Jessika

Malouf
Reflections on my mentor during practicum 28.08.17-01.09.17

I was assigned my mentor on Thursday evening the week before the practicum. I
managed to get in touch with her thanks to my quick actions. I met her for a
brief twenty minutes the next day to introduce myself. We were able to discuss
broadly what we would attempt to tackle for practicum week, which also
happened to be swimming week, with swimming lessons every day at a different
location.

My mentor has a full on responsibility with split year 3 and 4 classroom
consisting of three new students and four special needs students, two of which
are looked after by teaching assistants. She seemed to manage her classroom so
effortlessly. That week was particularly disruptive due to swimming lessons
every day, so there was pressure to address curriculum and do Fathers Day
cards.

I made sure I asked my mentor for feedback or direction whenever needed. I
also accompanied her on DOT duties and used the opportunity to learn more
about the students and her background.

I was very grateful that my mentor took me on at the last minute and I cherish
the valuable feedback I received following my lessons. I would have welcomed
some guidance into how to devise an effective lesson plan suitable for the
students prior knowledge, abilities and interactions with each other. Such
information takes time to establish.

My mentor commended me on my efforts and enthusiasm in creating an
enjoyable environment for the children. She was also impressed I had learnt all
the students names off by heart by Day 2. She offered her services if I ever
needed assistance in the future. We developed a good professional bond but I
would have liked a bit more hands on mentorship. I finished my practicum on a
high. I will always be grateful to my mentor for her feedback and support on
what was an unusually challenging week.