According to Hannigan (2001), a critical incident prompts individuals to reflect on events in order to find meaning. This reflection can be based on either positive or negative experiences. Utilizing critical incidents as a means of reflection involves recognizing behaviors that were especially beneficial or unhelpful in a particular situation. In general, teachers have played a role in everyone’s lives, making a difference in children and shaping them into the future generation.
During my time in primary and secondary school, three significant events have influenced my perspective on teaching. One memory that stands out from my primary school years is my teacher, Miss Cameel. As my Standard Three teacher, she left a lasting impression on me. Miss Cameel’s approach to teaching inspired me to pursue a career in education. Her interactions with students were characterized by patience, care, and understanding, qualities that I greatly admired. Additionally, her teaching style was creative and engaging, making it enjoyable for us to learn and stay focused.
She treated us like family, which made me appreciate her even more. I have fond memories of impersonating Miss Cameel after school, pretending to teach just like her. As I grew up, my aspiration was always to become a teacher. Another incident that stands out was in Standard five, when my teacher Miss Sherry was known for her strict approach to teaching. She firmly believed that punishment was the most effective way for children to learn quickly, and she applied that method to us.
During our preparation for the SEA Examination, we would engage in practice sessions with past papers. After completing the exercises, Miss Sherry would correct them and physically discipline us for the questions we had answered incorrectly by striking our hands with her long, thick ruler. Consequently, this treatment instilled fear in us and led to a general dislike for Miss Sherry. However, despite the punishment, it ultimately aided our improvement and enhanced our ability to concentrate. Personally, I disapprove of this punitive approach as it fails to represent an appropriate method of teaching and learning. I firmly believe that alternative strategies could have been implemented to address this situation without resorting to harsh punishment.
In form five at Barrackpore West Secondary School, I had a critical incident during my extra lessons involving a young girl named Chanel. Despite being in form one at the same school, Chanel exhibited impolite behavior towards the teacher and used obscene language. Intrigued by her actions, I approached her later to talk. It was then that Chanel disclosed the difficult circumstances she faced at home. She lived in an unfavorable environment without responsible parents to provide guidance. Despite these challenges, Chanel demonstrated intelligence through impressive academic performance. However, her experiences had influenced her attitude towards others.
We communicated and I assisted her in any way possible because she wanted someone to listen and help. Currently, I am attending The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in education. My goal is to specialize in Primary Education. Being involved in children’s lives and making a positive impact is something I truly enjoy. I aspire to be the best teacher possible, following the example set by Miss Cameel. When it comes to children, I am attentive, creative, caring, and patient; being a teacher feels like my calling.
My perspective on punishment varies as I believe it has a detrimental impact on children’s concentration and enthusiasm for school. Instead, I choose to engage in dialogue with my students, offering further explanations or supplementary assignments when needed. I take pleasure in consulting with children and assisting them in developing their independence. These three occurrences have had a favorable influence on my teaching style. Throughout my experience in primary and secondary school, I acquired substantial knowledge about the education sector.
I have a strong fondness for children and enjoy embracing novel challenges in life, therefore I aspire to pursue a career in teaching. It would be a privilege to serve as a role model for my students, as my aim is to motivate them and foster beneficial transformations in their lives. I firmly believe that with determination, anything can be achieved.
