Reflection on BDS (MOE Teaching Internship) week 5

25- 29 July 2022

During these 5 weeks of internship, I gained more insights into the job as a teacher and it was an eye opener for me to see how the education system has changed since I left secondary school almost 6 years back. There are several takeaways and things that I am grateful for after these experiences in school teaching.

I was introduced to the various duties that Teachers have while serving as a teaching intern. The other teachers, including my mentors, were always willing to provide a hand, and the school authorities also demonstrated a truly loving school culture. I was amazed by how inclusive the school culture was, which creates a good culture for staff and students to interact with various backgrounds or special needs students and allows zero tolerance for discrimination. I also learnt that being culturally proficient should be a goal for all Teachers, and getting to know your students’ demographic is essential as well. To the students, their school acts as a second home, and the relationships they develop there eventually shape who they become. Teachers as a whole are crucial in fostering the correct values, such as a desire to learn and empathy for others.

I was tasked to do co-teaching as well as independent teaching, in which I enjoy interacting and sharing my knowledge with the students. I found myself having great fun teaching both Art and Physical Education (PE). Something that I did not expect was while teaching PE I felt that it further increased my interactions with the students more and better in the way that I can see their different sides when they are doing physical activities than in a classroom setting. Which further brings out their character and attitude toward learning new skills. I also learnt about classroom management; it is important to build commendatory between teacher and students. Observing various teachers’ ways of handling a class and teaching the subjects allows me to gain some new knowledge of what some Teachers did which aided them in building that connection and trust with the students. Being enthusiastic in classes really will liven up the spirits that the students have at that moment and they will give their attention and sometimes even replicate the energy back to you, and bridge the teacher-student divide.

I am grateful to the staff and students that gave me my first teaching experience in this school a fruitful and fulfilling one, and it made me more prepared for this field of work. These 5 weeks of internship allowed me to grow and develop a better teaching mindset. Thank you Bedok South Secondary for this 5 weeks journey.