Hello all,
I am taking a little bit of time to reflect on my practicum experience.
I have been visiting New-Westminster secondary for the last few weeks and I have been teaching some drafting wood working metal working and electronics.
The experience was wonderful, I was welcomed and accepted by staff and students right away and we had a lot of fun.
Teaching did show some challenges. I did not expect taking attendance to be a challenge, however matching faces to names and navigating the multi grade classes was a little difficult. The student show patience in repeating their names and a after a few weeks I can now take attendance in a timely manner.
The electronic class I was co-teaching also show some challenges. the student where not interested in the subject and it was hard to keep their attention. However introducing VEX robotic and designing fun challenges was a game changer all puns included. Student found the activity appealing and their attention increased. I changed from a lecture type delivery to a more scaffold group learning technique. Giving student more responsibility in their learning allowed for better results. Student where teaching each other how to program and spend time together trouble shouting before asking for help.
Overall the whole experience was fantastic I am looking forward to returning in February.