My Journey as a Student Teacher: 11th Day at St. John's Model HSS Nalanchira

 As a student teacher on my teaching internship journey at St. John's Model Higher Secondary School in Nalanchira, each day brings new challenges, experiences, and opportunities for growth. Today marked my 11th day in the classroom, and it turned out to be a day full of exciting moments and valuable insights.

Morning Preparations

The day started with the usual excitement and anticipation. I had been eagerly awaiting this day as it was my first time taking the lead in teaching a class. The focus of the day was clear - I was assigned the first period in a class of 8th graders, and the topic was "Sublimation" in chemistry. Armed with my lesson plan and a bag full of interactive teaching aids, I entered the classroom with a mix of enthusiasm and nervousness.

Interactive Teaching with ICT Aids

To make the concept of sublimation come alive for my students, I decided to utilize various ICT (Information and Communication Technology) aids. I projected relevant visuals, animations, and diagrams on the smartboard to create a visually engaging learning environment. This not only grabbed the students' attention but also helped them grasp the abstract concept of sublimation more easily.

Relating the Topic to Daily Life

One of my primary goals was to connect the theoretical knowledge to real-life examples. Sublimation, though a scientific concept, can be seen in our daily lives. I encouraged my students to think about instances where substances change directly from a solid to a gas or vice versa. It was heartwarming to see their faces light up as they made connections to everyday phenomena like dry ice and mothballs.

Hands-On Experiment Demonstration

To make the lesson more memorable, I conducted a simple sublimation experiment right in the classroom. I used a piece of dry ice and demonstrated how it changed from a solid to a gas without going through the liquid phase. The students were fascinated by the bubbling fog and eagerly asked questions, demonstrating their curiosity and engagement with the topic.

Review Questions and Follow-Up Activity

After the demonstration, I presented a set of review questions to the students to gauge their understanding. It was immensely satisfying to see them answer confidently, showing that they had grasped the concept. To reinforce their learning, I assigned a follow-up activity where they had to identify and document instances of sublimation in their surroundings. This not only encouraged independent thinking but also made the learning experience more holistic.

Optional Teacher's Classroom Observation

Just as I was beginning to feel more comfortable and confident, my optional teacher, who had been guiding and mentoring me throughout this internship, made a surprise visit to observe my class. Her presence added a layer of excitement and a touch of nervousness to the proceedings. However, her feedback and encouragement after the class were invaluable. She commended my use of ICT aids and my ability to create an interactive learning environment.

Supporting My Chemistry Teacher

In the afternoon, I had the privilege of supporting my chemistry teacher in the process of paper valuation. This experience provided me with a behind-the-scenes look at the teachers' workload and the meticulous process of grading assignments and tests. It was a reminder of the dedication and hard work that teachers put into their roles beyond just classroom teaching.

As I reflect on my 11th day as a student teacher at St. John's Model HSS Nalanchira, I am reminded of the profound impact that effective teaching can have on students. Today's experience taught me the importance of using technology and real-life examples to make learning more engaging and relatable. It also reinforced the idea that teaching is a continuous learning process, and each day in the classroom is an opportunity for growth and improvement.

I look forward to the remaining days of my internship, where I hope to continue honing my teaching skills, inspiring students, and making a positive contribution to their educational journey.