BEd students apply theoretical knowledge in classroom
Varsity College Waterfall’s faculty of education incorporates Teaching Experience to prepare students for the working world.
The essential role of Teaching Experience (TE), a core component of the IIE Bachelor of Education (BEd) qualifications, is to provide student teachers with practical, hands-on experience.
Recently, BEd students from the IIE’s Varsity College Waterfall participated in TE at 71 schools, where they applied their theoretical knowledge in real classroom settings. This experience equips them with the necessary skills for effective teaching after graduation.
Through direct engagement with learners and educators, the student teachers gained invaluable insights into the dynamics of classroom environments. This critical exposure bridges the gap between academic study and the practical demands they will face as professional educators, paving the way for their future success in the field.
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Basetsana Lebelo, a third-year IIE BEd in Intermediate Phase Teaching student at the Waterfall campus, described her recent TE experience at Curro Waterfall as phenomenal.
“I enjoyed the opportunity to teach diverse learners and to witness their progress from not understanding a topic to achieving good grades,” said Lebelo.
“Teaching has taught me the importance of flexibility, creativity, and approaching challenges with understanding. The IIE Varsity College Waterfall campus prepared me for my TE in a way that pushed me out of my comfort zone; I started teaching while still in class. It taught me valuable skills in managing the classroom environment, which was a challenge for me in my first year.”
Lebelo also credited her passion for teaching to her mother, who is a dedicated teacher both in and out of the classroom. “She would come home tired from school, and children in our community would still seek her help; she never hesitated to assist them. That motivated me to become a teacher, along with my desire to share knowledge with others.”
Ntebogeng Nkomo, a second-year BEd student in Intermediate Phase Teaching, and Otshepeng Mabotho, a fourth-year student in the same field, also completed their TE at Curro Waterfall.
Nonnie Mphahlele, a subject specialist in English home language at Curro Waterfall, expressed gratitude for the three student teachers from the Waterfall campus. “They were punctual, exhibited a strong work ethic, and significantly contributed to helping our learners,” Mphahlele commendably noted.
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Placements for student teaching experiences are carefully coordinated by Phomello Mogano, the TE coordinator at Varsity College Waterfall. Each placement considers programme requirements, school availability, and geographic location. To enhance adaptability, students are placed in a variety of schools across different quintiles, ensuring exposure to diverse educational environments.
The Faculty of Education prioritises partnerships with schools that demonstrate strong teaching practices and are eager to mentor student teachers.
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