Teaching online has been a whole new experience. Certainly, as part of the youth generation we are always dealing with internet and social media, but this was my first time teaching online. Get out of the comfort zone can be scary, but in my opinion, it is always something good, so the first week observing my guide teacher was crucial. I realized that about 18 students per grade get connected to the class and that may seems as a little amount, but keeping in mind the current situation, it is not that bad as it sounds. Online classes have its disadvantages, but at the same time it provides you the satisfaction of teaching in a whole new way, and have a good relationship with your students despite of being behind a computer.
It is exciting to finally be coursing Práctica Profesional. As I have mentioned before, this is not the way I expected to be, but I feel blessed with my school and the students that I have. At first, I was scared because I was not sure if my students will participate during my lesson, but during these first weeks the attendance has been good, as well as their participation. What is more, my two guide teachers, the one at the university and the one at the school are excellent. They are always giving me feedback and different online materials so that I can use in my classes. Moreover, I realized that having a teacher’s notebook it is very important, not only to have a record of the students who are attending and participating in my classes, but also to plan every lesson that I intend to teach.
This practice, despite of being online I had the opportunity to do a lot of things. First of all, I have the opportunity to attend to teacher's meeting when my guide teachers required, normally it was on Wednesday. It was my first opportunity in a meeting like this and it shocked me how long it could be, nonetheless the topic treated were interesting and helped me to learn more. Moreover, I had the opportunity to make some interviews required by JUNAEB to my 1st medio in order to know the context of the family situation. It was a long activity, that it took a few days to be done but it was nice to talk to the parents of my students, because it helped me to know more about them.
How we treat our students talk a lot about the type of person and teacher you are. Always be respectful and kind, you don’t know which problems your students may have.
Always explain proceadures, modeling and using videos or sound. Not all the students learn the same way and it is important to include all the learning ways.
Have a sense of humour. A good environment in every lesson is important, so some jokes once in a while will help to promote a good relationship with your students, but always with respect remembering that you are the teacher.
Always have a backup plan. Classes at school and online do not always result as expected, that’s why is crucial to have a Plan B so that the class can take place and your students can learn.
Enjoy what you are doing. Students are smart and they realice when you don’t love what you do or if you are not prepared. Enjoying and loving what you do will help you to be the best teacher students can have.