Teaching practice is always a significant component towards becoming a teacher. However, most institutions recognize teaching practice because it is the key to improving students’ learning. Teachers are encouraged to participate in teaching practice purposely to design interesting lesson plans and enthusiasm for the material. As a reflective practitioner, I learned many things when I was in my teaching practice. For example, literary practices, the reciprocal relationship between writing and reading and text selection. The essay aims to reflect on my general learning, literacy instruction, reciprocity of reading and writing, my excitement while in teaching practice, assessment and observation practices, observation survey and the significance of the selected text.
During my teaching practice, I gained insights into the individualization of instructions for the necessity of attaining the needs and interests of each learner. As such, I realized that every learner has varying teaching styles, strengths and weaknesses in a classroom setting, which requires different approaches (Cabual, 2021). My teaching experience has challenged me to support learners in achieving their educational goals. Based on the reading and literacy instruction, I have understood the essence of applying evidence-based practices and using various techniques when interacting with the students. I have learned vocabulary development and phonics instruction fluency building.
Regarding the reciprocity of reading and writing, I learned several issues and concepts and how they are essential to the learners. However, in my teaching practice, I learned that reading and writing are the pillars of achieving educational goals. As I was teaching, I learned that special learners could vividly develop effective reading skills when writing practices are aligned with reading instructions (Khasawneh & Alatoom, 2022). Students with special needs always struggle when reading and writing since the skills help them interact with the text. Reflecting, the most exciting moments that made me passionately love teaching is the “Ah Hah” moments. The moments when learners could apply techniques that they have been taught. This could occur when the learners struggle to recall what was taught previously. The moments depicted my potential for effective instruction and encouraged me to progress, delving into strategies and interventions to reinforce the teaching.
In my teaching practice, observation and assessment practices impacted me. I gained an understanding of the vitality of assessment practices which is important in monitoring the learners’ academic progress, informing decision making and pointing out areas of improvement (Monteiro et al., 2021). Several assessment techniques and tools helped to identify the areas of growth and weakness of the learners. For example, informal observation, diagnostic assessment and running records. The information derived from the assessment tools and techniques aids in reinforcing support to address the issues of the students.
Completing the observation survey has been an impactful experience for me, which I have not encountered any other time. However, conducting an observation survey was strange to me for the first time, but I gained courage because I was ready to learn. Throughout the process developed knowledge and experience, and I used to do so several times. As I was evaluating data to inform instructional planning for the second time, I was very confident. The observation survey portrays my progress as a teacher and emphasizes the significance of professional development. In the program, my potential for text selection and the essence of introduction has accelerated more meaningfully. I learned how to select text corresponding to the learners’ interests and educational goals. In my teaching, I became aware of well-developed introductions, which provide the purpose of reading and activation of knowledge. Also, the introduction sets a significant reading experience and reinforces comprehension.
In conclusion, my participation in teaching practice has been the best moment I have ever encountered. Teaching is impactful in various dimensions since it has exposed me to numerous ways of teaching and how to incorporate effective teaching in the classroom. In my teaching practice, I gained insights into general learning, literacy instruction, reciprocity of writing and reading for special learners, assessment and observation practice and selection of text. Recommend it is important for special education teachers and any other teacher in teaching practice to embrace and use various instructions, evidence-based instructions, reciprocity of reading and writing, and develop a professional learning network.
References
Cabual, R. A. (2021). Learning Styles and Preferred Learning Modalities in the New Normal. OALib, 08(04), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1107305
Khasawneh, M. A. S., & Alatoom, E. K. T. (2022). Developing writing skills among students with learning disabilities in the English language. Journal of Social Studies (JSS), 18(1), 63–80. https://doi.org/10.21831/jss.v18i1.43723
Monteiro, V., Mata, L., & Santos, N. N. (2021). Assessment Conceptions and Practices: Perspectives of Primary School Teachers and Students. Frontiers in Education, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2021.631185
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