Teaching Log (Task 2: Life of a Teacher)

My 3 days of life of teacher exciting yet challenging. it was an eye-opening experience that pushed me to test my limits, adapt quickly, and grow as an aspiring teacher.

Looking back at my beginner teacher competences survey, I rated myself as proficient in being able to manage the classroom effectively across diverse contexts in order to ensure a conducive learning environment. The reason I chose this rating was because I felt that I was confident and felt bit of experience in managing the classroom due to previous experiences when teaching lessons. However this has changed after doing my life of a teacher in my 4th year in block 1, as I was never actually put into a challenging classroom environment before where there were difficulties and other emotions that I faced like I was recently.

In saying this, the class that I was assigned to in my first block and when I first experienced 'life of a teacher', was an all-boys class with a history of behavioural issues, in which they presented some unique challenges that I never encountered during any of teaching experiences.

Classroom management was one of the most significant hurdles I faced. The students' behavior was far from ideal, and it was clear that they had a reputation for being a handful. The regular teacher had already called in parents to address their behavior, which added to the pressure. I admit, I struggled initially to establish control in the classroom. The boys seemed uninterested, and they tested my patience in various ways. It was apparent that I needed to think on my feet and find new strategies to engage and manage the class.

One of the first lessons I learned was the importance of building a relationship with my students. I realized that they were quick to pick up on my inexperience and any lack of confidence. Therefore, in my next 2 days, in my 2nd block of 'life of a teacher' I made an effort to connect with the students on a personal level, showing genuine interest in their lives and experiences. This not only helped in building trust but also made them more willing to cooperate.

I also recognized the significance of setting clear expectations and boundaries from the beginning of the day. I established a set of classroom rules and consequences that I consistently enforced. While it took some time for the students to adjust to this new structure, it eventually led to a more orderly classroom environment.

Another valuable lesson was the importance of maintaining a calm demeanor, even when faced with challenging situations. I realized that reacting with anger or frustration only escalated tensions in the classroom. By staying composed and addressing issues in a composed manner, I was able to diffuse potential conflicts and create a more positive atmosphere.

Collaborating with my mentor teacher who was a regular teacher was also crucial as she knew best about the students and their learning and behaviours. She provided insights into the students' individual needs and offered advice on how to handle specific situations. Her guidance and support were invaluable throughout the day.

By the end of my 3 days of life of a teacher, I noticed that I was able to keep a positive classroom atmosphere. The students were engaged with me and each other, and any disruptive behavior was very minimal.

This experience was a reminder that teaching is not just about delivering content; it's about understanding and connecting with your students. The challenges I faced were daunting, but they also offered invaluable learning opportunities. It reinforced my commitment to becoming an effective educator and developed my classroom management skills.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to take on the responsibilities of a teacher for a day, even in a challenging environment. It's through such experiences that I am able to learn and grow. I am determined to use this experience as a stepping stone in my journey towards becoming the best teacher I can be. I look forward to more opportunities for growth and am grateful for the support and guidance I've received.