Reflective Journal
1. Introduction
My name is Natasha N Itenge a final year student at the International
University Of Management doing my Bachelor’s Honors Degree in Senior
Secondary Education, majoring in languages English and Oshindonga. I
completed my final teaching practice at Immanuel Shifidi Secondary
School I was there for 12 weeks starting from 13 January to 24 of March
2025.
2.Context and Objectives
Immanuel Shifidi Secondary School is a school in Windhoek that is located
in Katutuar, Damara location. The school serves learners of different
Namibian ethnic groups (Ovambo,Damara,Nama and Herero) with the
population of learners being approximately 900. My goal for the time I
spent at the school was to develop learners’ communication skills in
English and Oshindonga, enabling them to understand, analyze, and
express a variety of ideas effectively in both written and spoken forms.
3.Teaching Methods and strategies
Lesson Planning
Every Friday I would sit during a free lesson to start planning on the
following weeks lesson plan for the five days of the week and some of the
lessons plans I had to repeat. I prepared the lesson plans in alignment
with the curriculum goals and learning objectives and I would sometimes
ask my mentor to go through to make sure I’m on the right track.
Classroom Management
On the very first day of school I gave the classroom rules e.g be punctual,
respecting one another, keeping the class clean and more. I presented
them to the learners and printed out a copy which was placed on to the
notice board at the back of the class, the teacher also had the learners
vote for their male and female class captain. The learners were told to
seat were they feel comfortable to promote diversity and engagement.
Every classroom was provided with a disciplinary book with offenses and
points allocated to them this was given to the class captains to help with
managing their class especially during rotation and being in other subject
classrooms.
Instructional Techniques
I employed various teaching methods like direct instructions which I gave
to the learners when the teacher is explaining new concepts clearly and is
guiding the class through examples when concentrating on topics like
grammar rules or structured writing.
During the text analysis or reading comprehensions the teacher used
open ended questions to double check whether the learners understood
what they were being taught.
Learners were required to work in small groups to discuss and learn from
each other which encouraged collaboration, communication and critical
thinking.
4.Classroom Environment
With the help of my mentors register class learners, I created a clean,
organized and conducive environment for my learners. I made sure to
display the classroom rules and also ensured the learners adhere to them.
I would usually arrange the the desks according to the lesson type, rows
for tests which helped learners to realize their strengths and weaknesse.
The groups for discussions, this helped learners to engage, assist as well
as learn from each other. I also made the strong learners to sit next to the
struggling ones. We made new posters for grammer rules and pasted
them on the notice board. They looked well organized and colorful,
attracting learners attention in class, I also created birthday cards with
color papers so that we remember and celebrate everyone’s birthday in
the class.
5.Lesson Plans and Materials
The content of the material I taught is directly addressing the key points
and knowledge or skills in the objectives. I discussed the lesson with the
learners always starting with prior knowledge to see if they know anything
on the topic we are going to discuss, and I always make sure that the
method depending on the type of learning the learners would sit
accordingly and I handed out notes to the learners to help the follow as I
discuss the topic when I was done I gave them an activity to give them
exposure in order to meet their objectives. It is through the activity that I
managed to assess the learners
6.Assessment and Progress
During the ten weeks I used different forms of assessment methods which
are formative and summative.
Formative assessment
This helped me to look at learners understanding as I was teaching the
lessons. I would always tell my learners to have a small book where they
take notes as I explain. This helped them to ask questions if there is
something that they don’t understand, it also helped them to summarize
my explanations to their own understanding. When I gave the learners
group work I would always walk around the class observing and
questioning the learners in order to guide them. At the end of a lesson I
would sometimes ask the learners to write one or two things they learned
and a question that they still have so that it can be addressed. I would
always advise my learners to make use of the library and watch YouTube
videos for extra information and education purposes. This type of
assessment help me to clarify learners misunderstandings.
Summative assessment
The learners had to give a short performance in class whereby I grouped
them and gave them different topics that we have covered, they had to
decide amongst themselves as to who would act as the teacher and the
rest learners. In the short performance I picked up how they understood
what was taught and the mistakes some learners made as well as those
who still need clarity. This helped me to see which topics I had to go
through with the learners again. The learners also wrote a test series that
I had to come up with in Oshindonga to text their level of understanding
and everything they have done in the 10 weeks was covered, it was a
short answer test and straightforward.
7.Classroom management
I believe that I managed my classroom very well, I’ve set clear
expectations and build strong relationship as well as bonded with my
learners. At the beginning I set clear rules and consequences to be faced
and I’ve explained the disciplinary file to them as well as the school rules.
I was more focused on what the learners should do rather than what they
should not do. I build a positive relationship with the learners by learning
their names within two weeks this helped me to have better control the
challenges I faced were managing diverse learning needs for students
who have varying learning styles.
8.Students engagement and differentiation
I recognized that learners come from different backgrounds with different
abilities and learning styles. When I was planning lessons it had to include
and support all types of learners, when teaching I would include examples,
stories materials from diverse cultures especially those represented in my
classrooms. I would also encourage my learners to share their own
experiences and backgrounds and avoided stereotypes at all times to
make every student feel seen and valued. I also incorporated multiple
learning styles e.g visual the learners would watch videos I would show
them in class using my laptop with examples for English grammar usage.
1. Collaboration and Professional Development
During my teaching practice, I collaborated closely with my mentor
teacher and other staff members. I participated in staff meetings, school
events, and teacher workshops, which enhanced my understanding of
professional responsibilities and best practices in teaching. Peer feedback
and mentorship were invaluable for my growth and development.
2. Strengths
Strong lesson planning and organization.Effective classroom management
and discipline. Ability to connect with learners and build
rapport.Adaptability in teaching diverse learners. Creativity in lesson
delivery and classroom environment setup
3. Areas for Improvement
Teachers need to enhance time management during lessons to ensure all
activities are covered.Improving the integration of digital tools and
resources more consistently.Developing more strategies for teaching
learners with special educational needs
4. Reflective Insights
This teaching practice allowed me to grow both professionally and
personally. I learned the importance of being flexible, patient, and
responsive to learners’ needs. I realized that teaching is not only about
delivering content but also about inspiring and nurturing learners. I now
understand that continuous reflection and improvement are crucial for an
effective teaching journey.
5. Recommendations
Schools should continue to provide mentorship for student teachers and
include them in staff development programs.More digital resources should
be made available in classrooms to support 21st-century
learning.Curriculum planners should consider incorporating more inclusive
teaching strategies that support diverse learner needs.
6. Conclusion
My teaching practice at Immanuel Shifidi Secondary School was an
enriching and eye-opening experience. It strengthened my teaching skills,
deepened my content knowledge, and reaffirmed my passion for
education. I am confident that the knowledge and experiences I gained
during this period will shape me into a competent and compassionate
educator.
7. Acknowledgements
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the management and staff
of Immanuel Shifidi Secondary School for giving me the opportunity to
conduct my teaching practice. Special thanks to my mentor teacher for
the continuous support, guidance, and encouragement. I also appreciate
the International University of Management for preparing me adequately
for this experience. Finally, thank you to the learners for their enthusiasm,
participation, and the joy they brought into the classroom every day.
8. Appendices
Appendix A: Sample Lesson Plans
Appendix B: Classroom Rules Poster
Appendix C: Samples of Learner Activities and Assessments
Appendix D: Photos of Classroom Environment and Learning Materials
Appendix E: Assessment Rubrics and Test Papers
References
1.HOD of language
Mrs Groenewald
2.Mentor Teacher
Mr Mukete
+264 810429568
