A Few Tips on EDU 102 - Initiatory School Experience

            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.