Teacher Specialization

Originally i had posted that i wanted to become a Literature teacher. however after much consideration, I decided to be an Agriculture teacher. My decision was based on the dire need for making students aware about Agriculture. Today's youngsters are too concerned about their looks and the latest style rather than the environment and its natural resources and where their food comes from. I strongly believe that I can educate students about their environment and agriculture and open their eyes to how they can help save the environment. Although I have no formal training in Agriculture myself I am willing to learn and I am very open-minded to this area. I would like to inspire my students to not only follow their dreams but always have an open-mind to dreaming; if we can dream it, we can achieve it. During the process of choosing my specialization in my B.Ed. programme, I weighed my beliefs and position I would hold as a teacher and i made my decision. I would recommend to all teachers in-service and pre-service, to always reflect on yourself and the power you hold over these young minds and always remember why you chose the feild you are in.

Reflective Practitioner

Recently I was given the opportunity to visit a primary school and observe a Standard Four (4) class. I had a wonderful experience however from what I observed, there were some non-examples I took with me. There were students with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Some of the teachers were not fully trained to deal with such students and it resulted in a frustrated teacher and a student with low self-esteem. The teacher would shout at the students in order to get their attention however this only made matters worse. My co-operating teacher however was the dean of discipline. This reflected well on his class as his students were well behaved and disciplined. I found my self wanting to have such excellent classroom management skills when I enter into the school system. Motivation was definitely prevalent within the classroom. Teachers do have to face a lot of difficult challenges everyday. The main challenges in this school was poor ventilation and space. But despite this factor, the teachers adapted well;something I as a prospective teacher shall take into consideration. While at the school, I also had the experience with a bush fire near the school which was threatening to both students and teachers. However the quick thinking and bravery of the teachers and principle, the school was dismissed, students' parents were notified and the situation was under control. I found this as a perfect example of teachers in action and their duties towards students. Overall I had a blast in this observation exercise and i would reccommend it as a pilot programme for prospective teachers. 

Group Work

Teachers all use various teaching strategies in the classroom. Group work is one of these strategies. There are several ups and downs to group work. In the case of projects, it may teach students co-operation and team work however this may not always be the case. Some students tend to 'slack-off' leaving all the work for other group members which is highly unfair. This is seen at all levels of education: primary, secondary and even tertiary. This downside can leave a bad impression on students and have them look at group work negatively. However One must encourage group work and its upside. Group work can prepare students for the work environment and functioning in the society as prospective and productive members. Overall group work should be encouraged but treated sensitively by teachers; monitor group work and success should prevail.

Education and Technology

In today's society, everything is rapidly changing and technology is evolving faster than mankind did. There is a constant call for the integration of technology within the classroom. Technology is seen as the stress reliever for some teachers and for students it may be seen as hell!!!! Computers with wifi allow easy access to videos and various teaching aids which teachers can use to enhance their lessons. It is visually appealing to younger students and maybe some older ones however there is still a small portion of students who do not agree with the use of technology in the classroom. These students may be those who have a low socio economic background and are not able to have access to such luxuries. This can have a negative effect on the students as they may be embarrassed to admit this fact in the classroom. Therefore as teachers or in my case a prospective teacher, i believe it is necessary to bridge this gap of class and technology with more computer programmes offered within the school at all levels. Apart from this point, projectors and other technologies can be very useful to teach boring lessons. In one of my courses, I attempted to teach a Physical Education lesson; 'How to kick a soccer-ball.' Below is a link to a powtoon I had created using technology: http://www.powtoon.com/p/d558eDbtVTN/
This is just one of the programmes available to teachers to teach and deliver lesson that are appealing to students. Technology has limitless opportunities and software that is useful to teachers and even students. Students can access these programmes to deliver their presentations and it can help boost their self-esteem and prepare them for the working world. Technology and education can help in the classroom.

Teachers as supporter and not master.

Throughout the course of my B.Ed. programme thus far, I have come across the concept that a teacher is a supporter and the master. In many classrooms to date, the teacher is viewed as the master and enforcer. They give directions and expect that they are to be followed. However this is not necessarily the best method for educating young minds. If students are spoon fed and expect to get all directions from teachers, then, as it is, students become dependent on the teacher and refuse to think for themselves. They may be indoctrinated to always rely on the teacher and become creative or independent thinkers. Teachers should help scaffold students in their education journey. The use of cognitive modeling can effectively educate students without being seen as 'the master.' Cognitive modeling is the best of both worlds; the combination of explanation and demonstration. The teacher simply guides the student in the education process and not only would this enhance the students confidence (as it makes them feel as though the teacher believes that they can accomplish a task by themselves) but it also builds the trust between the teacher and the student. I am a supporter of this concept.

Education makes the world. A statement that reflects the importance of a good education. It is the driving force behind today's society and all societal norms. For those who are in the education sector, it is no surprise that being educated opens many doors for opportunities. It makes dreams come true and it allows one to become independent. Education ranges in all forms: book sense to common sense and as it is, education does not only take place in the classroom. Learning can take place at anywhere, any time, it is only a matter of reflecting on such experiences. Which leads to another point, being a reflective practitioner enables one to identify and make improvements for one's personal growth and development. This is very useful to teachers of all categories: per-service teachers, in-service teachers and principles. Education involves the integration and merging of all subject areas for efficient learned outcomes. This blog shall seek to identify such aspects of teaching with regards to my very own experiences throughout my B.ed. program.