Today was D-day.
Professors Beets and Carl came in to critique our lessons, and I was lucky enough to have both my subjects critiqued on the same day. Admittedly I was nervous going into a day filled with two crit-lessons as well as invigilating duties during the Matric English exam after school (which most of my colleagues forgot about).
Preparation is truly the key to success in conducting a successful class. Having considered the curriculum, prescribed work and positioning of each class in respect to the work – I had a fairly good idea of what to cover in my lessons, and how to approach each specific class. Admittedly, spending all my free time pondering and researching my lessons didn’t make for the most restful weekend – but the work paid off! My learners responded very well to the work I presented and gave their full participation happily. I was surprised, in both Crit Lessons, to see them enjoy my lesson as much as I did.
And yes, the professors enjoyed my lessons too ;0)
Alas, my Monday did not remain delightful. When the time came for the Matric paper – most of my colleagues on whom I counted to invigilate didn’t show up. Apparently the verbal confirmation of invigilating during multiple papers during the week was forgotten, and only the text-message confirming Friday’s commitment would be honored. Disaster.
Thankfully I could count on Miss. Bray and Mr. Van Huyssteen, as well as Mr. Pienaar (allocated to Worcester Gimnasium) to man the required posts for the full 150 minutes. Knowing your team, and surrounding yourself with people you can depend on, is invaluable.
Lessons of the day: Preparation pays – and your heroes will reveal themselves in times of distress. Cherish them.
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