WEEKLY REPORT - TEACHING PRACTICE PHASE 1 ( SEMESTER 3)

WEEKLY REPORT

WEEK 1 ( 25/09/2024 - 27/09/2024)

During the first phase of my teaching practice, I had the privilege of being assigned to teach a class of 42 eighth-grade students at Govt. Model HSS, Venganoor, under the guidance of Rajalekshmi Teacher. The first week of my teaching practice was filled with excitement and a sense of accomplishment as I was able to introduce the students to new content while building rapport with them.

I began by introducing the unit "Seeds and Deeds," a topic that captivated the students' attention right away. They responded enthusiastically to the vivid descriptions and the profound life lessons embedded in the unit. I used a variety of teaching methods, such as group discussions and visual aids, to bring the concepts to life, helping the students understand the importance of actions and their consequences. Their engagement with the material was evident in their thoughtful questions and their eagerness to participate in discussions, making the experience enriching for both them and me.

In addition to the unit, I began introducing the short story "The Light on the Hills" by Lucy Clifford. This story, which explores themes of hope, resilience, and the power of human connection, piqued the students' interest immediately. I provided background information about the author and the context of the story to give the students a deeper understanding of the text. The students’ active participation and thoughtful responses demonstrated their engagement with the themes, and I could see how the story encouraged them to reflect on their own lives and values. 

Adding an extra layer of excitement to the week, the school’s youth festival took place on the 26th and 27th of September. The festival created a vibrant and lively atmosphere throughout the school, with students and teachers involved in various activities and competitions. The energy from the festival added a special dimension to my first week, making the overall experience even more memorable. The students were excited and motivated by the festival, which created an engaging and dynamic environment for learning. I was assigned discipline duties.

Throughout the first week, I focused on creating a positive and interactive learning environment. I made sure to balance the academic material with fun and engaging activities to keep the students motivated and involved. I was able to see the importance of not only teaching the academic content but also creating an atmosphere where students felt comfortable and inspired to learn.

Overall, my first week at Govt. Model HSS, Venganoor, was an enriching experience. The enthusiastic responses from the students, the engaging content, and the vibrant atmosphere of the school festival made it a highly rewarding start to my teaching practice. I look forward to continuing to build on this momentum in the weeks ahead.

WEEK 2 (30/09/2024 -04/10/2024)

In the second week of my teaching practice, I continued guiding the students through the lesson "The Light on the Hills," and I am pleased to say that I successfully completed the chapter by the end of the week. During this time, I focused on engaging the students in discussions that helped them connect emotionally with the story. We explored the deeper meanings behind the characters' actions and the powerful messages of hope and perseverance embedded in the narrative. I encouraged the students to think critically about the story's themes and how they relate to real-world experiences. The students responded enthusiastically, participating in discussions and asking insightful questions, which made the lesson enjoyable and enriching for both them and me.

After completing "The Light on the Hills," I seamlessly introduced the next lesson, "Rosa Parks Sat Still," which explores the themes of bravery, civil rights, and the fight against racial segregation. I began by providing the students with background information about Rosa Parks and the historical context of her courageous stand on the bus in Montgomery, Alabama. I emphasized the significance of this event in the larger Civil Rights Movement and encouraged the students to reflect on the importance of standing up for justice, even in the face of adversity. Through various activities, such as group discussions and role-playing, I helped the students engage with the text and understand its relevance to modern-day issues of equality and fairness.

This week also included a film show for the students, which was a welcome break from the usual classroom routine. I was responsible for collecting the fare from the students for the film show, ensuring that the process ran smoothly and that all students had the opportunity to participate. I coordinated with the administration to ensure that all logistics were handled efficiently, from the collection of funds to managing student behavior during the show. It was a delightful experience, and it provided a unique opportunity to bond with the students outside the traditional classroom setting.

In addition to my teaching duties, I continued to take on various school responsibilities to support the daily functioning of the school. I substituted for absent teachers, which gave me the opportunity to engage with grade levels. I quickly adapted to the lesson plans and ensured that the students remained engaged and productive. This experience further developed my flexibility and classroom management skills.

Moreover, I assisted with the distribution of the noon meal, ensuring that all students had access to a nutritious meal. This duty allowed me to connect with the students in a different setting and contributed to the smooth operation of the school. It was rewarding to see the students appreciative of the efforts made to ensure their well-being.

Throughout the week, I remained committed to fulfilling all of my duties with dedication, ensuring that my students received high-quality instruction while also contributing to the overall smooth operation of the school. This week was not only fulfilling in terms of teaching but also in the way I was able to contribute to the school community in various roles, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and shared responsibility.

WEEK 3 (07/10/2024-10/10/2024)

In the third week of my teaching practice, I continued guiding the students through the play "Rosa Parks Sat Still." I dedicated time to helping the students grasp the historical and social context of Rosa Parks’ actions, emphasizing the themes of courage, civil rights, and social justice. Through class discussions, I encouraged students to reflect on how the events relate to the broader movement for equality and the importance of standing up for what is right. By the end of the week, I successfully completed the chapter, and students demonstrated a clear understanding of the material through thoughtful responses and active participation.

Following this, I introduced a new poem, "The Sower" . I began by providing background information about the poet, including his life and the context in which the poem was written. By the end of the week, I had successfully guided the students through the poem. This week was also significant because my option teacher came to observe my teaching. After the class, I received valuable feedback that helped me reflect on my teaching methods and identify areas for improvement. It was an important moment in my teaching practice, as it allowed me to refine my approach and continue growing as an educator.

In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I actively participated in various school duties that were essential for the smooth operation of the school. I substituted for absent teachers during the week, which provided me with the opportunity to interact with different classes and subjects. Each substitution required me to quickly adapt to new lesson plans and classroom environments, further enhancing my flexibility and classroom management skills.

I also contributed to the school community by helping with the distribution of the noon meal. This responsibility allowed me to engage with students outside of the classroom, building stronger connections with them while ensuring they were well-fed and ready for the afternoon lessons. It was a rewarding experience, and it helped me understand the importance of supporting the school’s daily routines to ensure the well-being of all students.

Throughout the week, I maintained a strong commitment to both my teaching and my other responsibilities. I made sure to provide my students with high-quality instruction and to create an environment in which they felt encouraged and supported. At the same time, I balanced my other duties with dedication, contributing to the overall functioning of the school. This week was fulfilling as it allowed me to grow both as an educator and as an active member of the school community

WEEK 4 (14/10/2024- 18/10/2024)

In the fourth week of my teaching practice, I continued guiding the students through the play "The Sower," ensuring that they fully understood the themes and characters within the story. Through engaging activities and discussions, I was able to help them connect the moral lessons of the play with their own experiences, deepening their comprehension. By the end of the week, I successfully completed the chapter, and the students seemed to grasp the central messages of the play, including the importance of perseverance and hard work.

This week also involved conducting a diagnostic test and sociometry in my class, which were important tools to assess both the academic progress and social dynamics of the students. The diagnostic test allowed me to evaluate their understanding of the material covered so far, identifying areas where they might need further support. The sociometry activity helped me gain insights into the students’ social interactions and group dynamics, which is crucial for creating a more supportive and effective classroom environment. It was fascinating to observe how the students interacted with one another and how their social relationships impacted their learning experience.

After completing these assessments, I moved on to introducing a new poem, "The Village Blacksmith" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. I began by providing background information about the poet’s life and the context in which the poem was written. I highlighted the central theme of the poem, focusing on the virtues of hard work, resilience, and the moral character of the village blacksmith. I encouraged the students to analyze the poem’s rhythm and imagery, which helped them better appreciate its meaning and the universal values it conveys. By the end of the week, the students were able to discuss the poem with a deeper understanding of both its content and the life lessons it imparts.

In addition to my regular teaching duties, I continued to take on various school responsibilities. I substituted for absent teachers, which gave me the chance to work with different classes and adapt to different teaching styles and subjects. I also assisted my guide and other teachers with efficient management of classroom activities.

Moreover, I actively participated in the daily operational duties of the school, including helping with the distribution of the noon meal. This responsibility allowed me to connect with students outside of the classroom and ensure that the students had a smooth transition between lessons and lunch.

Throughout the week, I remained committed to my duties, balancing my instructional responsibilities with my other roles. I worked diligently to provide quality education for my students while also contributing to the smooth functioning of the school. This week was both enriching and rewarding, as I was able to assess my students' academic progress, foster their personal growth, and support the broader school community.

WEEK 5 (21/10/2024- 25/10/2024)

In the fifth week of my teaching practice, I successfully introduced a new unit titled "Flowers and Showers" to the students, beginning with the first poem, "Song of the Flowers" by Khalil Gibran. To ensure the students gained a deeper understanding of the poem, I provided background information about Gibran’s life and work, emphasizing the themes of nature, beauty, and the deeper symbolic meanings of the poem. I engaged the students with a variety of teaching strategies, including a class discussion, question-answer sessions, and group activities, which helped them reflect on the imagery and messages Gibran conveys through his words.

After completing "Song of the Flowers," I seamlessly introduced the next poem in the unit, "First Showers" by Nalini Sharma. I took time to provide background information about the poet and the context of the poem, helping the students connect with the content more effectively. We explored the imagery of the first rains, the feelings it evokes, and its significance to nature and life. I guided the students through the analysis of the poem, encouraging them to appreciate its beauty while identifying literary devices like metaphors, personification, and symbolism. I was able to complete both poems within the week, ensuring that the students had enough time to absorb and reflect on the material.

In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I remained actively involved in various school duties. One of my key roles this week was performing exam duty in the computer lab during the students' practical exams. This experience gave me a valuable opportunity to observe the students’ approach to practical assessments, and I ensured that the examination process ran smoothly by helping manage the exam hall and providing any necessary support to students who needed assistance with the computers.

I also substituted for absent teachers during the week, which allowed me to interact with different classes and ensure that lessons continued without disruption. Each substitution required me to quickly adapt to different subjects and lesson plans, which further developed my flexibility and classroom management skills.

Alongside these teaching-related tasks, I assisted my guide and other teachers. I also helped with the distribution of the noon meal, contributing to the school’s smooth operation in a practical and meaningful way.

Throughout the week, I remained dedicated to my teaching duties, ensuring that my students received high-quality instruction. I also made it a priority to contribute to the overall functioning of the school, supporting my colleagues and ensuring that daily activities ran smoothly. This week was rewarding in many ways, as I was able to balance both teaching and administrative responsibilities, all while ensuring a positive learning environment for my students

WEEK 6 (28/10/2024 - 01/11/2024)

In the sixth week of my teaching practice, I successfully introduced the new chapter "The Nightingale and the Rose" to the students. I began by providing them with important background information about the author, Oscar Wilde, and explained the context in which the story was written. I made sure to emphasize the central themes of love, sacrifice, and the consequences of idealism, which are crucial to understanding the deeper meaning of the story. To help the students engage more fully with the text, I used a variety of teaching strategies, including interactive discussions, guided reading, and comprehension questions. This approach not only helped the students grasp the key ideas but also encouraged them to think critically about the moral lessons presented in the story. the school also witnessed the Kerala Piravi celebration November 1st.

This week was also significant because my general teacher came to observe my teaching. After the class, I received valuable feedback that helped me reflect on my teaching methods and identify areas for improvement. It was an important moment in my teaching practice, as it allowed me to refine my approach and continue growing as an educator.

In addition to my regular teaching responsibilities, I continued to contribute to the school community by participating in various school duties. One of my main responsibilities during this week was exam duty, where I assisted in monitoring the students during their assessments. This experience allowed me to observe the students in a different context and provided valuable insights into their exam-taking habits and behavior. I made sure to maintain a calm and organized environment in the exam hall to help the students focus and perform to the best of their abilities.

I also substituted for absent teachers, which required me to quickly adapt to different subjects and ensure that the students remained engaged in meaningful learning activities. I took this as an opportunity to build rapport with other classes and assist my colleagues in managing their lessons and classroom activities. Additionally, I continued to assist my guide and other teachers.

Another important responsibility I took on was helping with the distribution of the noon meal. This task allowed me to interact with students outside the classroom setting and contribute to the smooth functioning of the school. It was a rewarding experience to see the students’ appreciation for this service, and it reinforced the importance of supporting the school community in various ways beyond teaching.

Throughout the week, I made sure to carry out all my duties with dedication and attention to detail. My focus remained on ensuring that my students received quality instruction while I simultaneously contributed to the smooth operation of the school. This week was particularly fulfilling as I felt I was able to balance my teaching duties with my broader responsibilities, making a positive impact both in and outside the classroom.

WEEK 7 (04/11/2024 -08/11/2024)

In the seventh week of my teaching practice, I successfully completed the chapter "The Nightingale and the Rose," ensuring that the students had a thorough understanding of the story's themes, characters, and underlying messages. I spent time engaging them in discussions about the story's moral lessons, encouraging critical thinking and reflection on the choices made by the characters. Afterward, I introduced the new chapter, "A Day in the Country," providing background information about the author and an overview of the lesson itself. I made sure the students understood the context of the story and its significance, which helped them connect better with the material.

Additionally, I conducted a revision class to help the students prepare for their mid-term examination, which was scheduled for the week. During this class, I reviewed key concepts and answered any questions the students had, ensuring they felt confident in their understanding. I focused on areas where students had shown difficulty and provided extra support to ensure they were well-prepared for the exam.

In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I was involved in various school duties that allowed me to contribute to the functioning of the school. I performed exam duties, where I assisted in supervising the mid-term exams, ensuring that everything went smoothly and that the students had a conducive environment to focus on their work. I also substituted for absent teachers, covering their classes and making sure that students continued with their lessons.

Moreover, I assisted my guide and other teachers. I also helped with the distribution of the noon meal, making sure that students were properly taken care of during lunchtime.

Throughout the week, I remained dedicated to my responsibilities, balancing my teaching duties with my other roles. I was committed to providing quality instruction to my students while also ensuring that the school’s daily operations ran efficiently. The week was busy, but it was also rewarding, as I saw my students grow in their understanding of the material and in their confidence to approach new challenges.

WEEK 8 (11/11/2024- 15/11/2024) 

In the eighth week of my teaching practice, I continued guiding the students through the chapter "A Day in the Country," ensuring that they grasped the key themes and concepts within the lesson. This week was quite eventful, as I had the opportunity to conduct multiple sessions aimed at enhancing the students' learning and overall well-being.

I conducted two yoga sessions for the eighth-grade students, focusing on Balasana (Child's Pose) and Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose). These sessions were designed to promote physical relaxation and mental focus, helping students improve their concentration during academic activities. The students responded positively, and it was heartening to see them engage with the practice, benefiting both their physical health and mental clarity.

Additionally, I conducted a conscientization program on the topic "Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media." This session aimed to raise awareness among the students about the impact of social media on their lives. Through interactive discussions, the students explored both the positive and negative aspects of social media, from connecting with friends to issues like online privacy and mental health. The session was lively, with many students sharing their personal perspectives, making it an engaging learning experience.

Alongside these activities, I continued with my regular teaching duties. I also actively participated in various school responsibilities, which included exam duties, substituting for absent teachers, assisting my guide and other teachers in their classes, and helping with the distribution of the noon meal. Throughout the week, I made sure that all of my duties were carried out with dedication and commitment, ensuring that my students received high-quality instruction while contributing to the smooth functioning of the school.

WEEK 9 ( 18/11/2024 - 22/11/2024)

In the ninth week of my teaching practice, I successfully completed the chapter "A Day in the Country," ensuring that the students were able to grasp and analyze the key themes and concepts presented in the lesson. Following this, I introduced new topics in grammar, specifically Adverbs and Phrasal Verbs. I employed the Concept Attainment model and the Advance Organizer Model to help students understand these topics effectively. Both models encouraged active engagement, helping the students build connections and enhance their comprehension of these important linguistic concepts.

Additionally, I collected project work from Class 8A students, providing them with feedback on their progress and guiding them in refining their projects. This was a valuable opportunity for me to assess their understanding of the topics we had covered so far and to help them improve their skills in presenting their ideas.

The week also involved several important educational sessions. I conducted a class on "Health Education and Its Importance," focusing on the role of good health in student success and well-being. Alongside this, I taught about the "Importance of Sanitation," emphasizing the critical need for hygiene in daily life, particularly in school and at home. Both sessions were designed to promote awareness among the students about maintaining a healthy and clean environment, which are essential aspects of personal and community health.

Furthermore, I conducted an Achievement Test in Class 8A to evaluate the students' understanding of the material taught throughout the course. This test was an opportunity to assess their knowledge and identify areas for improvement, allowing me to tailor future lessons accordingly.

In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I remained actively involved in various school duties. These included performing exam duties, substituting for absent teachers, assisting my guide in preparing the mark list for students, and helping other teachers as needed. I also continued to assist with the distribution of the noon meal, ensuring that everything ran smoothly.

This week marked the end of my first phase of teaching practice. I received my evaluation sheet from my guide, Rajalekshmi Teacher, which provided valuable feedback on my performance throughout the phase. The students gave me a warm and heartfelt farewell, which was a touching moment and an indication of the positive impact I had made on them.

This week was not only the end of the first phase of my teaching practice but also a milestone in my journey as a teacher. The experiences and lessons learned during this period have been invaluable, and I look forward to applying them in the next phase of my practice.