Placement Overview

Albany Creek STATE HIGH SCHOOL

9th - 28th Oct, 2024

Week 1

In my first week, I concentrated on acclimatising myself to the school environment and familiarising myself with the classroom dynamics. Observing classes allowed me to understand how the students interacted and responded to different teaching strategies. I engaged with the students to build rapport, ensuring I could connect with them while maintaining professional boundaries. Developing lesson plans aligned with the curriculum was a priority, and I spent significant time ensuring that my lessons were inclusive and tailored to accommodate the diverse needs of the students. My goal was to lay a strong foundation for effective classroom management by understanding the personalities and learning styles within the classes.

Week 2

During the second week, I transitioned into delivering structured lessons, mainly focusing on MIG welding and woodworking. I designed my lessons with a scaffolded approach—starting with foundational theory before moving into hands-on activities. I structured my content using industry-relevant scenarios, which helped make the lessons more engaging and relatable for the students. This approach captured their interest and provided a framework that mimicked real-world experiences, which was crucial in helping them connect theory with practice.

Feedback was an essential component of my development this week. I proactively sought advice from my colleagues and supervisor, who offered invaluable insights into refining my teaching methods and managing classroom dynamics more effectively. Their feedback was not just a part of the process but a crucial element that shaped my teaching practice. Based on their feedback, I adjusted my lesson plans, incorporating more interactive elements and strategies for maintaining a controlled and productive classroom environment. This iterative approach ensured I could continually improve my teaching practice and better support my students' learning experiences.

Week 3

In the final week, my role shifted toward managing more practical lessons and addressing classroom management challenges as they arose. I facilitated hands-on sessions where students applied the techniques they had learned in previous lessons, such as welding and woodworking tasks. This practical component was instrumental in reinforcing their understanding and skills development.

However, managing complex classroom dynamics was also a significant part of my experience. There were moments when behaviour management strategies needed to be employed effectively to maintain a safe and productive environment. I integrated feedback from my supervisor, emphasising the importance of being flexible and adaptable in response to different classroom situations.

Additionally, I assessed students’ practical work, ensuring they met the learning objectives while adhering to safety protocols. I paid close attention to how students demonstrated their skills and provided constructive feedback to guide their improvement. This experience underscored the importance of balancing encouraging student independence and ensuring a structured, supportive learning environment.

REFLECTION SUMMARY

Overall, my professional placement was an invaluable learning experience that facilitated my growth as an educator. It highlighted the importance of building rapport, planning meticulously, and adapting to students' needs and classroom dynamics. Engaging with colleagues and seeking feedback was crucial in refining my strategies, and these insights allowed me to improve my practice continuously. The placement also reinforced the significance of proactive planning and flexibility, particularly when managing hands-on activities and ensuring the safety and engagement of all students.