Special Education Practicum Report
During my education course, I decided i would like to major in special needs. This realisation came after my second placement where a student with a diagnosis was rarely included in the lessons planned by the teacher. I wanted to develop the skills necessary to teach and include all students of diversity.
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This practicum was a very different experience compared to other placements. I was in a special needs school with the senior grades (11-13). This surprised me as I saw students not much younger than me with the academic achievements of a second grader. I was also surprised by how quickly I adapted into the new environment and developed positive relationships and rapport with the students. this proved to be a key strength when redirecting students to the learning.
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As a result of this practicum I was encouraged to further my knowledge by studying AUSLAN assisted by a deaf teacher aide who I developed a friendship with.
Final Practicum Report
My final placement occurred in a primary state school. I was placed in the year one intervention program. This program assists in strengthening the foundations of letter-knowledge and oral language. While working in this program I planned lessons on developing gross and fine motor skills, phonemic understanding and oral language with EAL/D students.
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While on the placement I also taught a mathematics unit (patterns) in a mainstream classroom. Working alongside the classroom teacher I implemented assessments for diagnostic and formative data as well as a summative assessment at the end of the unit. I worked in conjunction with the teacher to moderate and grade the assessments and enjoyed seeing the progress the students made with my teaching strategies.
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A key strength during this placement was my ability to take on feedback and implement school policies and pedagogies into my lessons.
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