Summer Semester, 2011

I decided to fast track my studies and keep working over Summer Semester.

TEEC02	ENGL001
RELS181	World Religions: An Introduction

Again, ENGL001 is the second part of my Band 4 requirements so does not count towards my degree, but this is the last unit I have to do to that end.  It feels very good to know that after this point every unit I do is credit points towards my final qualification.

I am also studying a Religion unit which is a key learning area (KLA), or elective.  It belongs to KLA group 6 for HSIE.  The Principal of our local Catholic School recommended this unit to me and so far I am enjoying it.

I am having fun trying to pick my electives but it is proving challenging.  I have so many interests: science, English, history, PDHPE.  I hope having many and varied interests is an asset when I enter the classroom as a teacher; perhaps my enthusiasm across the curriculum will stand me in good stead. 

Semester 2, 2011

My first semester at UNE and so far I am doing really well.  Touch wood that it all continues to run smoothly.  This semester I am enrolled in the units 

TEEC02	Math122
EDLT116	Learners and Teachers
EDME145	Maths Numeracy

Math122 is not a part of my degree as such, but does allow me to demonstrate the necessary Band 4 maths  requirements.  I have not one, but two maths exams at the end of this trimester.  I would be fibbing a little if I said I was not worried as I do not have happy memories of High School mathematics.  I am trying to change my mentality now as one useful thing I did learn already in EDLT116 is that if we have a history of failure, or even self perceived failure we are more likely to continue on that path; so, with this in mind I am saying I absolutely LOVE maths.  I just need to go back to learning the basics and put the effort in.  Something I should have done back in my High School days I suspect.

Beginnings

Chinese Philosopher Lao-tzu once said "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step".  This blog will document my teaching journey from the first step at university to my very own classroom, or so I hope!

Choosing a university was not hard for me.  I grew up in a rural town in North West NSW; there is only one university that is a part of our landscape. The University of New England, Armidale.  I enrolled as a mature age student in a Bachelor of Education (Primary), or BEDPRM for short.  I was so relieved, and scared too, when my application was accepted and I became a student once again.

It will be hard to find the balance between being a full time stay at home mum with two small children to care for as well as university study.  I have a lot to learn and think about as I find my feet on this path of study.