Post practicum

I do not deny I was dreading practicum, it's quite schizophrenic [is the the correct spelling?]. I am not exactly a student cos I'm a teacher, yet I still have my NIE duties, projects [GESL eeeee], observations... not to mention all the horror stories of kids in schools that has been [and still is] going around.

20/2/06 - 5/5/06: My practicum period at CTSS... 2A1, 2B1, 1D1.

10 weeks did not seem that loooong after all. Good enough to get a feel of a teacher's life as we were really thrown into action. It was good exposure to teach lower sec math and science... do miss my classes and the kids... well most of them at least. haha :D But a little sad that my class kids didn't do well compared to the other classes. Don't wana compare them with others, but somehow, it reflects on the 'cher, cos that's how the others judge me... Hope my CTs taking them back didn't suffer too much :'(

Really appreciated my school for giving me classes I could handle, wouldn't say they are best-behaved or most-gifted in math/science, but at least the kids want to learn. I can take all sorts of kids except those who are simply "bochup" [couldn't care less].

On hindsight, I guess practicum isn't as bad as they all say. Stressed, overwhelming and overworked, yes, but certainly not... harmful to life? Haha, don't know what phrase to use also, poor vocabulary, but the point is - practicum is not all that bad. Of course it has its share of downs and ups, but... which career doesn't? Executives have good days and bad days; Even taitais lose and win at mahjong, miss or grab a good bargain at the malls.

It's amazing how God indeed is faithful and provides for me, in terms of practicum school, classes, CTs, and even time to complete the lesson plans and all the syllabus etc. There are countless times where it seems " Oh man, I'll never get it done, there's no time, I'm so dead, tomorrow's Monday", sometimes I just cry at the immense workload [or it's just me, paranoia and wanting to get things done asap, haha]. But I've learnt that I do my best, and He'll do the rest! Somehow, there is extra time here n there, or there's no lesson tomorrow so I need not rush that... the next thing I know, it's all settled. It's just so timely somehow. Simply inexplicable.

Yet, I really do not know if this is the job I want to do for the rest of my life, I mean yeah I like to teach, I will not shortchange/cheat the kids, I will be responsible [hopefully not overly-responsible] and model good character and habits... BUT, all these plus teaching the syllabus is just 50% of the job scope. Owell, guess I knew all these beforehand, its just when you are IN IT then it really hits you. I really don't know. Just hate it when I can't see what's in store. Like my official posting, will be taking 2 express 1 NT or 2 NT 1 express classes... I have no idea how I will be able to handle them, I guess I can only rely on God. After all, there's no better bet than Him.

"Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know He holds my hand."

Hmmm... 1 thing still puzzles me: why can't we stay on in that school unless there are requests? I mean, its less disruptive for both new teacher and school [and classes] alike. Anyway, our practicum posting is also based on avaliability of subjects etc... Also, it takes away the dreaded wait and suspense of THE official posting letter... hmmm, then again, we are called civil SERVANTS...owell.

In any case, I'm back at CTSS anyway. :) See you kids around again!! :)