1. FINAL CONCLUSIONS
This practicum period has been my third one. I got a degree as a teacher at
primary level and another as a teacher of English at elemental level. However,
I have to admit that this one has been the most challenging of all. I say so not
only because I am older and have a different viewpoint and a bit of experience
but also because the subjects and use of technological tools have made me
catch up with new apps and programmes and work hard to learn about how
education is changing in technological terms ( among other things).
I had the possibility of developing all the practicum period at the same school,
Sagrado Corazón, and I had the chance of interacting and be part of the
school from day one. I was lucky to find supportive teachers and directors
that offered a permanent helping hand during my stay with them.
I knew that this subject: Taller de Práctica Docente would be one of the most
difficult subjects of all the career. It implied permanent reflection about
strategies and methodology to use in order to improve the lessons, sequencing
of plannings, and put into practise all the bibliography read during all these
years. It was really stressing but absolutely worthy and rewarding.
Each level was difficult in one sense or another. At first sight Kindergarten
may seem to be easy but it must be taken seriously, children at this age need
permanent change of activities . They are spontaneous and absolutely honest
when they don’t enjoy a class much. I was stressed all the time but I had a
great time!
Primary level was a bit less difficult for me. I worked with children aged 12.
Their interests and behaviours were different so I had to refresh my reading
with pre teens psychological characteristics in order to fulfill their
expectations and needs.
Secondary level practicum period was my cup of tea. I’m used to working with
teenagers so I felt a bit more comfortable. Yet, I devoted a lot of time to
think of contexts that make students be motivated to talk about themselves
and get confidence in the mastery of the target language.
After finishing the practicum period I could say that being a teacher is and
will always be demanding and hard work.
2. There are a huge number of aspects to take into account in order to be an
effective and great teacher. In this sense, having a strong pedagogical
formation with clear ideas and knowledge about the students we are working
with is required. A comfortable classroom atmosphere is the base to create
bonds with students, where their good work is praised and support is received
when things are not good. Motivation is the key to catch students’ attention
and in this way introduce them to the content to deal with. If the teacher,
provides students a clear purpose to learn, they accept it and good work and
later feedback and assessment appear in a constructive way. In this scenario,
classroom management becomes easier and rules are not imposed by an
authority but built by the group of students.
We are living difficult times with social and affective issues that students
bring at school and teachers should be prepared to deal with situations that
need to be solved. Our role is not only to impart knowledge but also guide
students to be good citizens with moral values and help them develop their
critical thinking. I strongly believe that education can change a society and a
challenging job waits for us.
All in all, I would not change my job as a teacher for any other one in the
world. It is an act of love an optimism. My ambition One of my ambitions as a
teacher is to succeed in one of Maria Montessori’s ideas: ‘ The greatest sign
of success for a teacher is to be able to say: the children are now working as
if I did not exist’. It is a hopeful aim and I’m giving it a try.
I could not have done my practicum period without my tutors support and
constructive feedback, mainly by Aurelia, who has permanently worked by my
side.
