Why every Education student should undertake professional experience in their first semester

I believe the greatest and most important aspect of any teacher education course is its professional experience program. 

Chophoreak Ok
UTS Education graduate

At UTS, we believe hands-on learning is vital for producing graduates that are not only capable but also confident going into the workforce. That's why our undergraduate teacher education students commence a professional experience program from their very first semester. 

Chophoreak, a UTS Education alumni, explains the benefits of this unique study plan:

It confirms that education is the right career for you

Starting practicum (prac) in your first semester gives you a first-hand insight into whether teaching will be the path for you, or otherwise. You probably won't know this until you actually step into a classroom and experience teaching for yourself. For some students such as myself, that first prac confirms that Education is the path they want to continue. However, for others, the experience makes them realise that teaching is not what they thought it would be. If you were to start your first prac in the second or third year, like some tertiary providers, this realisation might come too late. Not only have you built up a HECS-HELP debt, but you have also put in a lot of time and effort into the rest of your degree, only for it to be wasted. 

You can discover your teaching 'pedagogy'

Everybody has a story, and your story is what makes you stand out from the crowd and be a great teacher. Going on prac allows you to express your creativity as an individual by putting yourself in the shoes of a teacher. Having this experience from early on in your degree will help you find your individuality and incorporate this into your own teaching 'pedagogy' - you will learn all about this word in your time at UTS!

You'll find out what qualities make a good teacher

Going on prac in your first semester may sound daunting, but don't worry - you won't actually be teaching! In your first professional experience, you will be observing a teacher in a real classroom. Shadowing a teacher will give you an insight into what makes a good educator, as well as the work they do behind the scenes to prepare and support learners.

In Semester 2, you'll return to the same classroom and start teaching. Knowing the students and supervising teacher takes the pressure of this first experience.

You'll graduate with more experience

At UTS, not only do you get to experience practicum in the first semester, almost every semester after that you will have another opportunity to further your experience and grow as a teacher. By the time you get to your final year, you'll be able to draw upon all the experience and resources you have collated over the years in a month-long prac. When you start looking for a graduate position, this extensive experience will help you stand out. 

Another great thing about the course at UTS is that the staff all have past experience within a classroom. They are your biggest help and if you do find yourself in a rut, they are always on hand to assist you whenever needed.

UTS is Australia's #1 young university (QS Top 50 Under 50, THE Top 200 under 50 2018). 

Find out more about Education at UTS.