TMS3713
Assignment 5
PORTFOLIO
DUE 27 September 2024
,Task 1: Geography Teaching Practice Experience
A. Describe the School Where You Did Your Teaching Practice. Where Is It
Located? What Grades Did You Teach?
I completed my Geography teaching practice at Silver Oaks International High
School at Brooklyn located in Pretoria. The school is known for its diverse student
body and commitment to academic excellence. The school serves students from
[describe the socioeconomic status of the community, e.g., "middle-income families,"
"low-income community," etc.].
The infrastructure includes [mention key facilities such as science labs, computer
rooms, libraries, sports fields, etc.], which are well-maintained and support a
conducive learning environment. The school has a strong focus on [mention any
particular strengths or specialties, such as STEM education, sports, arts, etc.], which
is evident in its curriculum and extracurricular offerings.
During my teaching practice, I was assigned to teach [mention specific grades, e.g.,
Grade 10 and Grade 11]. The curriculum at these grade levels focused on [mention
key topics covered, e.g., "climatology, geomorphology, and map skills"], which
required a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical application. My role
involved preparing lesson plans, delivering lectures, and assessing student progress
through various formative and summative assessments.
B. How Diverse Was the Learner Population in Terms of Backgrounds and
Learning Abilities?
The learner population at [Insert School Name] was highly diverse in both
backgrounds and learning abilities. The students came from a mix of [describe
ethnicities, cultures, languages spoken, etc.], reflecting the multicultural nature of the
community. This diversity brought a rich variety of perspectives to classroom
discussions, particularly in Geography, where students could share insights from
their cultural experiences related to environmental issues and human geography.
In terms of learning abilities, the classroom included students with a wide range of
capabilities. Some learners were highly proficient and displayed a deep interest in
Geography, often engaging in independent research and bringing in additional
information to class discussions. Others required more support, particularly in areas
such as [mention specific areas, e.g., "map reading, understanding geographic
terminology, or interpreting data"].
, To accommodate this diversity, I employed differentiated instruction strategies, such
as [mention specific strategies, e.g., "grouping students by ability for certain tasks,
providing additional resources for advanced learners, and using visual aids and
hands-on activities for those who struggled"]. This approach helped ensure that all
students could engage with the material at their own pace and according to their
abilities.
C. What Influenced Your Decision to Choose Geography Instead of Other
Subjects?
My decision to choose Geography was driven by a deep personal interest in
understanding the world around me, particularly the physical and human processes
that shape our environment. I have always been fascinated by how geographical
factors influence societies, economies, and cultures. This curiosity naturally led me
to pursue Geography as a subject, both in my studies and in my teaching practice.
Additionally, I believe that Geography is a critical subject for fostering global
awareness and environmental stewardship among students. In today’s world, where
issues such as climate change, urbanization, and resource management are
becoming increasingly important, I felt that teaching Geography would allow me to
make a meaningful contribution to preparing students to be informed and responsible
global citizens.
D. Describe the Specific Learning Goals You Aimed to Achieve During Your
Teaching Practice.
During my teaching practice, my primary learning goals were to ensure that students:
Developed a Strong Understanding of Key Geographic Concepts: This included
mastering topics such as "climate patterns, population distribution, and map
interpretation"].
Improved Critical Thinking Skills: I aimed to help students analyze and evaluate
geographical data, understand cause-and-effect relationships in human-environment
interactions, and make informed decisions based on their analysis.
