Teaching as an intern at Future School has been a unique and rewarding experience, even though everything still feels surreal. Upon entering the school, the environment and innovative teaching methods provide easy ways to adapt and learn from the teachers. As soon as I stepped into the classroom, it was important for everyone to show respect by standing and greeting both the student and the teacher. In my teaching practice, I initiate class discussions with a warm-up, which allows me to gauge the students' attentiveness and comprehension of what I am saying. I ensure that every warm-up is engaging to capture their attention, ignite their energy, and encourage them to enjoy and learn from the lesson.
Following the warm-up, I take attendance to better understand my students' needs. Observing teachers, I learned that a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning is crucial here, as it allows students to connect in real-world applications. This approach challenges me to become resourceful and creative in designing lessons that meet the curriculum, capture students' interest, and encourage critical thinking.
I have 40 minutes to achieve the intended learning outcomes and meet the needs of the students. When creating activities, I need to be more strict on time to ensure that the students are fully focused on the task at hand. Before allowing the students to begin the activity, the teacher must clearly communicate the instructions to prevent any miscommunication or misunderstandings. In addition, teaching students the mechanics or instructions will maximize their time and productivity. Managing time will not just help them to stay focused on what they are doing but also keep the class on track.
Creating a positive learning environment is crucial, and understanding its fundamentals is crucial for students to succeed. o ensure that all students are attentively listening and following instructions, I always begin with simple instructions such as call and response. The simpler the instructions, the easier it's for the students to understand the concept of the activities. Additionally, students should raise their hands before speaking and remain seated unless given permission, as these actions contribute to maintaining a calm and orderly class. Students should remember that punctuality is crucial—passing and completing activities on time is essential for being responsible and respectful. These basic habits not only help the class run smoothly but also support a focused learning atmosphere where everyone can do their best.
Since the students need guidance to improve their English speaking, one challenge I encountered was the language barrier with some students. As a pre-service teacher, I provide all the materials that can fuel learning in the minds of the students, such as visual aids and simple explanations, ensuring that my instructions are clear and easily understood.