20 Problems Only Student Teachers Will Understand

By Hugh Firth /

13. The First Mentor Observation

So, Mr Weary sits down in the corner of the classroom with the feedback sheet you€™ve given him. You breath and close your eyes. This is what Rocky felt like before taking on Apollo Creed. This is it. Your moment. In the words of Martine McCutcheon, you€™re €˜perfect moment€™. You step in front of the class. €˜So, guys we€™re going to...€™ Barry, Gary or Carrie is still talking. You freeze. How do you tell them to shut up but in a free, airy way? How do you instill discipline and get a grade one in your observation? How do you teach them about life and the course while still remaining €˜blue sky€™? €˜SHUT UP BARRY!€™ €˜It€™s Gary€™ he murmurs. €˜WHO CARES?! YOU€™RE ALL THE SAME!€™. There we go. That€™s the Equality box ticked. Unfortunately, that€™s the €˜Grade 4€™ box ticked also.