situations where surface tension is at play.
Explain how soap reduces surface tension and why it is easier to wash greasy dishes with soap.
Describe an experiment you can conduct to demonstrate the effects of surface tension.
Follow-Up Activities:
Conduct a simple experiment at home to measure the surface tension of water using a paperclip and a bowl of water.
Create a poster or presentation showcasing different examples of surface tension in nature.
Watch a documentary or video on the topic and write a short summary with your thoughts and observations.
Preparing Students for the Yoga Exam
In addition to teaching Chemistry, I also needed to prepare my students for their upcoming Yoga exam. Yoga is an essential part of the curriculum at St. Mary's, promoting physical and mental well-being. I incorporated short yoga sessions into our daily routine, teaching them various asanas (postures) and breathing exercises.
Supporting Monitha for Peer Observation
As part of my responsibilities as a student teacher, I had the opportunity to support Monitha, a fellow student teacher, with her peer observation. Peer observations are a valuable tool for professional development, allowing teachers to provide constructive feedback to one another. During Monitha's class, I took notes and provided feedback on her teaching style, classroom management, and engagement strategies. It was a mutually beneficial experience that enhanced our teaching skills.
Conclusion
Teaching practice at St. Mary's HSS Pattom has been an enriching journey of learning and growth. The 26th day was a testament to the diverse roles and responsibilities of a student teacher. From teaching Chemistry using the Concept Attainment Model to preparing students for their Yoga exam and supporting peer observations, every moment is a valuable opportunity to contribute to the education of young minds. As I continue my teaching practice, I look forward to more experiences that will shape me into a more effective and compassionate educator
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