PERSONAL EVALUATION of the PRACTICUM EXPERIENCE in PRIMARY

Paula SchulzeAugust, 2015

Introduction:In this second stage of my practicum period, once again I feel I

have put into practice the theory we have been working on. Therefore, I have tried to use all my previous knowledge to achieve the goals of this phase. I had never taught in primary so there were fears to face and rest, as it had happened when I was in kindergarten, so the challenge was even greater but worth.

Development:At this point and thinking back, I can say that my pedagogical

plan was in accordance to the learners’ needs, reality, and abilities. Therefore, I really felt at ease with both the theory and the practice. I could experience a great satisfaction of “blending” what I had learned with the students’ response but also and at the same time being myself. Although my expectations were probably too high, as they had been in kinder, I really felt happy with myself and the whole process I underwent while learning, planning and teaching mainly. It was as if the theoretical aspects of my professional development were already incorporated into the practice.

The process of planning was tough, not because of the topic itself which was “Pirates and Treasures” but because I lost sight of the whole class at first. Then, especially after the first class, I could understand the scaffold needed to lead the students into the learning process and not get mixed up in a number of activities with no main purpose at all. For example, I included the stage in which students hadve to explain again what they hadve to do so as to check they hadve understood and I also included questions to guide development of their metacognitive skill by aspect of asking the students what they consider they had learnt; both being of great importance to have the expected outcome.

Thinking forward, I think I would like to improve the time management so as to promote this perfect cycle there should be in each class, broadly speaking: the revision, teaching, practice and self-evaluation steps. Besides, I believe I have developed an excellent rapport with the learners, creating in this way, good conditions in the classroom, for example, when I asked them to have a card with their names making the whole situation a little more personal. Now, when I meet them or they see me on the school playground, for instance, they greet me happily and by my name.

Reflecting about my emotions, I can say that I was worried I would feel sort of disappointed as it had happened with kinder kids. At that point, I felt there was little connection between the theory and the practice, between my teaching style and the students´ needs and level, even with the classroom environment! So I was scared this new teaching experience would be similar to the previous one. Fortunately, it was completely different; all my expectations were fulfilled and even my energies and enthusiasm in a way were strengthened and I think they became evident to the kids as well.

When taking into account the others’ viewpoints, I can say that both, the tutor and the teacher who observed my classes were of great significance to me. The first one, because through the written dialogues we could “talk” exchange ideas, points of view, although at times I wished we were nearer so as to have an exchange of ideas. At times the questions and observations were a challenge in themselves for me to think over the corrections or ideas. As for the latter, the local teacher, as she knew the group she helped me with some suggestions and positive feedbacks after my practices; I felt relaxed with her presence and in this case her intervention as in behavioral problems was no needed at all, so different to what had happened during my kinder experience.

Personal Conclusions:

It is clear that becoming a good teacher is a life-long process, a process with a beginning but no end. In this route, obstacles and efforts will be required but also rewards and incentives will be much greater. This period has been one of those since I feel energized and convinced that I am on the right track to getting the most of my professional me.