Final Report - Primary

1. I.F.D.C. Lenguas Vivas
Taller de Práctica Docente 2015
Trabajo final de evaluación de la práctica docente
Second Period – Primary
Tutor: Cecilia Zemborain
Student: Myriam Tielve
Introduction
The aim of this report is to assess my own performance in my practicum with ten-year-old
students in Instituto Juana de Ibarbourou and reflect retrospectively about this
pedagogical experience. As I had already been in contact with the institution and its staff
during my first practicum period, I felt more confident and had a sense of belonging.
Moreover the English teacher of this group helped and guided me from the very
beginning. Not only did her kindness make me feel comfortable, but also she provided a
friendly atmosphere during my lessons.
Thinking Back
The original aim of this experience was to put putting my theoretical knowledge, acquired
in my previous four years of study, into practice with a mixed ability group of students
between ten and eleven years old. Therefore, I felt the need of revising not only the
characteristics of children at of this age studied in Ppsychology but also approaches,
methods, techniques and strategies which would help me to manage the group in an
effective way.
During the two periods of observations, their English teacher gave me the possibility of
sharing some activities with the students. In this way I noticed that although they had
learned a lot of vocabulary, it was difficult for them to apply it to different contexts and to
use it in free interactions with their partners or their teacher. In consequence, my first aim
was to encourage them to use L2 communicatively in free interactions beyond a context
with was meaningful for them: “The School Neighbourhood”.
As the context was significant to students, a new teacher “Miss Susan” was introduced to
them the students and they were eager to give her directions in their neighbourhood.
However, students found it really difficult to use L2 in interactions with their peers and I
had to walk round the classroom and encourage them to use the new structures at all
Comentario [R1]: Great start!
Comentario [R2]: Is tis what you
mean?
Comentario [R3]: Very good choice!

2. times. Patience, time, effort and recycling of new structures in different activities proved
to be effective and little by little students used more the target language more in their
interactions.
I learn from any experience even with my own students. After each lesson I always think
what I can do in order to improve my teaching style and help my students to improve their
skills in the language. Nevertheless, working with these students, let me reflect on the
importance of using visual aids like videos, flashcards, photos or maps to help them
students to understand when the teacher speaks them in English the whole lesson.
Thinking Forward
If I had the chance to work with this group again I would try to enjoy my lessons more
than I did. I know that these kids appreciated the benefits of my practicum with them.
They and show their gratitude every time I meet them in the playground in my way to the
first floor of the institution, but it was my wrong desire of aiming perfection which did not
allow me to be as relaxed and confident as I should have been.
Any new experience gives me food for thought and it will surely influence me in my third
practicum period and in the lessons with my own students as well. I have to learn to deal
with groups for a short period as I had never undergone a similar situation like this.
Maybe, in the future, I will be in charge of a group for only some weeks or months and I
will have to apply new strategies in order to fulfil my objectives with them.
Thinking Inward
It is a long time since I taught in primary school so this group was a real challenge. I used
to teach with the Audiolingual method and most of my lessons were based on reading,
chorus repetition and drilling exercises. The focus was not on free communication but on
controlled one and grammar accuracy was the main purpose of any kind of interaction.
Therefore, my experience with this group was completely different and meaningful as the
main purpose of teaching and learning a new language is being able to communicate
experiences, feelings, opinions in real contexts.
On the whole, I am satisfied with the way I developed this practice as I engaged enhanced
the students in meaningful activities and although some L1 could be heard in interactions
with their partners, they made a great effort to use L2 most of the time. Besides they
showed me that they were enjoyeding the proposed activities as they smiled all the time
and took an active role in them.
Comentario [R4]: Since the group were
not used to learning the language
communicatively, they encountered a big
challenge, but with your work and
patience, they suceded.
Comentario [R5]: Good for you!!
Comentario [R6]: What matters is that
now you realice.
Comentario [R7]: Through the L2,
which opens a scope of exchanges with
members of different cultures.
Comentario [R8]: 

3. I do not consider that this experience has made any change in my ethical development as
my motto in life is “respect the others if you want them to respect you” and this is what I
do with my students every day.
Thinking Outward
In the two periods of observation of this group, the teacher and the headmistress told me
that these students were disruptive during lessons and they were considered by all their
teachers to be the worst in academic improvement of all the groups of this level.
Nevertheless, I decided not to be influenced beforehand and this allowed me to interact
with them putting into practice all my knowledge.
Things turned out to be totally different. The students were really active during the
activities, raised their hands every time they wanted to take part in an interaction and did
not misbehave during the lessons. I wonder what would have happened if I had paid
attention to the teachers´ warning.
I think that my attitude towards them was beneficial as they could take advantage of my
lessons and at the same time they showed to everybody that when a teacher treats them
with respect and shows concern in the preparation of the lesson, they are capable of to
following instructions and maintaining a friendly atmosphere in the classroom.
Conclusion
A new stage of my practicum has finished and another institution is waiting for me. I hope
this experience has been as enriching to these students as it has been for me. I will never
forget their faces and I will keep them in my heart. Good memories, strong feelings will
remain in my mind and my heart.
Thanks 5th
C! I have learnt a lot from you dear kids!
Comentario [R9]: Yes, Myriam!!
Comentario [R10]: Indeed, Myriam!
You have proved that if the right attitude
and the right strategies are applied, SS may
become active and engaged learners.
Congratulations!!! 
Cecilia