The purpose of Initiatory School
Experience is to provide student teachers an opportunity to have primary
experiences with the functioning of the school. This program is for four
continuous working days, giving them an opportunity to acquaint with the school
environment and the day-to- day functions. The following activities are to be
undertaken by student teachers.
1. Observation
of lessons engaged by school teachers (student teachers may observe lessons
individually or in small groups).
To observe means to watch keenly and
to note down what goes on. One needs prior planning and gets oneself ready to
observe the class. The first thing in planning is to get prior permission
from the head of the school and the concerned teachers to observe their
classes.
2. Meeting
students in an informal setting to learn their background and their interest in
learning.
Get prior permission from the
teacher-in-charge of a class to collect necessary data from students. Data must
be used only for academic purposes and must be kept confidential.
3. To
observe the learning facilities in the school.
To take a stock of the learning
facilities, prepare a check list of essential learning facilities needed and
take the list of available facilities. Try to note down the working conditions
and the frequency of use of these facilities. You may also collect data
regarding students’ satisfaction with these facilities.
4. Observing
the social climate in the school etc.
To
observe the social climate, prepare a check list incorporating a few components
like teacher pupil relationship, punctuality of teachers and students, morale
and motivation of students’, participation and success in co-curricular
activities at various levels, school community relationship, involvement of
various stake holders like parents, local self- government etc..
5. Engaging
lessons individually or as Shared Practice.
Each
student-teacher has to engage 3 lessons individually or as Shared Practice.
Lesson plans need not be written with the rigidity employed for Practice
Teaching lesson. In Shared Practice, student-teachers will be in small groups
of three members. The lessons will be divided into three parts and each student
teacher will practice one of the parts by rotation in the natural classroom
situation.
6. Maintaining
a detailed diary as record of the visit.
The diary must contain a brief history of the
school, learning facilities available, social and academic
climate of the school, notes of all lessons engaged etc. This must also contain
reflective text by the student teacher.
7.
Reflecting on your experience.
After the four day initiatory school
experience, a one day reflection session will be organized in the college. Student
teachers are expected share their reflections in plenary as well as in small
groups sessions.
Please post your reflections as 'comments' to this link.
