STEM course Review

I really enjoyed the STEM online teaching course in its online format. I found it a good way to have structured debate and discussions with the other participants through the use of Zoom breakout rooms. I found the speakers and the virtual lessons to be really effective and fun to participate in. The modules completed in the pre-assigned work were very informative and set the scene for what would be delivered over the three day course. I thought it was an effective delivery method and suited the needs of the course well.

Throughout the course we were asked for our feedback and responses to the delivered material. It was carefully planned out in advance for us to learn as much as possible. This well-tailored material helped us to feel included and valued as potential employees of the company, and encouraged us to do the graduate training programme. I enjoyed the format of reflecting after each activity, and recording our reactions and responses. I felt that even if I didn't contine to the next stage they wanted me to develop to my full potential through this course.

On the first day there were mostly lessons with the entire group, where we could offer feedback if we wished. This was structured quite rigidly and there wasn't any real feedback from the mentors. However we were paired up to complete some exercise which was well guided, and we gave each other feedback on what we had done. Day 2 was much more guided and feedback oriented. There was someone to support and guide every group of 5 or 6. This allowed more structure and oversight on what we did. The final day was mostly assessment, where formal feedback was delivered.

I found what we learned to be very applicable to areas other than its main aim, education. The presenting skills could be useful in any context throughout university or professional life. Self reflection was a major aspect of the course and was well developed as the course progressed. I feel many of my interpersonal skills were developed and guided in the process, particularly in groupwork and on the final day assessment. The information learned about working with children would be a big headstart in any educational industry, as well as the research-backed methods of teaching we learned about.

The structure was well-timed and planned out in advance. Unfortunately the timetables sometimes overran and had to be adapted, but this did not impinge on the experience as a whole. The modules were interspersed with activity and groupwork, leading to a variation in the days. There were many breaks included in the day which ended up being well needed, due to the intensity of sessions and preparation needed for the final day assessment. Overall I found the transitions quite smooth and effective.

I must say that the general atmosphere of the course was open, inclusive and constructive. The facilitators were willing to hear our ideas and feedback, which made it less daunting to speak up and participate in the discussion. The environment created by the team made sure everyone was included and ready to learn and engage. I found the other attendees to be willing to bring their ideas to the table, and speak their mind on issues such as inequality and educational disadvantage.

The company were quite forthcoming with the fact that they invest as much as possible into the STEM internship to give us a head start into the teaching profession and their trainee programme. The lack of science and maths teachers in schools in the UK is a major issue that they are trying to address in their work, and they are fighting to keep people coming into the profession. There was a big emphasis on our own goals too however, and the things we can develop in order to obtain them.

The virtual experience helped me to learn more about the ethos and impact of Teach First as an organisation. I learned a lot about their support network and their long term aims. I also got an insight into what the training programme is, and what day to day life might be like if I completed it. However due to the Covid-19 restrictions we could not attend the Teach First partener schools as origionally planned, meaning we had no hands-on experience of school life.

The company culture was well explored and developed on throughout the course. The inclusivity and supportive environment created told us a lot about how the company opperates. I was easy to see the compassion the ambassadors had and their vision of a fairer world. The attention to detail was also easy to see, and any little issue was followed up upon. This can be very telling about a company, as if little problems are solved early they can never become too difficult to handle.

The content portrayed teaching in quite an honest and clear way. The team showed us both the challenging side and the rewarding, good side of teaching. It was clear that a trainee programme would not be for the faint-hearted. This allowed me to consider how much I really wanted to follow this career path, and what effect it would have on my life. It does allow me to weigh up my options quite well, especially as the course included a Q&A session on day 1.

The full experience would have involved travelling and staying over in London, which was to be fully reimbursed with meals provided. As this was not necessesary, no finanical incentives were given. This is easy to understand, as it is quite an involved course that demanded a lot of resources to put together. To get to participate right from my home was a privellage, and I was delighted to get the opportuity. as Teach First is a charity, I completely understand why there would be no payment for a training week.

There were some opportunities afforded over the two days to network with employees. The questions and answers pannel on the first day were very helpful and offered us contact details for future reference. The facilitators were also quite open to questions and discussions, although due to the online format one could not casually converse with the employees running the programme. Overall the programme was mostly focused on personal growth and reflection, rather than networking and meeting Teach First employees.

The social events organised throughout included a quiz and a debate on education of STEM. These were very nice and useful, as we could discuss and chat in groups over Zoom breakout rooms. However there were just two main events which was quite limited, seen as how we lost out on casual conversation an in-person event may have had. This could have been improved upon but was quite good overall. The facebook group created in advance is a useful resource for future networking.

To some extent we learned about the activities one can do with partner charities or vision-aligned companies. These involved tutoring children online or helping them to develop skills outside of an academic context. This was useful, although an optional activity that some teachers got involved in. We also learned about optional summer projects that take place over the summer months while doing the training course. There seemed to be lots of opportuinity in this aspect of the programme.

I really would reccommend this virtual experience to a friend, as I gained confidence in my skills throughout the developemental side of the course. I was guided through the success criteria, and learned lots of practical and theory based aspects of teaching. The pre-learning work was really insightful and up to date, which made it relevant and fun to engage with. I loved meetig like-minded students who did the course with me. I found Teach First employees to be committed and helpful throughout the experience.