University: Edith Cowan University

Degree: Bachelor of Education (Secondary), Humanities and Social Sciences, Minor in Visual Arts

School Subjects: Modern History, Mathematics Methods, Chemistry, Physics, English Literature 

____________________________________________

Introduction

Hi, I’m Michaela, and I have completed 2 of 4 years of my degree in secondary education. During most of year 12, I was unsure of what I wanted to do, but inspired by my history teacher, I realised I wanted to help students in the same way she was able to help them. Having made the decision to study education, I am often met with statements of commendation for my willingness to go into the field, along with retorts from people stating that they could never do that. However, I have found that within my degree I have been highly supported in developing teaching techniques as well as understanding how to navigate a challenging environment.

My Experience so far

Probably the best thing about my degree is how supportive those involved in the teaching are. From the course coordinators to the lecturers and the prac coordinators, they really foster an environment where you are able to come to them for advice and help. They are also very open about the challenges you face as a teacher within a classroom, which allows you to feel prepared when entering for the first time. Within the first year of the degree, there are a lot of foundational classes, both content and teaching foundations, before moving on to more in-depth units in following years. Within HASS as a major, you are also provided the option to specialise in a HASS area after your 1st year, which allows you to focus on a particular passion area or continue with an overall HASS pathway. This is beneficial for future job prospects and can help propel you into particular upper school areas.

Another benefit of the degree is that a large amount of your units will be with the same group of people, which brings you close together. However, with broader teaching units, you have the opportunity to meet new people and hear from their unique experiences.

My experience has been extremely positive, with units that I feel prepare you for the classroom and content that is to be covered. Starting pracs early allows you to get a feel for whether the job is right for you. The biggest difficulty has been once entering the classroom, as opposed to the units themselves, and feeling like the teacher. One of the biggest challenges of entering uni right after school is going into the classroom for the first time and only being a few years older than the kids and feeling prepared. It was scary, but the lecturers provided a lot of support through that experience.

Within a teaching degree, there are limited options to complete units online. However, I typically only have 9-12 contact hours a week, with an average of 3 hours per subject, which has allowed me to easily balance work with study. Most of my assessments have been assignments, either essays, lesson plan creations, or other similar tasks. I have only had 2 units which have included exams and have no more for the rest of the degree.

I have found the units informative and my prac rewarding, and if you want to help students and share your passion for the subject, then I think it is the perfect option for you. If, however, you are looking to enter into a teaching degree for the holidays or because you think it will be an easy job, I recommend finding something else.

Advice

My biggest piece of advice is to start tasks early. The lecturers are all willing to help, and getting started early has allowed me to get stuff done with limited stress and submit things I feel happy with. And don’t be afraid to ask for help or clarification; they want you to succeed and are there to help that happen.