Teaching Practice : Phase 1 : Days 36-41

The last week of our first phase teaching practice found myself assigned to Christmas exam invigilation duty. As the days unfolded, I realised the unique experience it offered - taking care of the pupils' seating arrangement, taking role calls, distributing question papers, monitoring the pupils, dispelling their doubts related to exam questions, collecting the answers and delivering the same to respective teachers. Being responsible for maintaining exam integrity during the holiday season allowed me to observe students' dedication even amidst the festive cheer. Walking through the quiet exam halls with Christmas decorations around felt like a serene contrast to the usual hustle and bustle.

My fellow teacher trainees and I gathered to celebrate Christmas together and cut a Christmas cake. The camaraderie we shared created a warm and supportive atmosphere. We exchanged small tokens of appreciation, making the celebration memorable in its own right. 

This experience reinforced the idea that teaching is not just about the academic aspects but also about building connections and fostering a sense of community. I realised that the bonds formed with my colleagues during this time will be cherished as part of my journey into becoming an educator.

On the last day, December 22, we bid adieu to the first phase of our internship programme, seeking beatitude from our subject teachers and headmaster.

Day 36: December 17

The last week of our first phase of teaching practice began with my assignment to Christmas exam invigilation duty. As the days unfolded, I realized the unique experience it offered. Today, I took on the responsibility of organizing the pupils' seating arrangements, taking role calls, and distributing question papers. The quiet exam hall, adorned with Christmas decorations, was a serene contrast to the usual hustle and bustle of school life. This setting offered a peaceful ambiance, which helped in maintaining a calm environment for the students as they tackled their exams.

Day 37: December 18

Today’s invigilation duties provided further insights into the process of conducting exams. Monitoring the pupils and addressing their doubts related to exam questions made me appreciate the dedication students have, even amidst the festive cheer. Collecting their answers and delivering them to the respective teachers was a task that required meticulous attention to detail. The experience of walking through the quiet exam halls reinforced the importance of maintaining exam integrity and ensuring a fair assessment for all.

Day 38: December 19

Another day of invigilation brought new experiences. Ensuring that the exam process ran smoothly was both challenging and rewarding. I found myself becoming more adept at handling the various aspects of invigilation, from distributing question papers to maintaining a quiet environment. The students' commitment to their exams, even during the holiday season, was truly inspiring. It was a lesson in dedication and focus that I found myself admiring more with each passing day.

Day 39: December 20

The festive atmosphere around the school continued to contrast beautifully with the serious undertone of the exam halls. Today, as I monitored the exams, the quietness and the Christmas decorations around provided a sense of calm and festivity. This unique blend of exam rigor and holiday cheer made the experience all the more memorable. It reminded me of the importance of balance in education – the need to uphold academic standards while also embracing the joy and spirit of the season.

Day 40: December 21

Today was particularly special as my fellow teacher trainees and I gathered to celebrate Christmas together. After completing our invigilation duties, we cut a Christmas cake and exchanged small tokens of appreciation. The camaraderie we shared created a warm and supportive atmosphere. This celebration was memorable, not just for the festivities, but for the connections and friendships we solidified. It was a reminder that teaching is about building relationships and fostering a sense of community, which is just as important as the academic aspects.

Day 41: December 22

On the final day of our first phase teaching practice, we bid adieu to our internship program. It was a bittersweet moment as we sought blessings from our subject teachers and headmaster. Reflecting on the past few weeks, I realized how much I had grown both personally and professionally. The bonds formed with my colleagues and the experiences gained will be cherished as an integral part of my journey into becoming an educator. This phase reinforced the idea that teaching is a holistic endeavor, encompassing not just the dissemination of knowledge, but also the building of meaningful connections and fostering a nurturing community.