Caitlin Fitzgerald-Potter

During my first 3-week practicum at St Joseph Catholic High School in Albion Park, I worked closely with a small group of 8 students with developmental delays in the discipline of food technology. Committed to adhering to state curriculum guidelines, I developed and implemented a diverse range of lessons that incorporated inquiry-based learning and project-based learning to captivate and engage students effectively. Leveraging technology, I facilitated interactive lessons, ensuring a dynamic classroom environment. Recognising the unique needs of special needs students, I provided individualised instruction as required, fostering an inclusive learning atmosphere. Setting clear expectations for students, I cultivated a positive learning environment and adapted lessons to accommodate varying comprehension levels among students. My proactive approach to prioritizing and organizing tasks ensured all students efficiently accomplished set goals. Committed to professional growth, I actively sought and implemented constructive feedback from colleagues and supervisors, contributing to continuous improvement in my teaching practice.

During my second 3-week practicum at Figtree Public High School, I had the opportunity to work across various year levels, including Year 7 Tech Mandatory, Year 9 Design and Technology, and Year 12 Food Technology. In this dynamic teaching environment, I demonstrated my ability to create detailed and comprehensive lesson plans tailored to the specific needs of students in diverse discipline areas.

With a commitment to meeting state curriculum standards, my lesson plans were not only aligned with educational guidelines but also crafted to be engaging and relevant to students. Employing innovative teaching strategies, I implemented inquiry-based learning and project-based learning to effectively capture the attention and enthusiasm of my students. Embracing technology, I facilitated interactive lessons, fostering an environment that encouraged active student participation. Recognising the importance of a positive learning atmosphere, I set clear expectations for students and adapted lessons to accommodate varying comprehension levels. I facilitated group discussions on course topics to promote critical thinking skills and integrated hands-on activities whenever possible to enhance engagement. Establishing and enforcing clear class objectives and requirements, I ensured consistent education for all students.