H is for H-Dip

I've referenced several times that the other student teachers whith whom I am working are not "student teachers" as Americans commonly understand them. These other people who are not-quite-teachers like myself are called "hired diplomas" or "H-Dips." H-Dips have already completed three years at a university and hold bachelor's degrees in English, history, biology, etc. Now they work mornings at Blackrock College teaching one to three classes by themselves, a sort of trial by fire, if high school can be compared to a expository conflagration (no comment). They then take classes in the evenings at a university, specifcially University College Dublin for the students I know. They will continue this pattern for the whole school year. On their first day at Blackrock they had not taken their educaiton classes yet. Their lectures in the evenings cover methods, educational psychology, and the other education classes needed to gain their "hired diploma," a form of master's degree. This leads to a very busy year, because they are leading class in the mornings, going to lectures in the evenings, and then preparing lessons for tomorrow. Repeat about 180 times.

My program what I gather is a fairly typcail American student teaching experience. I have been in charge of John's first period second year (8th grade) class since the second day. I prepare the lesson plans, lead the classes, and reflect in my portfolio journal. This is "my class." I still work within John and Ireland's system, because it is what the boys are used to and what they will return to once I am passed and fully gone away. After first period I shadow John when he has class. I sit and watch when there is not much I can do to help. I get up and participate or lead then the opportunity arises, which is becoming more and more frequent.

My tendency is now to have you fill out a Venn diagram or give you a few oral response questions, but I'll let you get away without homework tonight.