Teachers, do you suffer from Practicum Panic!?

by Gail Lange - Guelph, Ontario

Here’s what past participants had to say about their experiences and how much they benefited from taking the Practicum Course.

Was it nerve-racking to make videos of your teaching and have them shown in front of other teachers? 

• The actual self-viewing was kind of fun and revealing! 
• I think I discovered more to like about myself and my teaching than I expected. 
• To become vulnerable, to let go of your ego, to let both your strengths and weaknesses be observed and commented on by others is very helpful. 
• There were specific observations that came up…that I have thought about in every lesson this year.
• * Making videos of my home teaching made me realize what an incredible tool it can be in examining our own methods and effectiveness. I didn’t realize how much or how little I used certain techniques until I had a chance to observe myself teaching. 
  
  

What about the live lesson? 

• I didn’t do as well as I expected in the on-the-spot teaching in class, but the other participants were so positive and they helped me see the things I did well. The supportive atmosphere was definitely a help to me.
• I really appreciated the lists of specific things to look for or find in a successful lesson — it was like a treasure hunt… 
  
  

Can you identify an aspect of your teaching that has changed since taking the course?

• I have learnt to encourage the student from the beginning to listen to himself and self-evaluate his playing: sound, rhythm, notes, does it sound like the CD…
  
  

Overcoming Practicum Panic! cannot be overrated!
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You will become a more confident and effective and happier teacher.
Conquer your fears, take the leap and sign up at your earliest opportunity.