My Journey as a Student Teacher: Day 24 at St. John's Model HSS, Nalanchira

 As I continue my teaching internship at St. John's Model Higher Secondary School in Nalanchira, every day brings new challenges and exciting experiences. Today marked the 24th day of my journey, and it was a day full of interesting lessons and activities. The focus of the day was my first period with the eighth-grade chemistry class, where we explored the intriguing topic of the origin of names of elements using ICT aids.

Teaching the Origin of Names of Elements with ICT Aids

As a student teacher, I have been fortunate to have access to modern teaching tools, and today's lesson was a prime example of how technology can enhance the learning experience. The topic of the day was the origin of names of elements, a subject that can be quite dry if presented traditionally. However, with the help of ICT aids, I was able to make it engaging and interactive.

I began the lesson by introducing the concept of element names and their origins. We discussed how many elements were named after famous scientists, mythological figures, or even places. To make this more tangible, I used a multimedia presentation to show images and short video clips related to each element's origin story. This approach not only captured the students' attention but also helped them remember the information better.

Review Questions and Follow-up Activity

After explaining the concept thoroughly, I gave the students a set of review questions to gauge their understanding. These questions encouraged critical thinking and required them to recall the information we had just covered. It was heartening to see the students actively participating and discussing their answers with enthusiasm.

To reinforce the knowledge, I assigned a follow-up activity. Each student was asked to research and prepare a short presentation on one element of their choice, highlighting its name's origin and any interesting facts about it. This activity not only encouraged independent research but also allowed the students to explore their curiosity and creativity.

Student-Teacher Collaboration: Still Model Competition for Moon Day

In addition to the chemistry lesson, I was excited to be part of a collaborative effort between student teachers from our college and the school. We were organizing a still model competition in celebration of Moon Day, an event dedicated to promoting space science and exploration.

The competition aimed to inspire students to learn about the moon, its phases, and the historical significance of lunar exploration. It was heartwarming to see the students' enthusiasm as they worked on their models, depicting everything from the Apollo missions to the phases of the moon.

As a student teacher, being part of such initiatives not only allows me to contribute to the school's extracurricular activities but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among fellow student teachers. It's a reminder that teaching is not just about the classroom; it's about engaging with the school community as a whole.

Conclusion

Day 24 at St. John's Model Higher Secondary School in Nalanchira was an enriching experience. Using ICT aids to teach the origin of names of elements made the lesson engaging, and the review questions and follow-up activity ensured that the students understood and retained the information. Additionally, the collaboration with fellow student teachers for the Moon Day competition highlighted the importance of extracurricular activities in a holistic education.

As I continue my teaching internship, I am grateful for the opportunities to learn and grow, both as a teacher and as a member of the school community. Each day brings new challenges and rewards, and I look forward to the remaining days of my journey at St. John's Model HSS, Nalanchira.