REFLECTION ON MY TEACHING EXPERIENCES

                                           LIFE AS TRAINEE TEACHER.....

My four months teaching practice at GHSS Manjapra from June 2024 to October 2024 was the most informational and inspiring experience in my life. It provided an invaluable opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge, engaged with students and gained hands on experience in managing a diverse group of learners. This internship placed me in an environment that required not only instructional knowledge but also creativity, patience and an understanding of the challenges from underprivileged backgrounds. I had taken Physics and Chemistry classes for both 8th and 9th standard students. I was able to understand the different aspects of teaching and developed confidence in teaching. Headmistress Emily teacher(Mrs. Emily Sebastian) and my mentor Biju sir(Mr. Biju P M) welcomed warmly and provided great support during the internship days.

During internship programme I was able to develop skill of observation, critical thinking ability and skill of demonstration. I felt happy to see the response of students in most of the classes while teaching. I got the opportunity to conduct achievement and diagnostic test for the students. Remedial teaching given to the slow learners showed improvement in them. I got the chance to supervise the Onam examination conducted in the school. I conducted a case study and selected one student and tried to help him to overcome his problems. Through  action research I was able to identify the issues related to study of Chemistry . During internship I was also assigned to serve mid-day meal for the students and also got involved in many other daily activities which gave me immense pleasure and  became one among them. It was my very first experience of teaching yoga and physical education classes to students. I was tensed to take these classes  but felt satisfied and confident after the classes. Class on cultural heritage of India helped me to to create a spirit of patriotism among students. I also got opportunity to take classes on different art forms. As a physical science teacher I was proud to be part of science club in school. We tried to include all the students in science club activities to improve their scientific attitude and creativity.

One of the most significant challenges during my internship was the lack of laboratory facilities and science equipment. Many lessons in physical science benefit greatly from hands-on experiments that allow students to witness concepts in action. However, with limited resources, I needed to rethink how I could effectively teach complex topics without relying on traditional lab setups.Working within these limitations also emphasized the value of building strong connections with my students. The lack of resources often made it difficult to fully engage them in lessons, as some felt frustrated or less motivated without the interactive, hands-on learning typically associated with physical science. To overcome this, I focused on creating a supportive and enthusiastic atmosphere in the classroom. I encouraged open discussions, asked students to share their thoughts, and tried to relate scientific concepts to things they encountered in their daily lives. By fostering a sense of curiosity and making science feel relevant, I found that students became more engaged and interested in the material, despite the limitations.

The internship also underscored the importance of community and collaboration. I relied on the support of other teachers, who generously shared resources, ideas, and advice on how to navigate the challenges of teaching in a low-resource setting. Their guidance and encouragement were invaluable, showing me that teamwork and shared commitment to education can make a significant difference.

One of the most significant challenges was adapting my teaching methods to address the needs of students who struggled academically. Many of the students lacked foundational knowledge in science and mathematics, making it difficult for them to grasp the abstract concepts typically covered in physical science. For example, topics such as atomic structure, energy transformations, and Newton’s laws of motion can be challenging even for students with strong backgrounds. I quickly realized that I would need to simplify these concepts even further, starting with the basics and building up gradually. This experience taught me the importance of scaffolding lessons, breaking down complex ideas into manageable steps, and continuously checking for understanding before moving on.

Working with academically weak students also required me to practice patience and persistence. Progress was often slow, and there were moments when students seemed discouraged by their own difficulties. Rather than becoming frustrated, I learned to celebrate small victories like a student correctly answering a question, showing improvement in an area they struggled with, or simply participating more actively in class discussions. These small steps of progress reminded me of the importance of resilience in teaching. I discovered that showing students kindness, encouragement, and faith in their abilities was just as important as conveying the lesson content itself.

Another critical aspect of this internship was learning to address the emotional and social challenges faced by my students. Coming from poor backgrounds, many of these students dealt with economic hardships and family responsibilities that impacted their ability to focus on their studies. This experience highlighted the need for empathy and sensitivity in teaching. For some students, school was one of the few stable places in their lives, and I realized the importance of creating a supportive, understanding classroom environment. By building positive relationships and demonstrating respect, I was able to earn students' trust and encourage them to open up about their challenges. This connection not only improved their engagement in class but also reinforced my role as a mentor not just an instructor.

Reflecting on my internship, I realize that teaching at a government school with academically weak students was challenging, but it was also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. This experience taught me that effective teaching is not about adhering strictly to a curriculum or expecting students to learn at a set pace. Rather, it’s about meeting students where they are, believing in their potential, and fostering a learning environment where they feel valued and capable. I also learned that teaching is not only about academics but also about building confidence, encouraging resilience, and nurturing a positive mindset toward learning. All the experiences gained by me as a student teacher are very precious and will be cherished in my mind forever.