The student teacher completed their practicum teaching English at the secondary level. They felt anxious at first working with an experienced observer teacher. During lessons, they saw the observer use simple handmade materials that engaged students. This helped the student teacher feel more confident. The student teacher was asked to speak only English in class, making them insecure, but students were able to understand and participate. The student learned to not underestimate students and trust the strategies and routines they have learned. The experience helped them develop confidence in their teaching abilities while remaining open to new learning.

1. INSTITUTO DE FORMACIÓN DOCENTE CONTINUA
LENGUAS VIVAS BARILOCHE (A-052)
Profesorado de Inglés – Opción Pedagógica a Distancia
Taller de Práctica Docente: Nivel Secundario
Reflexión final
Student: Bárbara Martínez.
Teacher: Aurelia Velázquez.

2. Having worked as a trainee in secondary school level was a challenging but not a new
experience for me since I have been working as a secondary school teacher for many years. Even
though I have experience in this level, every lesson was a challenge because I had to comply with
many requirements and I was observed by a teacher with a wide experience in the profession,
not to mention that she is a trainees’ teacher in another institution. That is why I felt that the
pression over my shoulders was higher than if the situation had been different. I will describe
here my experience during this period and I will also reflect on it.
I felt really scared and anxious about starting my practicum period in secondary school
level since because of the pandemic many things changed and I was not sure if I was going to be
able to fulfill this last step of the course of studies. On the other hand, I felt secure enough to
get into the classroom and deliver my classes until the headmistress of the school told me that
the teacher who was going to be observing me was new and that she had a vast experience in
teaching trainees. At that moment, all my confidence plummeted and I felt I was not capable of
doing it and I felt that, again the year 2021 was showing me its worst face. However, it is a must
to comply with the practicum to get the degree, so there was no way out, I had to do it.
The first class I observed, I could notice that the teacher offered students simple
activities with handmade materials she had prepared with things every person has at home:
paper, markers, colour papers. At that moment I thought that it was not that hard, that I could
do it. During the lessons I observed these strategies were being repeated and they worked
perfectly for the group of students, they worked happily and enthusiastically. I could see all the
experience this teacher has. Having finished the period of observation and assistantship I was
ready to start working with the students, felt confident and happy to do this.
I was asked by my tutor to speak all the class in English, this made me feel insecure again
because the teacher of the group did not do that, she explained things in English and then
translated it into Spanish. It was impossible for me to think that the students were able to
understand what I was supposed to teach them if I only spoke in English. To my surprise, from
the very beginning students followed the class, participated and showed that they learnt what I
was teaching them. I was delighted to see them solving the activities and participating in the
class. That class, they taught me more than I taught to them.
From my very first class, I could see that challenging students with various activities is
highly motivating for them. Students saw themselves challenged by the fact that I was explaining
to them in a language they do not know and this was motivating for them. They wanted to learn
what I was teaching; they were interested in understanding me and the concepts. In this sense,
scaffolding strategies were of utmost importance because students needed the correct guidance
to solve the exercises and activities so miming, showing, telling, repeating were my allies during
this period.
I learnt that I should not underestimate students. The group I was assigned to taught me
more that I taught to them, they showed me that applying the right strategies, teachers can
teach whatever they have to teach. They showed me that organization is key, they needed
routines and clear instructions, they needed me to show that I was in charge of the classroom
and thus it was my responsibility to make their process a successful one.
As regards my own teaching identity and self-confidence, I think that I need to trust
more in what I have already learnt. It is true that I have experience in teaching but it is also true
that one needs to be open to new things, to criticism and be receptive to what students have to
teach to us. As teachers, we should never stop learning.
Comentado [A1]: pressure
Comentado [A2]: I´m so proud of you! It was worth trying,
you see!
Comentado [A3]: Great experience! Congrats on your
hard work!