Navigating Challenges And Celebrating Wins In My ITT Journey - By Sebiha Ozbekler
Embarking on my Initial Teacher Training (ITT) journey as a mathematics trainee teacher has been a rewarding yet challenging experience. From managing classroom dynamics to refining my teaching techniques, each day has brought unique lessons and opportunities for growth. Here, I reflect on some of the key challenges I’ve faced so far and how I’ve tackled them.
1. Transitioning from Learner to Educator
One of the first hurdles I encountered was shifting my mindset from being a student of mathematics to teaching it effectively. As a student, I was primarily focused on understanding mathematical concepts, but as a teacher, my role is to make these concepts accessible and engaging to a diverse group of learners.
How I’ve Managed: Observing experienced teachers during their lessons has been invaluable. I’ve learned to simplify complex ideas using analogies, visuals, and step-by-step explanations. Additionally, practicing lesson delivery with peers and mentors has boosted my confidence and effectiveness in the classroom.
2. Addressing Diverse Learning Needs
In any classroom, students have varying levels of ability and engagement with mathematics. Catering to these differences has been both a challenge and a learning curve. Some students excel and need additional challenges, while others struggle with foundational concepts.
How I’ve Managed: Adaptive teaching has become a cornerstone of my teaching strategy. I’ve started incorporating tiered tasks and providing multiple ways to approach problems, ensuring that every student can engage meaningfully with the content. I’ve also prioritized building relationships with students to better understand their individual needs.
3. Classroom Management
Maintaining a positive and focused learning environment has been one of the most demanding aspects of teaching. Disruptions, whether minor chatter or significant behavioural challenges, can quickly derail a lesson.
How I’ve Managed: Establishing clear expectations from the beginning has been crucial. I’ve developed strategies like using non-verbal cues, maintaining consistency in enforcing rules, and recognizing positive behaviours to encourage a respectful classroom culture.
4. Balancing Theory and Practice
The ITT program requires juggling academic assignments, lesson planning, and actual teaching. Managing these responsibilities while maintaining high-quality teaching has tested my time-management skills.
How I’ve Managed: I’ve adopted a structured approach to planning my weeks, dedicating specific times to lesson preparation, marking, and coursework. Leveraging digital tools like shared calendars and task management apps has helped me stay organized.
5. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
As a trainee, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or question one’s abilities, especially when lessons don’t go as planned.
How I’ve Managed: Regular feedback from mentors has been instrumental in building my confidence. Celebrating small wins, such as successfully engaging a reluctant learner or delivering a well-received lesson, has also helped me recognize my progress.
Reflections
While the challenges of ITT are significant, they are equally matched by the sense of accomplishment that comes with overcoming them. Each day in the classroom is an opportunity to grow as an educator and to inspire a love for mathematics in my students. The support from mentors, peers, and my own resilience has made this journey both manageable and deeply fulfilling.
As I look ahead, I’m excited to continue refining my skills and to embrace the challenges that lie ahead with the same determination. Teaching, I’ve come to realize, is as much about learning as it is about imparting knowledge.
By Sebiha Ozbekler
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