Reflection on Teaching Practice Challenges in Teaching Practice Shift in Teaching Philosophy Improvements for Future Observations Gained Knowledge and Values in Teaching Practice Influential

Certainly! Here are the paragraphs reflecting on each aspect: a) During this teaching practice, I have learnt that: Effective teaching is as much about building relationships with students as it is about delivering content. I've realized the importance of understanding student backgrounds and individual learning needs to tailor my approach. Patience and flexibility are key, as plans often need to be adjusted when students struggle with a concept. I have also discovered new instructional strategies that engage students better, such as incorporating more interactive and technology-based activities. Finally, I have learnt that reflection and feedback are essential for continuous improvement, both for students and for myself as an educator. b) Challenges that I encountered: One of the major challenges I faced was classroom management, especially maintaining student attention and managing disruptive behavior. Another significant challenge was differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of all students, including those with learning difficulties and those who are advanced. Time management was also difficult, as I often found myself running out of time to cover all the planned material. Additionally, balancing the administrative duties with teaching responsibilities required more effort than anticipated. Lastly, adapting to the varying technology skills of students was a hurdle, as some were easily frustrated with digital tools. c) This changed my philosophy: This teaching practice period has profoundly changed my philosophy by highlighting the importance of a student-centered approach. I no longer view teaching merely as the transfer of knowledge but as a collaborative process where the teacher acts as a guide and facilitator. I have come to appreciate the value of fostering a growth mindset in students, encouraging them to embrace challenges and learn from mistakes. This experience has also reinforced the idea that education should be inclusive, equitable, and tailored to meet the varied needs of all students. d) If I were to be given a second chance of observing, I would change: Given a second chance, I would focus more on engaging with students outside of formal classroom settings to better understand their perspectives and needs. I would also implement a wider variety of formative assessment techniques to gauge understanding and adjust my teaching strategies in real-time. Additionally, I would seek more ongoing feedback from my mentor and peers to refine my practices continuously. I would also spend more time pre-planning differentiated instruction and creating a more robust library of resources for diverse learners. Lastly, I would prioritize building a classroom culture of mutual respect and collaboration from the outset. e) After a final discussion with your mentor about your interpretation and your philosophy of teaching and learning, write a paragraph to describe your view of the knowledge, values and experience you gained during your five weeks of teaching practice. My discussions with my mentor have solidified my understanding that teaching is a dynamic and reflective practice. I have gained knowledge in creating inclusive lesson plans that cater to diverse learning styles and needs. The values of empathy, patience, and resilience have been highlighted as crucial in fostering a positive learning environment. Experience-wise, I now appreciate the importance of building a supportive classroom community and the impact of consistent, formative assessments to drive instruction. This period has taught me that effective teaching is an ever-evolving craft that requires dedication, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. f) Description of experience/information, which has had an influence on your teaching practice experience period (observation). A particularly influential experience was observing a veteran teacher who masterfully integrated technology into her lessons, enhancing student engagement and understanding. Her use of interactive simulations and digital collaboration tools was eye-opening, demonstrating the potential of technology to transform learning experiences. Additionally, a professional development session on restorative practices provided valuable insights into building a positive classroom climate and managing behavior through relationships rather than punishment. These experiences underscored the importance of staying current with educational technologies and strategies and the value of creating a supportive, inclusive learning environment.