1) The document analyzes the author's teaching practicum experience at Aberdare College following Kolb's reflective cycle of concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. 2) The author found that basing lessons on the communicative approach and focusing on meaningful communication was effective for secondary students, who were able to successfully use new grammar and vocabulary. Videos, songs, and real materials engaged students in the topics. 3) Teaching fourth year students provided an educational, motivational, and entertaining experience, as students were interested in discussions and required little classroom management. The author felt teaching secondary was better than imagined and students also enjoyed learning.

1. INSTITUTO DE FORMACIÓN DOCENTE CONTINUA
LENGUAS VIVAS BARILOCHE (A-052)
Profesorado de Inglés – Opción pedagógica a distancia.
Taller de Práctica Docente 2018
Tutora: Prof. Aurelia Velázquez
Alumna: Sofía Mercado
Nivel: Secundaria
After having concluded my Secondary practicum period at Aberdare College, I will now
analyze and share some conclusions about myself and my actions as a teacher following the
Reflective Cycle, By David Kolb: CONCRETE EXPERIENCE, REFLECTIVE OBSERVATION, ABSTRACT
CONCEPTUALISATION and ACTIVE EXPERIMENTATION
Thinking Back
Goingoverthe entire experience,Icanfirmlysaythatbasingmyplanningandlessononthe
Communicative approach was a wise decision as regards secondary learners. Focusing alwayson
communication and encouraging students to share their opinions and thoughts in a meaningful
context,Iwasable tocreate anadequateandrelaxedatmospherewhere theyfeltconfidentenough
so as to participate throughout all of the lessons. Students were able to incorporate the new
grammar structuresaswell asthe vocabularyrevisedandtaughtwithgreatsuccess.Theywereable
to use them (orally as well as written) to convey meaning.

2. The use of two videos, a song, real materials and examples were suitable and favorable
choices so as to turn the lesson into a more developed one. Students were very interested in the
topic and in learning as well.
Spending some lessons with 4th
year learners was an educational, motivational and
entertaining experience. One can really connect withteenagers in English, fall on deeper and long
conversationsandevendiscussandshare differentopinions.Asstudentsweresointothe topicand
into the activities presented, there was no need of applying or using many strategies as regards
classroommanagement.Theirbehaviorwasremarkableas well astheirattitude towardslearning.
Thinking Forward and Inward
This project was meaningful because I had the opportunity to confirm the theories and
methodologiesIhave learnt duringthiscourse of studies.Now Iunderstandthe importance of the
Communicative Approach.
Reflecting on my performance and how students responded to my lessons, I can say that
working with secondary learners, 4th
year in particular, was unique. They enjoyed talking about
themselvesandtheirexperiences,whattheyare good at, as well as involvingthemselvesinmoral
discussions.If Ihadthe chance to developthispractice again,Iwoulddoonce againthe lastlesson.
Notbecause I wouldlike tochange something,butbecause me andthe studentsreallyenjoyed it.
Ingeneral,studentsreactedveryenthusiasticallytoallof the activitiesandmaterials.Irecall
that after the first lesson, since they have finished the lesson saying they had a fantastic time!
In short,teachingin secondarywas betterthanI had imagined.Studentsaswell asmyself,
had an amazing time while learning. I feel more than satisfied with my performance.
Thinking Outward
Finally,bearinginmindthe course teacher’sfeedbackandmy tutor’scomments,I can say
that again, my strengthis the positive atmosphere Ican create duringmy lessons.Afterthe entire
practicum period I can say that one as a teacher imparts and passes on that good energy to the
students.Theycan feel it,grasp it and share it.I know thiscourse has definitely contributedtomy
professional development!