This report is based on the six weeks accounts for the Supported Teaching in School Observation which took place at Abor. The observation was in the form of weekly activities which demanded the development of a particular competences. It was also aimed at equipping the student teacher with a particular exposure of what we learn in our program of studies.
The following are the breakdown of the six week activities:
- Familiarization with STS School
- Discussion of the Basic School Curriculum and Related Materials
- Observation of Classroom Lesson Presentation, management And Assessment
- Observation of Traits of teacher Professionalism
- Undertaking Child Study, Focusing on Children’s Learning and Progress.
WEEK ONE: Familiarization with sts school
Pre-Observation: We met our STS Tutor on the 23rd of May, 2021 at exactly 7.00pm at LR1 and discussed the activities to be observed during the week which was familiarizing our self to the school environment. He urged us to know the name of our mentor and the lead mentor. He advised us to know about the school history, why it was established, total enrollment by gender, if there is any disabilities among the students. He further admonished us to know the stakeholders of the school and take photograph of artefact necessary for building of our portfolio.
The pre-discussion came to an end at 8.00pm.
Post-Observation: On the 25th of May,2021 at 7.00am we were conveyed by the school bus to Abor, upon reaching the Abor, it was 7:45am, we met the Assistant headmaster who warmly welcome us, thereafter we met the Headmaster, who introduced us to the rest of the teaching staff.
He gave us a brief history of the school and the stakeholders he even took us round the school premises. We were later introduced to our Mentor Madam Tsey. We took photograph of the necessary artefact needed and the some of the properties of the school. Some of these artefact we took photographs are the talking drum, the uncompleted school library and ICT laboratory, poly tank, urinal, football park, canteen, veronica bucket etc.
By 2.00pm the school bus came to convey us back to the college.
WEEK 2: Discussion Of The Basic School Curriculum
Pre-Observation: We met our STS Tutor again at 7.00pm on the 30th of May, 2021 to share our experience from the previous observation we did.
Afterwards we then discuss the activities scheduled for the second week of observation which was basic school curriculum and related materials. The discussion we had included school curriculum used at the basic level such as Teacher’s Guide, Teacher’s Manual, The Syllabus, Pupil’s Textbook and Workbook, Teacher’s Resource Pack, Lesson Notes and Scheme of Works
He further went to discuss the learning objectives, indicators, strand sub-strands, standard.
Post Observation: On the 1st of June, 2021 we reported for the second observation. We had seen the basic curriculum materials we discussed with our tutor exactly as he had described them. Other related materials we saw at the school was log book, register.
WEEK 3: Observation of Classroom Lesson Presentation, Management and Assessment
Pre-Observation: We met our tutor on the 7th of June to discuss the activities scheduled for the week. Before then we discussed our previous experience of the observation. Afterwards we moved to the activities of the week. The tutor instructed as to observed keenly how the teachers introduced topics in the class, how the keep the class in order. And how they asked students questions.
Post-Observation: The third visit was on Tuesday 8th June, 2021. During the observation my mentor , Madam Liticia asked questions about the previous lessons that was held. The students were eager to answer her questions which resulted in a random answering of the questions and causing the class to be noisy. She asked the whole class to stand. The was calm in the classroom immediately. She asked them to sit afterwards.
She then introduced a new topic. At the end of the lesson presentation she asked the class if anyone can summarize what they had learnt today.
WEEK 4: OBSERVATION OF TRAIT OF TEACHERS PROFESSIONALISM
Pre-Observation: 12th July, 2021 we met the tutor again, and we discuss the character trait of the teaching profession. He admonished as to take note of the professional trait the teachers will exhibit.
Post-Observation: We reported to our post of observation on the 13th of July, 2021. This time we took keen interest of the behavior and professional trait of the teachers.
Most of them were punctual, friendly, decent, self-discipline, hardworking, good communication skill, neatly dressed, etc. These professional trait exhibit by the teachers make it possible for them to build a good rapport with other staff and the students which promotes healthy environment for academic work.
WEEK 5 AND 6: CHILD STUDY AND PORTFOLIO BUILDING
Pre-Observation: The tutor instructed us to identified two pupils to a boy and a girl and indicate their names and that of their parents, place of residence, the language the speak and their occupation. And the pupil learning needs
Post-Observation: on the 27th of July,2021, at exactly 8;45am the form 3 students start writing their mock examination. We help in the invigilation of the pupils. After they finished writing the paper I spoke to two of the pupils who gave their names as Patience and Kingsley. Kingsley father is a mason and his mother a petty trader, the both speak ewe and hail from Abor.
Patience’s parents are both farmers and speak ewe and reside at Akatsi. According to Patience she often assists her parent on the farm and most often get exhausted after helping them on the farm, this make it difficult for her to have effective studies at home.
In my opinion it is good to assist your parent on the farm but she shouldn’t be allow to spend most of her time on the farm.
In conclusion, the above constitutes my observation I had experienced for the five weeks .
MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
My teaching philosophy is a quote from Ignacio Estrada “If a child can’t learn the way we teach maybe we should teach the way they learn”
