Internship Portfolio

From January 8th to February 2nd, 2024, I completed a 45-hour teaching internship at York International School Kadawatha. During this period, I taught classes for both Grade 6 and Grade 9 students. Mrs. Nethmi Pavithra Jayathilaka, my teacher-in-charge, provided me with invaluable guidance and support, which allowed me to acquire essential skills and knowledge crucial for my future career in teaching.

Grade 6 Students

In recognition of the support and guidance provided by my teacher-in-charge, Mrs. Nethmi Pavithra Jayathilaka.

     "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats The teacher holds a central position in any educational system, being the cornerstone of its success or failure. An effective teacher, in my view, embodies not only a genuine passion for the profession but needs to possess a wealth of knowledge and intelligence. Conversely, if educators lack proper training and dedication to their craft, it inevitably leads to a downfall in the system. Henry Von Dyke has pointed out teaching as one of the professions that may not offer high financial rewards but is exceptionally fulfilling (Singh, 2009). As William Butler Yeats so eloquently expresses, education is not merely about imparting knowledge; it is about igniting a passion for learning within each individual. Similarly, teaching, to me, is not just about transferring information but about sparking curiosity, nurturing critical thinking, and fostering a lifelong love for learning. ...

Stepping into the school for my teaching practicum, I was filled with anticipation, viewing this period as a pivotal milestone in my academic journey that would serve as a bridge to my professional career. Having pursued my undergraduate studies in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) at the University of Kelaniya, I spent over three years immersing myself in theoretical knowledge within the esteemed Department of English Language Teaching. This internship presented an invaluable opportunity to bring classroom theories to life and to craft a unique teaching experience that would shape my journey as a teacher. Choosing York International School Kadawatha for my teaching practicum proved to be an excellent decision. Under the guidance of a dedicated mentor and amidst a group of enthusiastic students, I found inspiration and fulfillment during my time there. At York International School, I got to teach two grades from the lower secondary level: Grade 6 and Grade 9. The classes w...

       Before commencing my teaching practicum, I conducted a classroom observation of the teacher-in-charge, Mrs. Nethmi Pavithra Jayathilaka, an experienced English language teacher holding a B.A. in English from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The observation was taken on January 4th in a grade 7 classroom following the Edexcel syllabus, comprising 15 students, with seven males and nine females. The lesson theme revolved around "gothic tales," a topic that instantly captivated the students' interest, evident in their enthusiastic engagement throughout the lesson. Using technology, the teacher introduced the topic with a video demonstration of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, effectively elucidating gothic tale elements. For the post-task, students were asked to analyze a recent horror film that they had watched and to identify its gothic elements. This dynamic approach ensured that students comprehended the nuances of the genre in an engaging and accessible man...