Erasmus+ Journal (Issue 2) 2013/14
Gemma Rué, Spain: Experiences with the Practises
Author: Gemma Rué
What is different in school practise (Spain and Austria)?
I have never done Praxis in English with little Children and the opportunity to do it here is awesome. I personally want to be an English teacher and there is no best way to do it than practising. When I arrived to Pädagogische Hoschschule Steiermark and they told me I would have the opportunity to do English practice I was exited and agog.
In my university we also do practise but there is no comparison doing English practice in Graz than doing it in Barcelona. Last year, in Barcelona, I did practice in the second year (6-7 years) of a Primary school, almost every class was teached in Catalan and Spanish and they had two hours of English per week. When I was in the class I was just observing what did they do and how does the teacher explains the lesson. I hadn´t the opportunity to practise as a teacher, just observing.
One of the biggest difference of doing practise in Graz is that my tutor allows me to teach by myself. I can prepare what I want to teach, either the topic or the material, and that gives you freedom and that is really good point. It is also a good way to learn how to plan the lesson and how to search for good material for what do you want to teach. Our tutor, Katharina, helps us and gives us advises of what is suitable or what is not at their level. Having a great teacher who can support your work and help you is also amazing. And another you must teach in English, and there is no other option because is the only way of communication with the children.
When I arrived the first day at class, I was a little bit afraid due to the kind of children we would teach and the type of communication we would have. But there is no fear anymore; I was absolutely proud and satisfied with our job. I realised that between the students and me there are an interactive learning, they learn with me and, of course, I learn with them.
Why is it a great experience?
Each day is a new experience and a new chance to do my best and learn with it. I feel it is an enriching experience and I am very grateful with the College that gave me that great opportunity. We are doing as we were real teachers, something that we haven't done before. Now, we are totally sure that this is our future job.