BELIEFS ON TEACHING AND LEARNING

Now that you are done with your class observations for Educ 12 Field Study 2 in your assigned school, write a two paragraph essay about your beliefs on teaching and learning before and after your class observations (Pre and Post). Has your views on teaching and learning changed? Did your expectations aligned with your actual experiences? How?

Looking back on my online class observation experience in Field Study 1, the face-to-face class observation this time is indeed different. I learned, unlearned, and relearned things. My prior views on teaching strategies, and student behavior transformed. However, some of my expectations aligned with the realities of a classroom. My classroom observation experiences cleared my lenses. It clarified things that lies ahead of me. The things I learned from it prepared me as an incoming student intern.

WHAT CHANGED IS THAT TEACHERS NOW ENCOURAGE THE USE OF THE INTERNET AND GADGETS DURING CLASS ACTIVITIES.

My notion that the traditional teaching method remains dominant is correct. What changed is that teachers now encourage the use of the Internet and gadgets during class activities. For instance, during a Slogan making activity, a student asked the teacher whether it would be fine to browse the internet to have ideas. The teacher willingly encouraged him. Back in my days, doing the said act would be considered as cheating. I support the use of net and devices in the classroom since with the number of students, we can’t really assist them thoroughly one by one. Integrating internet browsing empowers students to own their learning, enriches their educational journey, and prepares them for the digital age we live in.

POST-PANDEMIC STUDENTS ARE LAGGING

Another expectation that matched with the actual classroom is the lagging Post-pandemic students. The teacher even shared that her students seemed to have a 2-year delayed development.

On the other hand, my view that changed is the idea that teachers should always apply engaging and fun activities. I realized that theories and concepts are often abstract and idealized. In practice, it may be difficult to design and implement highly engaging tasks. I have observed that a simple reading and worksheet activity isn’t enough for one period, how much more are those complicated tasks?

SOMETIMES, THE BEST OPTION IS TO ENFORECE CONSEQUENCES IN THE CLASSROOM

Another expectation that is far from reality is the students' behavior. Some don't really respect teachers. The best option you can do is to enforce consequences on them.

The Challenges

All in all, learning is a journey, and the teacher is the compass that helps guide the learner in the right direction. Just as a compass points towards true north, a good teacher helps the learner navigate through the challenges of acquiring knowledge and skills, leading them towards their destination of success.