STEM Online Teaching Course Candidate Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the STEM Online Teaching Course provided by Teach First. There was learning to do before the online course where you could get familiar with the terminology and some new skills. I also learned about what Teach First does, why it is needed and the impacts it has had on disadvantaged pupils. The learning beforehand you could do in your own time and at your own pace so you could understand everything. It was a really good experience and I learned so much.

I felt very valued throughout my time as a candidate in the STEM Online Teaching Course. I had great communication telling me what I needed to do and the deadline to do it by and there was an email that would reply to you the same or next day if you were confused or needed to clarify anything. It was really simple to use and I felt like we candidates mattered and we were being taught invaluable information to help pupils in the future.

I received a lot of guidance and support while on the course. There was always someone I could talk to or email if I wasn't sure about anything so I never felt lost or like I didn't know what to do. I always knew the next step of what I needed to do so I never felt behind. I was provided with all the information I needed so if there was a quiz or presentation everything I had learned would be used and I would feel comfortable doing that as I had already developed the skills previously.

The skills I developed were amazing and I developed so much in such a short period of time. We were taught methods that had worked previously and so many skills that we can implement in the classroom. Everything that was taught was necessary and in an easy to read format. We also had a chance to present the skills and receive feedback on them, of what we did well and what we can do to improve in the future.

You can tell that a lot of planning had gone into this STEM Online Teaching Course as everything had already been done and ordered and you just had to follow the course. It was so well organized that each section told you roughly how long to complete it and like I said previously we learned so much in such a short space of time so I really don't think it could have been organized better. It was easy to follow and enjoyable to do..

Everyone was in a good mood and eager to learn. The instructors were very helpful and friendly and put you at ease straight away. I feel that if I ever needed something, I wasn't afraid to ask as a lot of people had questions. Throughout my time there, everyone was in good spirits and as I was scared during my final day assessment, talking to my examiner before put me at ease straight away and I didn't feel as worried. All the candidates were really friendly too and I have made a lot of friends that I may see in the future.

There were two modules to complete before the zoom online training and I received everything I needed to know in them modules before. I never felt that I didn't know anything and therefore I was well-prepared. I feel like I got all the training I could have in the time the program took place. I also received a lot of personal feedback which was great seeing as there were 45 people in the course so the personal feedback I could use to help improve for my final day assessment.

I learned a lot about the Training Program which is what I would get if I passed the assessment day. I learned about what I would have done within a year and two years at the company which is getting qualified teacher statues and also getting a PGDE. There was a session called 'Next Steps' which tells candidates everything they need to know about what happens after the STEM Online Course and they would answer any questions you have so I understood what would happen if I got through to the Training Program.

I learned a lot about Teach First, what they do and why they are needed. I learned about other people's experiences in the Training Program and I could see how it has impacted them and also how it has impacted the pupils that they work with. Especially as Teach First works with disadvantaged pupils, you can see the wide range of help the pupils receive and that Teach First are really making a difference and helping pupils who would otherwise not be equipped with the knowledge and skills that they may need later on in life.

I learned a lot on the STEM Online Course and it just reiterated the reasons why I want to become a teacher. I feel that I can have a big impact in the classroom and can help inspire pupils to choose STEM subjects later in life as this really is the future. I have developed my skills in a lot of key areas for teachers and it had confirmed that a teaching career is one that I want to have.

This was done virtually so there was no payment necessary and I did not need to be reimbursed for anything as I was not traveling and it was all done at my house. The course did not take a long time to do as there was some independent learning to do before the course and then the course was 3 days. I have learned a lot from the course and as it was just to get experience and develop my skills payment wasn't necessary.

Candidates were put into breakout rooms on zoom where they could talk and get to know each other. There was plenty of time to meet other candidates and we started off with an ice-breaker to ease everyone into it. We also had a quiz on the first night where you could meet other candidates and network that way and there was also a debate on the last day so you could meet even more candidates. They brought in people from other companies and therefore there were opportunities to network there.

The social opportunities were really fun and easy to do considering everyone was on zoom and in their house. On the first day, we had a quiz and were put into groups where you could get to know one another and the last day we were put into different groups for a debate. It was a good way to meet everyone and as you had a task to do it didn't feel awkward at all and someone at least will be talking.

Yes, on the last day people from different companies came in to talk about different opportunities outside of Teach First but also along with the same principles. The companies talked about their location, what they do and how you can make a difference. You could also ask questions to the companies about what they do or to find out more information. All the companies were along the same line of work - tutoring, mentoring, etc so it is something that all candidates would be willing or have the interest to do.

I would definitely recommend the STEM Online Teaching Course to a friend as I had so much fun doing it and I learned so much in a short period of time. It has greatly benefitted and developed my skills and I have learned so much. I got the opportunity to meet like-minded people with the same interests as me and seen other people's stories from start to finish and how it impacted them so it has been really insightful and I'm really glad to have been a part of it.