WEEK 4 OF TEACHING PRACTICE: EMBRACING CHALLENGES AND GROWTH (04/08/2025 to 08/08/2025)
"Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence." - Abigail Adams
As I reflect on the past week of my teaching practice, I am reminded of the importance of adaptability, effective planning, and student engagement in the classroom. From conducting unit tests and hands-on experiments to teaching complex concepts like inertia and motion, this week has been a whirlwind of activities that have challenged me to grow as a teacher.
Today was another engaging day in my teaching practice, where I had two scheduled periods and an additional substitution class. In my chemistry class with 8B, I effectively used videos and slides to teach the property of hardness of metals, including exceptions and demonstrations of density. The class progressed smoothly due to thorough preparation. In the 7th period, I taught graphical representation to 9A, utilizing projected virtual graphs to clarify concepts and guide them in drawing graphs within the time limit. During the substitution class with 9B, I used ICT to convey the concept of velocity-time graphs, although some students struggled with calculating areas due to weak math foundations. Despite the challenges, I managed to complete the lesson plan and even addressed a complex question from the textbook. In my free periods, I ensured the lab apparatus was in order and reviewed notebooks, reinforcing my commitment to effective teaching and preparation.
Activity to show the density of metals
Day 16: 5th August 2025 - Tuesday
Today was a dynamic and productive day in my teaching practice. I had planned a unit test for class 8B on the chapter "Elements and Compounds" and was well-prepared with questions covering all topics. When I got a substitution period with 8B, I seized the opportunity to conduct the unit test, utilizing ICT to project the questions and simulating an exam-like environment. The students took the test seriously and completed it within the allotted time. Later, in the scheduled 6th period with 8B, I taught thermal and electrical conductivity using hands-on experiments, such as testing the conductivity of different objects and demonstrating thermal conductivity with a steel spoon in hot water. These practical examples helped the students grasp the concepts easily. In the 7th period with 9A, I built on their previous knowledge of graph drawing to teach them how to interpret position-time graphs, including finding velocity and displacement. The students were well-prepared with their homework, making the lesson flow smoothly.
In addition to the classes, I also made good use of my free time in the morning to prepare for future lessons. I conducted an experiment in the lab, burning a magnesium ribbon to demonstrate its reactivity and basic nature, which I will be using in upcoming classes with 8B. This preparation will help make the lesson more engaging and illustrative for the students. Overall, the day was a great example of effective planning, adaptability, and preparation in teaching.
Conducting unit test of chapter elements and compounds in 8B
Activity of showing metals conduct electricity in 8B
Day 17: 6th August 2025 - Wednesday
Today, Day 17 of my teaching practice, was a testament to the importance of flexibility in the classroom. In my scheduled period with class 9B, I taught the equation of motion, focusing on problem-solving strategies and selecting the appropriate equations based on the question. The students benefited from the detailed explanations and practice problems. When I had a substitution period with the same class, I seamlessly transitioned to the next chapter, teaching balanced and unbalanced forces through interactive activities, photos, and videos. The students actively participated, making the two consecutive periods engaging and productive. I replicated the same lesson plan in class 9A during the last period, and despite the challenging timing, the students found the lesson interesting. I strategically decided to postpone the equation of motion lesson for 9A to ensure both classes are on the same page for an upcoming extra class. Additionally, I assisted math trainees in conducting a math quiz, and the school's JRC unit observed Hiroshima Day with a special assembly, adding a meaningful dimension to the day. The experience reinforced the importance of flexibility and creative teaching in maintaining student engagement.
Special assembly by JRC unit of school on Hiroshima day
Maths quiz conducted at school level under the coordination of trainees
Day 18 - 7th August 2025- Thursday
Students doing activities in laws of motion - 9th physics
Day 18 of my teaching practice was a whirlwind of activities, with multiple classes and a special combined session for 9A and 9B. I started the day by teaching external and internal forces to both 9B and 9A, utilizing PhET simulations to make complex concepts engaging and accessible. The students were fascinated by the interactive simulations, which helped them grasp the concepts with ease. In a substitution period with 9A, I taught them how to interpret velocity-time graphs, using ICT to project graphs and provide individual feedback. I also conducted a diagnostic test on chemical formulas with 8B, identifying areas where students struggled with English comprehension. The highlight of the day was the 40-minute special class, where I combined both 9A and 9B to teach Galileo's observations and Newton's first law of motion. Using PhET simulations again, I encouraged students to explore and learn through hands-on activities, ensuring that even Malayalam medium students received individual attention and care. Despite the challenges of managing a combined class, the session was a success, and I was proud to see students actively engaged and learning.
Students of 9th studying physics laws of motion chapter activities by doing simulations in phET
On Day 19 of my teaching practice, I experienced a change in schedule that required adaptability, but it ultimately led to a productive day. Initially scheduled to teach corrosion to class 8B in the 5th period, I was asked to take the 1st period instead. However, being well-prepared, I effectively taught the concept of corrosion using samples of iron nails in different conditions, which helped students grasp the concept through hands-on observation. Later, I took a combined substitution class for 9A and 9B physics, teaching inertia using the Concept Attainment Model (CAM). The lesson plan was successful, with students easily understanding the concept through labelled and unlabelled examples, real-life situations, and ICT aids. I also took the opportunity to provide individual feedback on their diagnostic test papers, identifying areas that needed remedy and planning future interventions. The day reinforced the importance of flexibility, effective planning, and personalized feedback in teaching.
Students of 8B studying chemistry portion of corrossion with prior prepared iron nail samples
#TeachingPractice #AdaptabilityInTeaching #StudentEngagement #EffectivePlanning #TeacherGrowth #Week4 #phase1
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