Reflection

Various emotions/feelings and “What if” questions at school site

During my teaching practice, I often found myself filled with emotions and self-doubt, wondering, “What if the lesson doesn’t go as planned?” or “What if students don’t understand?” However, with the guidance of my mentor, I came to understand that teaching is not about showcasing intelligence but about making a meaningful impact on students’ lives. I realized that effective teaching goes beyond textbooks; it involves nurturing students’ attitudes, values, and self-worth—treating them with love and appreciation as a second parent would. Education, as a fundamental right, equips students with knowledge, skills, and values essential for personal and societal development. To achieve quality learning, teachers must continually reflect on and adapt their methods, embracing emerging academic trends and pedagogical approaches that meet evolving educational needs.

Lesson Planning: Teachers Light In Darkness

A lesson plan is like a map that guides both the teacher and students through the learning journey. It sets the pace, direction, and expectations, helping to reduce confusion and maintain classroom control. When shared visually, it keeps students engaged and aware of what to expect, making learning more effective and organized.                     

Learners work: give and take relationship

"Give and take" relationship is a dynamic interaction where both the teacher and student contribute, fostering understanding and growth for both the teacher and the student. This relationship encompasses expressing care, challenging growth, providing support, sharing power, and expanding possibilities. It is true that learning can be a two-way process where both the teacher and the students benefit from the interaction. Teaching is learning and learning is teaching. A teacher can learn from students by observing their learning styles, strengths, and areas of difficulty, adjusting their teaching methods accordingly. Students, in turn, learn from teachers by receiving instruction, guidance, and feedback, which helps them develop their understanding of the subject matter. 

A big opportunity

When I began my teaching career, I was inexperienced, shy, and unsure of how to organize or present my content effectively. I relied heavily on traditional methods and lacked knowledge of using instructional media. However, with time, guidance from colleagues and feedback from students, I learned the importance of continuous reading and developing critical thinking skills to prepare structured lessons and make sound decisions. Additionally, building strong personal and professional relationships has been a vital part of my growth. These connections have not only helped me enhance my skills and stay informed about the job market but have also provided access to mentors and valuable resources that continue to support my professional development.
 

Developing my strengths and weaknesses 

During my teaching practice, I learned to break down big topics into smaller parts to help students understand better, as they often lose focus during long or complex lessons. Using modern technology made my teaching more interactive and effective. I regularly asked for feedback from students, fellow teachers, and school leaders, which helped me understand my strengths and areas for improvement. Collaborating with colleagues allowed me to share ideas and support each other, making my teaching better. I also kept up with new trends and methods in education to improve my skills. To stay effective and avoid burnout, I balanced my work with personal well-being. Finally, I often reflected on my teaching to recognize what was working well and what needed change, which helped me grow as a teacher.

 Best lesson plan: the fun was priceless

Student teaching has fanned the fire of my passion for being a teacher and being a light onto the path of how to become the best I can be. Reflecting on each experience, the successful and the not so successful events, has encouraged me to continue to persevere and grow from the challenges. Not only did I discover a great deal about teaching but I also learned a great deal about myself. Despite so many challenges I was able to surpass all. I touched the lives of my students and they appreciated. It is actually a reward for a teacher to be appreciated by the students. It requires dedication because sometimes the teacher has to undergo so much stress and sleepless light to bring light in the lives of the students.

I aspire to become a great teacher by prioritizing continuous learning, reflection, collaboration, engaging in professional development activities, seeking feedback, being open to new ideas and strategies, cultivating a growth mind set in myself and that of my students, fostering a love of learning and a willingness to embrace challenges.  My desire is to keep growing and always be a better teacher today than I was yesterday. As the saying goes “who dare to teach must never cease to learn?”