Teaching Practice Reflection Week 6 (September 30 – October 4, 2024) Sem 3

 Teaching Practice Reflection Week 6 (September 30 – October 4, 2024)

“Education is the key to unlocking the golden door of freedom.”

 — George Washington Carver

Class: 8th G

Chapter: Ancient Tamilakam

Introduction

The second phase of my teaching practice at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Nedumangad, began with Week 6, focusing on the chapter Ancient Tamilakam for the 8th G class. This week provided an opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural significance of the Tamilakam region, covering its social, cultural, and economic life. In addition to classroom teaching, I handled various responsibilities that strengthened my classroom management skills and enhanced student engagement.

Classroom Teaching

This week, I covered the following topics from the chapter Ancient Tamilakam:

1.Sangam Literature (30/09/2024) – I introduced students to the significance of Sangam literature and its role in providing historical insights into the socio-political life of ancient Tamilakam.

2.Social Life in Ancient Tamilakam – I discussed the social structure, festivals, and traditions of the time, encouraging students to compare them with modern-day practices.

3.Economic Life – The economic activities of ancient Tamilakam, such as agriculture, trade, and maritime commerce, were explored, with examples drawn from historical trade routes and ports.

4.Political Life and Kingdoms – I highlighted the governance structure, focusing on prominent kingdoms like the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas, using maps to explain territorial boundaries.

Using visual aids, group discussions, and storytelling techniques, I made the content engaging and relatable for the students. I encouraged questions and debates to deepen their understanding of the historical period.

Substitution Periods

During substitution periods, I conducted creative activities such as storytelling sessions on ancient trade routes and a poster-making activity on Tamilakam’s cultural heritage. These tasks helped students develop critical thinking and fostered creativity.

Additional Responsibilities

1.Mid-Day Meals: I continued assisting with the smooth distribution of mid-day meals, ensuring timely and efficient service.

2.Class Activities: I assigned follow-up tasks to students to reflect on the chapter, such as short essays and creative presentations on Sangam literature.

3.Evening Duties: I managed line duty to ensure the students dispersed in an organized and disciplined manner.

Reflections and Observations

This week marked a positive start to the second phase of my teaching practice. Students showed genuine interest in the rich cultural and historical content of Ancient Tamilakam, with many demonstrating curiosity and critical thinking in classroom discussions. Their active participation was encouraging and motivated me to keep adopting student-centered teaching strategies.

Summary

Week 6 was a successful and rewarding start to the second phase of my teaching practice. By fostering an engaging learning environment and balancing multiple responsibilities, I continued to grow in my role as a teacher. The experience further solidified my passion for teaching Social Science through interactive and collaborative methods.