Advice for Student Teachers heading into their first practicum

So, you’re heading into your first teaching practicum placement. You may be nervous, anxious and/or unsure of what to expect. That’s fine. That’s natural. A practicum in the educational field can seem like quite the daunting task, but in all honesty it’ll probably be the most beneficial learning experience within your time spent in the Bachelor of Education program. What better way to get a handle on the real-world of teaching than to step into the classroom and play around with the concepts you’ve learned about in class? For those of you looking for a bit of advice on how to handle your practicum with ease, here’s a few tips to keep in mind:

1.  Set-up an introductory meeting with your AT (associate teacher) a few weeks before you start your practicum. You want to make sure you’re both on the same page as far as expectations, roles and responsibilities go. Establishing a bit of a preliminary game plan will put your mind at ease (at least a little). Clarity is a key element of effective planning.
2. It’s best to take the first few days of practicum to observe the classroom routines set in place by your AT. You don’t want to throw off the students by radically changing their existing learning environment. It’s natural to want to switch things up a bit and teach the way you want to teach, but make sure these changes are gradual and not all at work. You don’t want to shock your students right off the bat.
3. Learn how to balance your practicum with everything else you’ve got going on in life. Of course, practicums are time consuming and they require a lot of care and attention if they are to be successful. However, you’re going to lose your mind if all you’re thinking about (for 8 weeks straight) is the ins and outs of practicum dealings. Take some time to decompress every now and then. Your life (and your brain) will thank you.
4. Accept the fact that during your practicum there will be days where nothing goes right. Don’t take these hiccups as a sign of complete failure. Use them as an opportunity to reflect on possible changes you could make to ensure a better outcome (whatever that may be). Success is built upon trial and error. Take advantage of these moments and don’t let them tarnish your spirit.
5. Do your best to learn as much as you can about the school community you’re placed in (as it is). Don’t just be a ghost that aimlessly wanders the halls of your school. Get to know the students, staff, events and groups that define the larger school community. This connection is vital to the teaching profession.