**Teaching Practice at a Rural High School**

### Teaching Practice (TP) Reflection #### Introduction Embarking on my TP at a rural high school with large class sizes of 80, 62, and 58 learners was both an eye-opening and challenging experience. Throughout the four weeks, I encountered numerous challenges but also witnessed moments of joy and success that have profoundly shaped my understanding of teaching and my role as an educator. #### 1. Teacher Characteristics From my observations and experiences, I have come to recognize several characteristics of a good teacher: - **Patience and Empathy:** Handling large classes requires incredible patience and an empathetic approach to understand the diverse needs of learners. - **Adaptability:** The ability to adapt teaching methods to suit the learning environment, especially in under-resourced rural schools, is crucial. - **Communication Skills:** Clear and effective communication ensures that lessons are understood, and learners feel comfortable to engage. - **Passion for Teaching:** A genuine passion for teaching motivates learners and creates a positive learning atmosphere. - **Classroom Management:** Effective strategies for maintaining discipline and managing classroom dynamics are essential to keep learners focused. #### 2. Connections and Relationships Forming connections with learners, teachers, and fellow student teachers was vital for a successful TP experience. Here are some strategies I used: - **Engagement and Participation:** I encouraged learners to participate actively in lessons, which helped build mutual respect and understanding. - **Consistency:** By being consistent in my expectations and behavior, learners knew what to expect, creating a stable and secure learning environment. - **Collaboration:** I collaborated with other teachers and student teachers to share resources and teaching strategies. This fostered a sense of teamwork and support. - **Personal Interaction:** Taking the time to interact with learners during breaks or after class helped build personal connections and trust. #### 3. Highlights and Challenges **Best Day:** My best day involved a particularly engaging lesson where I integrated a hands-on activity that captured the learners' interest. Seeing their enthusiasm and hearing their insightful contributions reaffirmed my passion for teaching. **Worst Day:** The worst day occurred when I struggled to maintain control of the class due to disruptive behavior. This day was frustrating and made me question my classroom management skills. **Challenging Topics:** Teaching complex and abstract concepts in subjects like mathematics was challenging, especially with limited resources. I approached this by breaking down the material into simpler, digestible parts and incorporating visual aids and real-life examples. **Enjoyable Topics:** Conversely, teaching life sciences was enjoyable because the learners were enthusiastic about the subject matter. I used interactive discussions and project-based learning to keep them engaged. #### 4. Preparation and Support Overall, I felt somewhat prepared for my TP, but there were areas where I needed more support. The knowledge, skills, and theories I applied included: - **Pedagogical Strategies:** I utilized various teaching methods and assessment techniques learned during my coursework. - **Classroom Management:** Theoretical knowledge of classroom management was put to the test in real-world scenarios. To be better supported in future TPs: - **More Practical Workshops:** Additional workshops focusing on classroom management, especially in large classes, would be beneficial. - **Mentorship:** Having a dedicated mentor at the school could provide ongoing support and guidance. #### 5. Looking Forward Based on my TP experience, I am becoming a more resilient and adaptable teacher. However, I recognize areas for growth: - **Classroom Management:** I need to develop more effective strategies for managing large classes and maintaining a positive learning environment. - **Resourcefulness:** Being more resourceful in utilizing available materials and finding creative solutions to overcome resource limitations. - **Reflective Practice:** Continually reflecting on my teaching practices to identify areas for improvement and celebrate successes. ### Conclusion My TP at a rural high school was a transformative journey that highlighted the rewards and challenges of teaching. This experience has fueled my commitment to becoming an effective, empathetic, and resourceful educator. By working on my classroom management skills and finding innovative ways to engage learners, I am confident in my ability to make a positive impact in their educational journey.