My last few days with G2!

Week 14 –Professional Development – 1^st June 2011 

Over the past few weeks I have really enjoyed working with my G2 class in the International School of Poznań. It has been really interesting having experience in this type of school and teaching this different curriculum. Like any school based experience it has been invaluable at developing my professional competences. Through working with such differing international children I have developed strategies for communicating effectively with pupils (C10), developed strategies that motivate and meet the needs of pupils who are not learning in their first language (C21) and it has helped me to develop a knowledge and understanding of the significant features of pupils’ cultures, languages and faiths and any implication this could have for learning (C8) (GTCNI 2007). Not only this but like being in any classroom, the experience has helped develop my behaviour and classroom management skills, communication skills and my awareness of different strategies for support and assessment.

One thing that has struck me from being in this school though is the lack of academical differentiation in the classes. In my classroom all the children are treated exactly the same, provided the same work and the teacher’s expectations from them all is the same. If the children do not get their work finished, or do not understand it then it is the responsibility of the child to complete, or receive help at home. This system, although flawed, does work in this private school as the parents are very supportive to the children at home and therefore although some children have a lot of homework, they do not fall behind. This is far from an idyllic system though. I feel that some of the children are not able to work to their potential in the school because what is being expected from them beyond their ability and on the other hand some of the extremely bright students are not being pushed to their learning potential.

During my first year teaching practice I taught in a composite primary four/five class. When I was teaching mathematics both classes would do the same topic, which was time. During these lessons I differentiated for five different ability groups to ensure that each of the children had the opportunity to work to their potential. This amount of differentiation is completely normal in Northern Ireland schools. I believe although differentiation may be extra work for the class teacher it is essential, and I believe this is something that we are definitely doing correctly at home within the Northern Ireland curriculum.

Unfortunately my last day in school is next Monday as my exams then start next Tuesday. I am not looking forward to saying goodbye to my class but I have really enjoyed my time in this school and I feel it has been extremely beneficial for me as a trainee teacher.

Until next time,

Jeff

General Teachers Council for Northern Ireland (2007) Teaching : the Reflective Profession