College students take part in classroom simulation programme

National

MORE than 300 year-three students of the Balob Teachers College in Lae, took part in the college’s classroom simulation programme last Friday.
Balob is the only teacher’s college in the country that conducts the programme which is a course aimed at exposing trainee teachers to school governance, administration and school practices.
The programme which started in 2012 under the college’s professional development strand contributes to 40 per cent of the internal marks for third-year students.
Six classrooms were inspected by three judges and marks were awarded.
Coordinator Geoff Narekine told The National that the programme had been the highlight of teacher training at Balob.
“This programme gives a hands-on experience on creating a conducive classroom environment that promotes effective teaching and learning,” Narekine said.
“The programme started when the college lecturers found out during block teaching that graduate teachers were struggling to create a conducive classroom environment for their students.
“Every teacher that graduates from this college will eventually have a classroom, and thus, knowing and having the basic skills to create a conducive learning environment for students is important.”
College chaplain and council member Pastor Chuainsker Natung said the programme was helpful and would benefit both teachers and students.
“When teachers can do this, it motivates students to value the classroom more.
“The classroom becomes a learning place, where children can already know something just by looking at the information hanging on the wall.”
College principal Jerry Hendingao urged his professional development department to develop a handbook so the concept could be shared with other teachers’ colleges.