As part of a service initiative, I taught basic English and numbers to children in government schools. My goal was to help bridge the learning gap for students who lacked access to quality foundational education. I wanted to make learning fun and accessible while building their confidence in reading, writing, and basic math.
LO1 – Identifying Strengths and Areas for Growth
I discovered that I could effectively simplify concepts and engage young learners. However, I found that managing a large class with different learning levels was a challenge. This experience made me realize the need to improve my classroom management and adaptability. Recognizing these growth areas helped me approach the sessions with more patience and creativity.
LO3 – Demonstrating How to Initiate and Plan a CAS Experience
I organized lesson plans, gathered resources, and created simple worksheets and games to help the children grasp concepts better. Planning these sessions in advance taught me how to break down information into age-appropriate material. It was my first time designing educational content from scratch, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the planning teachers do daily. This planning skill will benefit me in future leadership and academic projects.
LO5 – Demonstrating the Skills and Recognizing the Benefits of Working Collaboratively
Collaboration was key—both with other volunteers and with the school staff. We coordinated to divide students into small groups and tailored our approach to meet their needs. Working together made the sessions more impactful and efficient. It reinforced how effective teamwork leads to stronger outcomes, especially in service-based activities.
LO6 – Demonstrating Engagement with Issues of Global Significance
This activity connected directly to the global issue of educational inequality. Many of the students lacked even basic literacy and numeracy skills. Teaching them helped me understand the depth of this issue—not just as a statistic but as a lived experience. It has made me more empathetic and driven to advocate for access to quality education for all.
LO7 – Recognizing and Considering the Ethics of Choices and Actions
While teaching, I became more aware of the ethical responsibility I had to ensure each child was treated fairly, felt included, and was given equal attention. I had to be mindful of not letting any child feel left out or discouraged, especially those who struggled more. This made me reflect on the importance of empathy and fairness when serving vulnerable communities.
Final Takeaway
This experience helped me grow as a Caring, Principled, and Reflective learner. The most rewarding part was seeing the children gain confidence and joy in learning. It deepened my understanding of the value of education and my role in contributing to it meaningfully. Moving forward, I hope to apply these skills in mentoring and outreach efforts and continue supporting causes that promote equal learning opportunities.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dS72H_xuoXUk2RXnVfghuU18fe8VvUrI/view?usp=sharing