A Day in the Life of a Student Teacher: Teaching Internship at St. John's Model HSS Nalanchira

 As a student teacher, each day is a new adventure filled with excitement, challenges, and invaluable learning experiences. Today, on the 8th day of my teaching internship at St. John's Model Higher Secondary School in Nalanchira, I had the privilege of conducting my first period in Class 9, teaching the fascinating topic of relative density. The day was marked by a focus on inquiry-based teaching, integrating ICT aids, and connecting the subject matter to real-life examples. Additionally, I had the opportunity to support my fellow intern, Arya, through a peer observation exercise. Here, I share my reflections and experiences from this remarkable day.

The Classroom Environment

Walking into the classroom on this sunny morning, I could sense a mixture of curiosity and anticipation among the students. The classroom was well-equipped with a whiteboard, a projector, and a computer, allowing me to integrate technology into my teaching.

The Lesson: Relative Density and Inquiry-Based Learning

The topic for the day was "Relative Density," a concept that can sometimes be challenging for students to grasp. My approach was to use an inquiry-based training model, which involves engaging students actively in the learning process.

I began by posing a thought-provoking question to the students: "Why do some objects float while others sink in water?" This question immediately piqued their interest and encouraged them to think critically. I used ICT aids to showcase visually appealing animations and videos illustrating the concept of relative density, making it easier for students to understand.

Real-Life Examples and Applications

To make the topic more relatable, I incorporated real-life examples. We discussed the buoyancy of ships, the behavior of icebergs, and the concept of hot air balloons. By connecting these examples to the lesson, the students not only understood the theory but also saw its practical relevance.

Review Questions and Follow-Up Activity

After the initial explanation and discussions, I distributed review questions to the students to assess their understanding. These questions encouraged them to think critically and apply the concepts they had just learned. It was gratifying to see the students eagerly working on the questions and discussing their answers with their peers.

As a follow-up activity, I organized a hands-on experiment where students could determine the relative density of various objects. This interactive exercise allowed them to put their knowledge into practice and reinforced the lesson's key concepts.

Peer Observation and Support

One of the highlights of the day was supporting my fellow intern, Arya, during her peer observation session. We believe in the importance of learning from each other's experiences and feedback. I observed Arya's teaching style, classroom management, and her ability to engage students effectively. Providing constructive feedback afterward helped us both grow as aspiring educators.

Conclusion

My 8th day as a student teacher at St. John's Model HSS Nalanchira was an enriching and fulfilling experience. It reinforced the significance of inquiry-based learning, the integration of ICT aids, and connecting classroom concepts to real-life situations. It also highlighted the importance of collaboration and continuous learning through peer observation and feedback. Each day in the classroom is a stepping stone on the path to becoming a proficient educator, and I am excited about the days yet to come in my teaching internship.