My final reflection - checked

1. Mariela Gisela Iannaci
2do year
2018
Dimensions of Reflective Learning.
Thinking Back;
To begin with, the original aim of this experience was to learn how to teach a foreign
language to young learners. In Didactics, I read bibliography about how young learners
acquire a new language. Also, I learnt that before planning a lesson, I have to take into
account what stage students belong to. Itallows me to know what the children are able to do.
During my observations and my assistantship, I became aware of the fact that the lessons
were not going to be easy to plan. I knew that lessons had to be creative, motivatingand
above all, they had to capture children´s attention. Consequently, I designed lessons whose
objectives, activities and resources were appropriate for the children.
Throughout my practicums, I also learnt that lessons take a long time to plan to teach young
children because I knew that the activities had to be meaningful for them. It meant that I had
to work hard to find out different ways to present the informationand material for each
lesson. Also, before starting each class, I had to make sure I had all the materials which I
would need in class. In addition, I had to thinkabout the appropriate strategies to present
children from getting bored. I needed to be prepared for possible changes because I never
knew what was going to come up.
In my first lesson, I felt a little discouraged because I spoke only English and it was difficult
for them to understand me. For this reason, in the following lessons, I tried to provide them
with the necessary visual support that would let them understand. In this way, by the end of
the practicum, they were more familiar with the language. On the other hand, the English
lessons were significant for the young learners because they do not have English classes at
Kindergarten. It meant a great possibility for them to learn new skills.
To conclude, I thinkthat this experience gave me the opportunity to learn more. I also
incorporated different tips and ideas given by teachers and colleagues. They helped me to
improve and grow as a teacher to be. My practicums really meant a bridge between whatI
have learnt during this year and the reality to teach young children.
The children loved having English classes andI know it because they were interested and
motivated. Another relevant point is that this experience was also significant for me
because I learned a lot from the kids, too.
Con formato: Sin subrayado
Con formato: Izquierda
Con formato: Sin subrayado
Comentado [CZ1]: Please, include a heading specifying
student’s name, course, year, etc.
Comentado [CZ2]: Yes! This is also the case with other age
groups. Planning meaningful lessons does take time.
Comentado [CZ3]: In a few lessons, your experience
influenced the school community.
Comentado [CZ4]: It is so, indeed!

2. Thinking Forward.
After finishing my practicum, I can say thatif I had the chance to develop these practices
again, I would make some changes. For instance: I would plan more dynamic, interactive
and creative activities to foster young learners to explore and experiment their creative
thinking. Moreover, I wouldapply other scaffolding techniques such as modelling, using
visual material , flashcards and so on to get better results in the lessons.
With respect to my experience, at the beginning I was scared to teach young children. In my
first practicum, I remember thatI was very anxious and nervous. Nevertheless, after
teaching the first class, I changed my mind. The reason was that I perceived the children´s
enthusiasm and their desire to be introduced in this new world. It gave me the strength to
feel more confident about myself in the following lessons.
Finally, this experience made me feel thatI fancied working with young learners. After doing
all my practicums, my future pedagogicaldecisions changed completely. From now on if I
had the opportunity to work at kindergarten, I would do it.
Thinking Inward.
This experience was undoubtedly meaningful to me because I went through a process by
which I learnt to teach. In other words, throughhout this experience I could understand what
a teacher is was able to do. Also, I became aware of the complexities of teachingand what
teachers have to face every day. I thinkthat it made me grow as a teacher- to- be. This
process enriched and deepened my learning and gave me the knowledge needed to teach
and correct all my mistakes.
With respect to the way I developed this practice, I am truly satisfied because I took
advantage of this opportunity to enrich my teaching experience. Moreover, I met a lotof nice
people in the teaching community.
Another highlight is that the experience made me learn that critical reflection is necessary
after each practice. It provided me with the possibility of to understanding theory andthe
experience ina social context. The reflection made me aware of the real need to evaluate
practice and helped me to learn which things went right and which went wrong.
Comentado [CZ5]: Such as?
Comentado [CZ6]: Such as?
Comentado [CZ7]: Great!
Comentado [CZ8]: Wow!
Comentado [CZ9]: 😊
Comentado [CZ10]: Pedagogical decisions

3. Finally, I would like to say that during this experience I went through different states. Firstly,
I was very anxious because I thought that the practicum would be difficult to do. I was afraid
of failing in my lessons because I did not know the children´s preferences. However, those
young kids helped me to overcome my fears because they were always very lovely and kind
with me. They also worked in a positive way in my classes ,which made me feel thatI was on
the right pathway.
Thinking outward.
As regards the world around us, I can say that there is a great difference between education
in cities and education in rural areas. Cities have a fast internet connection but rural areas
have slow internet services. It is clear that city schools have better access to technology
than rural schools.
I live in a rural area andI did my practicums in the village school but its internet services
usually did not work. As a consequence, it was an impediment for me use technology. It is
known that young learners love using technology andI thinkthat it is a funny way to learn.
I believe that it gives kids the possibility to be creative.
This situation has economic and ethical implications. On the one hand, not everybody can
afford to buy a notebook. Also, several rural students can not participate in educational
programs from home because they do nothave internet services in their houses. With
respect to ethical implications, some parents who live in the rural area do not agree with the
use of technologies since they want to protect their small village and their customs. From
my point of view, if rural schools and areashad broadband access, students would have
more educational opportunities.
Conclusion:
Regarding my practicum experience, I believe that it has enriched my knowledge andhas
allowed me to apply the theory. I know thatmy lessons had some flaws but I strongly believe
that practice makes perfect. Nevertheless, I also thinkthat it is part of my process learning
as a teacher- to- be. Also, I consider that my mistakes helped me to improve because I tried
to correct them in the following lessons. I thinkthat it was a wonderful experience and I truly
loved working with young kids. I must confess that it has, undoubtedly, one of the best
experiences of my whole life.
Comentado [CZ11]: Good for you, Mariela!
Comentado [CZ12]: Online resources you mean?
Because offline resources and software are still available
even if there is no Internet access.
Comentado [CZ13]: Indeed, Mariela!
Comentado [CZ14]: These are part of the exploration
process.
Comentado [CZ15]: Reflection on practice does. 😊
Comentado [CZ16]: Once again, wow! 😊
I am glad to learn that you have found this experience so
enriching, Mariela!
I hope you continue developing and learning from reflecting
on experience.
Way to go!
Ceci