Reflections of a scholar

Anxiously, on the first day at Nairobi Teacher's College undertaking studies as a second-year student, I was afraid of this step. I believe in my achievement and I can break the wall of fear i.e., I am courageous and confident that all will be well. Now I am going to be an English teacher, I will be learning a lot such as reading and writing skills. In addition, I will be learning how to teach inclusive classrooms. The first week was the most amazing week because we are building a new relationship between my classmates and teachers. Every moment since that day, I am surrounded with wonderful teachers and classmates; thus, I feel like they are my second family.

During the first week, we sat in a semi circle and all of us could face each other. Then this sitting arrangement facilitated introduction among us. Mr. Nader started the class with an amazing simple game where each of us picked a piece of paper from the box containing a question. These pieces of papers were used it to introduce ourselves. Therefore, I could notice the excitement on our faces, it was simply amazing.

However, we started the following week by grasping the course content. The first lecture was conducted by Dr. Vanitah on “Teaching and Reading”. She started with the importance of reading as a teacher and as a student. Moreover she touched on the benefits of reading such as improving our language. Therefore, this course was important to me because after graduating I would like my students to also know the importance of reading and how it will aid in comprehension of English language. Ambitiously, I would like to implement the joy of reading to my students as their teacher. During the course we were studying about “inclusive classroom”, the student’s diversity with regard to culture, language, gender and socioeconomic status. Furthermore the course expounded on how to teach and deal with student who suffer from learning disabilities, ADHD, as well as the gifted and talented students.

In my teaching practice I knew that all students are equal no matter their different nationalities and background; besides, every student has the opportunity to get education. Also I’m aware about dealing with students with disabilities. Moreover I applied a new teaching style which I adopted from Mr. Nader because he used to surprise his students with his teaching style. My understanding of the teaching profession is that it is practical. I want students to think seriously, and occupied in what I’m (or any other teacher) teaching. Most of my scholars in primary school need illustrations and consequently practice what they learnt.

Other outstanding information is that I can be tough in handling rowdy students. I wish to see the constructive side of them and teach these rowdy kids how to relate with others rather than bullying. In extreme cases, I can be firm on them, but no harder than I can.

It was hard to understand what is going on at Bahrain’s Teacher College. Each day I explored many things that gave me the courage to stand on my feet. I looked at the mirror and murmured to myself that I can overcome these obstacles. According to my view, I can see that our instructors are motivating us in a perfect way. I hope to achieve my best during this semester, and use this teaching opportunity to enhance my skills and be the English teacher that I have always dreamed to be.