Having the opportunity to learn in situ is something that is often not possible. I was lucky enough to be part of a cohort that was able to enter an elementary school once a week for six weeks prior to practicum. During that time I had the opportunity to try out what I thought would work well in a classroom, some ideas had more merit than others, and see how real-life students react.
I was also given the opportunity to co-teach with one of my peers. There are so many amazing benefits to teaching alongside someone with a vastly different teaching style. I could see how simple things such as calling a class attention can create very different classroom experiences. This experience has helped to strengthen my connection to my cohort, as well as my identity as a teacher. I would love to co-teach if given the opportunity in my career because the diversity within the classroom is so incredibly valuable.
The most difficult thing I had to do during this experience was trying to create very small linked lessons that can be accomplished in 1-hour intervals. When in an average classroom you have a much longer amount of time to work in, and this is something that has far more value than I once considered.
I felt like my strongest area in this was my ability to develop connections with students while in the classroom. I have been told I will be back in this school for my 3-week practicum and that brings me comfort when considering meeting another class of new people.