Reflections on Teaching Practice at St. Mary's HSS Pattom: A Day of Challenges and Achievements

 As a student teacher at St. Mary's Higher Secondary School in Pattom, every day is a new learning experience. However, today, the 27th day of my teaching practice, was particularly eventful and insightful. On this day, I was tasked with preparing an achievement test and blueprint for the chapter on current electricity for the ninth-grade students, while also ensuring that my students were adequately prepared for their upcoming yoga examination. Additionally, I had the opportunity to support Arya, a fellow student teacher, in her peer observation.

The Challenge of Crafting an Achievement Test and Blueprint

One of the primary responsibilities for the day was to design an achievement test and blueprint for the chapter on current electricity for ninth-grade students. This task demanded a deep understanding of the subject matter and a careful consideration of the students' learning needs. To accomplish this, I had to:

Review the Curriculum: I started by revisiting the curriculum to identify the key learning objectives for the chapter. Understanding what the students were expected to learn was crucial in crafting an effective test.

Assessment Design: With the learning objectives in mind, I created a variety of questions that tested different aspects of the topic, including multiple-choice, short answer, and problem-solving questions. The goal was to provide a well-rounded assessment that gauged the students' comprehension.

Blueprint Creation: After designing the test questions, I developed a blueprint that outlined the weightage of each topic within the chapter. This blueprint would guide the test creation process and ensure a fair representation of the material covered.

Ensuring Clarity: I also made sure that the test questions were clear, concise, and free from ambiguities. This was vital to ensure that the students could answer the questions accurately.

Preparing Students for the Yoga Exam

In addition to the academic responsibilities, I had the privilege of preparing my students for their yoga examination. A physical education teacher visited our school to evaluate their yoga skills. To prepare them effectively, I:

Practice Sessions: Conducted practice sessions to help the students refine their yoga poses and techniques. We practiced different asanas, focusing on correct postures and breathing.

Stress Management: Taught relaxation techniques to help the students manage exam-related stress. Deep breathing exercises and meditation were incorporated into our sessions.

Confidence Building: Encouraged students to believe in themselves and their abilities. Positive reinforcement and constructive feedback played a significant role in boosting their confidence.

Supporting Peer Observation

As part of my collaborative efforts with fellow student teachers, I had the opportunity to support Arya in her peer observation. This involved:

Providing Feedback: I observed Arya's teaching style, classroom management, and student engagement strategies. After the lesson, I provided constructive feedback to help her enhance her teaching skills.

Encouragement: Peer observation is a valuable opportunity for growth, and I made sure to encourage Arya to continue refining her teaching techniques.

In conclusion, the 27th day of my teaching practice at St. Mary's HSS Pattom was a day filled with both challenges and accomplishments. Crafting an achievement test and blueprint tested my subject knowledge and assessment skills, while preparing students for the yoga exam allowed me to connect with them on a personal level. Additionally, supporting Arya in her peer observation reinforced the importance of collaboration and continuous improvement in the field of education. Each day as a student teacher brings new insights and learning experiences, and I look forward to the remaining days of my teaching practice with enthusiasm and a commitment to growth