5 th and 6th biweekly in first teaching practice from 9/9/24 to 23/9/24

Biweekly Reflective Journal

Date Range: (9/9/24 to 23/9/24)

Introduction

Over the past two weeks, my schedule was a blend of academic commitments, cultural festivities, and much-needed relaxation. I navigated through the pressures of an Onam exam, participated in vibrant Onam celebrations, and enjoyed the Onam holidays. This period has not only tested my time management and focus but also deepened my appreciation for cultural traditions and self-care.

Onam Exam Experience

The Onam exam was a significant milestone in my academic journey. In preparation:

Study Routine: I created a structured study plan that balanced revision with short breaks to avoid burnout. Although I felt anxious initially, regular practice sessions boosted my confidence.

Challenges: Time management during the exam was particularly challenging. I learned that allocating specific minutes to each section could improve efficiency.

Lessons Learned: The exam highlighted areas where I need further review. I plan to incorporate more timed practice tests into my routine, as this experience has underscored the value of simulated exam conditions.

Onam Celebration

Participating in the Onam festivities was both rejuvenating and enlightening:

Cultural Immersion: I engaged in traditional activities such as the floral pookalam (rangoli) creation and the snake boat races, which allowed me to connect with the local culture and community.

Family and Community: Celebrations with family and friends reinforced a sense of belonging and shared tradition. The delicious Onam Sadhya (feast) was a highlight, offering a culinary journey that celebrated our heritage.

Personal Reflection: These celebrations reminded me of the importance of balance—how taking time to embrace cultural festivities can enhance overall well-being and provide a refreshing break from academic pressures.

Onam Holidays

The Onam holidays provided a welcome respite from my routine:

Rest and Rejuvenation: I used this time to relax, catch up on hobbies, and reflect on my progress over the past weeks. The break was essential for recharging my mental energy.

Time Management: Despite the temptation to fully unwind, I set aside time for light review of my exam material, which helped maintain a smooth transition back to academic work.

Insights Gained: The holidays taught me that strategic relaxation is not a distraction but a necessary part of maintaining productivity. Balancing leisure and study ensures sustained performance over the long term.

Conclusion

This biweekly period was a blend of academic rigor and cultural celebration. The Onam exam challenged my study techniques and time management skills, while the Onam celebrations and holidays provided a meaningful cultural connection and the necessary downtime to recuperate. Moving forward, I aim to integrate the lessons learned—particularly the importance of balancing disciplined study with periods of cultural and personal rejuvenation—into my future planning.

This reflective journal not only documents my experiences but also serves as a guide for managing similar periods in the future, ensuring that I continue to grow academically and personally.

onam celebration

week 3 and 4 first phase teaching practice from 27/8/24 to 9/9/24

week 3 and 4 first phase teaching practice from 27/8/24 to 9/9/24

Biweekly reflective journal on revision classes and onam exam

Biweekly Reflective Journal

Period: [27/8/24 to 9/924]

Week 1: Revision Classes

Overview:

This week’s revision classes focused on consolidating core concepts and addressing gaps in my understanding. The sessions were interactive, and I found that group discussions helped me view topics from different angles.

Key Experiences & Insights:

Engagement: I noticed that active participation—asking questions and engaging in group tasks—significantly improved my grasp of difficult topics.

Peer Learning: Collaborating with classmates allowed me to learn alternative problem-solving methods that I hadn’t considered before.

Teacher Feedback: Constructive feedback from my instructor helped clarify misunderstandings. I made note of common errors to avoid them in future assignments and exams.

Areas for Improvement: I struggled with time management during practice exercises. Moving forward, I plan to use timed drills to simulate exam conditions and build speed.

Reflection:

These classes have reinforced the importance of consistent revision. I am motivated to create a more structured study schedule that incorporates both self-study and collaborative sessions. The interactive nature of the classes made learning more dynamic and less stressful.

Week 2: Onam Exam Experience

Overview:

This week, I sat for the Onam exam—a challenging test that coincided with the festive season. The unique timing of the exam, with the vibrant energy of Onam celebrations in the background, added a mix of excitement and distraction.

Key Experiences & Insights:

Exam Atmosphere: The festive environment provided a contrasting backdrop to the exam’s seriousness. While the decorations and music brought a sense of cultural pride, they also reminded me of the need to remain focused amid distractions.

Performance Analysis: I felt confident in sections that were heavily covered during revision classes. However, a few topics still posed challenges, especially under timed conditions.

Stress Management: Balancing the festive mood with exam stress was a learning experience. I experimented with short mindfulness breaks during the exam day, which helped center my thoughts.

Preparation Reflections: The revision classes directly contributed to my performance, yet I recognize the need for additional practice in areas where I was less confident. The exam underscored the value of integrating both content review and exam strategy practice.

Reflection:

The Onam exam was more than just an assessment—it was a mirror reflecting my preparation efforts and areas needing refinement. The interplay between cultural celebration and academic demands highlighted the importance of setting clear boundaries between study time and leisure. In the coming weeks, I plan to further refine my study techniques and time management skills, ensuring that I can fully immerse myself in both my academic pursuits and the joy of cultural festivities.

Overall Takeaways:

Continuous Improvement: Both the revision classes and the exam have taught me that learning is an evolving process. Regular self-assessment helps in identifying strengths and areas needing attention.

Balance: Maintaining a balance between rigorous study and cultural celebrations is crucial. I’ll continue to seek strategies that allow me to enjoy festivals like Onam without compromising my academic goals.

Action Plan:

Implement timed practice sessions to improve exam speed.

Review and revise weak topics with targeted exercises.

Incorporate short mindfulness or relaxation breaks to manage exam stress better.

This biweekly period has been a blend of structured revision, cultural celebration, and learning through experience. I am committed to applying these insights to enhance my preparation and overall well-being in the weeks ahead.

Feel free to personalize this entry with specific details from your own experiences, such as particular topics covered, memorable moments from class discussions, or unique challenges you faced during the exam.