School Induction Day 5 at St. Goretti HSS, Punalur

The 5th day of the School Induction Program at St. Goretti Higher Secondary School, Punalur,observed two mathematics classes which provided a unique opportunity and also we got a chance to interview with students 

These sessions required flexibility and adaptability as we stepped into unfamiliar classrooms. I, along with my colleagues, ensured that the time was utilized effectively by incorporating interactive discussions and activities. Depending on the students' grade levels, we introduced topics that were both engaging and educational, fostering a positive learning environment.

The day concluded with a reflective session where we shared our experiences, challenges, and the lessons learned. It was a productive day that enriched our understanding of handling dynamic classroom situations while maintaining a positive connection with students.

Class observations 

On Day 5 of the School Induction Program, my colleagues and I observed two Mathematics classes, one conducted by Roshi B. Raju for Grade 9 F and the other by Femina Joseph for Grade     9 E.

Class 9 F with Roshi B. Raju

Roshi B. Raju’s class was highly structured and engaging. She began the lesson with a clear explanation of the topic, ensuring that the learning objectives were outlined. Her approach to introducing concepts was methodical, using both verbal explanations and visual aids to help students understand complex mathematical problems.

The teacher's use of questioning techniques encouraged student participation, allowing students to voice their thoughts and engage in discussions. Roshi maintained excellent classroom discipline, ensuring that students stayed focused while also creating a comfortable environment where students felt confident asking questions.

The pacing of the lesson was just right, as she balanced theory and practical exercises, giving students ample time to absorb the information and practice. We noticed that she encouraged peer learning, with students helping each other understand the concepts, which further enhanced the collaborative atmosphere in the classroom.

Class 9 E with Femina Joseph

Femina Joseph’s class followed a similar structure but with a slightly more dynamic approach. She used real-world examples to make the subject matter more relatable, helping students connect the mathematical concepts with their daily lives. Femina’s teaching was interactive, and she frequently paused to ask the students questions, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

She used various teaching aids, including a black board and handwritten notes, making the lesson visually stimulating and easy to follow. Femina was particularly good at managing the class’s energy, maintaining a good balance between keeping the students engaged and ensuring they stayed focused on the task at hand.

The students in both sections seemed comfortable with the teaching styles and participated actively. Femina also used formative assessments, like asking students to solve problems on the board, allowing her to gauge their understanding in real-time and give immediate feedback.

Reflection with Colleagues

After the observations, my colleagues and I discussed our observations and reflections. We noted that both teachers exhibited strong classroom management skills and effective teaching strategies. We admired their ability to make complex topics accessible and engage students actively. The use of real-life examples, interactive methods, and peer discussions were aspects we found particularly valuable and hoped to incorporate into our future lessons.

Overall, the experience was a great learning opportunity, offering insights into how experienced teachers conduct their classes and manage diverse classroom dynamics.

Interview with students 

Conducting interviews with the students gave us valuable insights into their academic lives and helped us understand their preferences, challenges, and ideas for improving the learning environment. Their feedback will be useful in adapting teaching methods to better support their learning needs and foster a more engaging and productive classroom environment.