Reflective Summaries

 

WEEK 01

First Observation

During the first week of my teaching internship at Sussex College, Kiribathgoda, I was assigned to Grade 5B, a class of students who are new to that grade. The first encounter took place when the class teacher warmly welcomed me and the students. As a part of the introduction, students were asked to write three paragraphs about themselves. As it was the first day my role was to observe and guide the students. I checked their handwriting and noted the different expressions each student had expressed through their writings. To assess reading level, students were asked to read a short randomly selected paragraph by the class teacher. This allowed me to classify the students' reading skills as good, average, or in need of improvement.

Throughout the day, the class teacher had to repeatedly remind students about classroom etiquette, emphasizing the importance of not talking during the lessons and maintaining a good behavior inside the class. This observation highlighted the challenge of creating a conducive learning environment, particularly in classes where there is more emphasis on foundational skills.

As directed by the principal, the overarching goal was to address the written and oral skills identified as areas of improvement for these students. This directive emphasized the importance of honing these basic skills for the subsequent days. 

Form the second day, my responsibilities expanded to teaching Grade 6, 7 and 8 classes. This broad scope allowed me to apply my understanding of students needs from my first observations in Grade 5 class. I also carried out my first observation, and for that I taught Past Continuous Tense to Grade 6 class. An experienced teacher from the school observed it and I was able to manage my teaching according to the lesson plan I prepared.

Towards the end of the first week, I received the personal timetable and structured my subsequent interactions with students. This schedule has been a valuable tool in managing my responsibilities both during the regular periods and relief periods alike.

The first week's experience not only introduced me to various dynamics  of different grade levels, but also highlighted the importance of  working on basic skills. Also I understood the important role of observation, adaptability and effective time management in the teaching profession.  This week was a foundational chapter in my teaching journey and broadened my approaches and strategies for the entire period of internship. 

WEEK 02

The second week my teaching internship broadened my horizons as I was responsible for teaching students from Grade 1-11, following the timetable given. These diverse grades provided both unique challenges and valuable teaching experiences.

Teaching from Grade 1-3 was a unique encounter that introduced me to the world of small children. Adapting my teaching approach to meet the needs and attention span of these young learners has proven to be a rewarding learning curve. This highlighted the importance of flexibility and creativity to engage and communicate effectively with this particular age group.

Grade 1 class

At the same time, dealing with higher grades like grade 10 and 11 posed another set of challenges, mainly because students were found to be less motivated to follow the instructions. Establishing control over these classes became the main challenge and it led me to incorporate more writing and speaking activities as well as ESL games to get the students' attention and to calm them inside the classroom. These interactive elements aimed to create a positive learning environment and encouraged active participation, demonstrating the necessity of adaptability in the face of resistance. 

This week's experience confirmed the principal's directive to focus on written and oral skills at all levels. This continued priority reflected the school's commitment to addressing fundamental gaps in language proficiency. These skills were corresponding to the goals set by the school and have been found to be essential for students at different grade levels.

Looking back, the challenges I faced during the second week were valuable lessons about the importance of flexibility, adaptability and engaging teaching methodologies. Teaching at different levels during the same week reinforced the idea that effective instruction requires a dynamic approach tailored to the diverse needs of students. These experiences, although difficult, contributed significantly to my growth as a teacher and provided me with insights that would shape my subsequent classroom interactions and strategies. 

WEEK 3

During the third week of my teaching internship, a notable moment was the completion of my second observation. This observation was another pivotal moment in my teaching career, and I was able to successfully manage and implement my teaching with commendable execution. The observer praised my creative activities during the lesson, particularly when using them in Grade 7 class, focusing on Coordinating Conjunctions. 

Positive feedback increased the interest in incorporating innovative teaching methods and creative activities to improve student engagement and understanding. It asserted that dynamic and interactive approaches not only captures students' attention but also fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter. 

Throughout the first few weeks, I systematically implemented a variety of ESL games aimed at improving students' vocabulary, speaking, reading and writing skills. The variety of activities included word association games, hangman, dictation exercises, memory games, essay and paragraph writing and much more. Group work was also incorporated to encourage collaboration and peer learning among students. These activities were not only in line with the principal's directive to address the language skill gaps, but also helped to create an inclusive and participatory learning environment.

Conducting ESL games

By the end of third week, I was able to get more familiarized with students of all grades. This familiarity made it easier to carry out the lessons and other activities, promoting more comfortable and interactive teaching. The initial challenges of adopting to different age groups turned into ease and confidence in navigating different classroom situations.

The cumulative experience of the first few weeks marked the evolution of my teaching approach. From initial observations and challenges to successful lessons and activities, each step contributed to my growth as a teacher. Integrating ESL games emerged as a valuable tool for addressing language skills, making learning not only effective but also fun for the students. As I reflected on my progress so far, it became clear that adaptability, creativity and a student-centered approach are key ingredients to foster a dynamic and rich learning environment. 

WEEK 4 (FINAL REFLECTIVE SUMMARY)

As my teaching internship at Sussex College came to an end by the fourth week, bidding farewell evoked a blend of emotions. It was very difficult to leave behind the supportive staff and friendly children. The bonds formed with students and teachers turned the school into a second home, making parting a bittersweet necessity.

Throughout the journey, the invaluable guidance and support form the school played a central role. Learning from mentors deepened my understanding of teaching, and the encouragement  and insights from school leaders fostered and environment conducive to continued learning and growth.

Last week was a particularly memorable time as it was the culmination of experiences. Recognizing that the journey was coming to an end brought it with a feeling of introspection, a mixture of fond memories shared with students and deep sense of gratitude for the collective efforts of teaching community. Saying goodbye extended beyond a mere departure; it symbolized the realization that this experience had a profound impact on my personal and professional growth.

Gratitude extend to DELT, University of Kelaniya, for having this transformative internship. This opportunity went beyond mere academic requirements and revealed the potential of every individual to contribute significantly to the future of our country through education. Far from being a mere theoretical exercise, this internship was an experiential journey that demonstrated the tangible impact of education in fostering a positive change. 

Reflecting on my childhood dream of becoming an English lecturer, this internship provided me with a solid foundation. This not only sharpened my practical teaching skills but also deepened my passion for teaching. 

In conclusion, my teaching internship at Sussex College, Kiribathgoda has been a chapter of deep learning, realization and gratitude. The lessons I absorbed, the connections I made, and the experiences I gained have left an indelible mark on my journey as a teacher. As I move into the next phase of my career, , the resonance of this transformative internship will guide me through the wisdom, compassion and dedication developed during these enriching weeks.