Teaching Practice Reflection Week 7 (October 7 – October 11, 2024) Sem 3

 Teaching Practice Reflection Week 7 (October 7 – October 11, 2024)

“The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.” — Mark Van Doren

Class: 8th G

Chapter: Ancient Tamilakam

Introduction

During Week 7 of my teaching practice at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Nedumangad, I continued teaching the chapter Ancient Tamilakam to the 8th G class. This week’s focus was on deepening students’ understanding of the cultural and historical aspects of Tamilakam through interactive discussions and activities. I also took on various school responsibilities, fostering a well-rounded teaching experience.

Classroom Teaching

The following topics were covered this week:

1.Cultural Life of Ancient Tamilakam – I discussed Tamilakam’s rich cultural heritage, including art forms, music, dance, and religious practices. Students were introduced to key cultural symbols and historical artifacts.

2.Trade and Maritime Commerce – We explored ancient Tamilakam’s trade connections with Southeast Asia, Rome, and other regions. A map activity helped students visualize trade routes and understand the impact of trade on society and economy.

3.Role of Women – I highlighted the roles and contributions of women in various aspects of life during the Sangam period, encouraging students to compare these roles to contemporary times.

4.Environment and Lifestyle – Discussions centered on how natural resources influenced lifestyle, settlement patterns, and economic activities in ancient Tamilakam.

Interactive storytelling, discussions, and group activities helped enhance student engagement and critical thinking.

Substitution Periods

During substitution periods, I conducted creative tasks like short role-plays on the daily life of ancient Tamil society and a quiz on Tamilakam’s kingdoms. These activities were effective in maintaining discipline and promoting historical awareness.

Additional Responsibilities

1.Mid-Day Meals: I assisted with distributing mid-day meals, ensuring the process was orderly and efficient.

2.Class Assignments: I assigned reflective writing tasks related to the cultural and social life of Tamilakam to reinforce the week’s lessons.

3.Evening Duties: I managed line duty at the end of each day, ensuring the students dispersed safely and in an organized manner.

Reflections and Observations

This week, I observed students becoming more curious and engaged with the historical content. Many showed improved critical thinking and expressed their understanding through thoughtful questions and discussions. The interactive activities provided an opportunity for students to showcase their creativity while reinforcing key concepts.

Summary

Week 7 was marked by meaningful learning experiences and continued student engagement with the chapter Ancient Tamilakam. By balancing academic and additional responsibilities, I was able to further develop my teaching strategies and strengthen my classroom management skills. The week reinforced the importance of interactive and inclusive teaching practices in fostering a love for history and culture.