Natalie Chow - Hong Kong, 11 July, 2024
After completing a music degree and accumulating valuable experience in a music studio, I had a strong ambition to expand my educational influence to students in a wider classroom setting. This aspiration led me to pursue a Master of Teaching (Primary) at QUT. I am currently teaching at Aspley State School in Brisbane.
Why I chose QUT
The outstanding Master of Teaching program at QUT, highly endorsed by its alumni, instantly caught my attention. Furthermore, the prospect of a change in study environment, allowing me to enrich my perspectives and engage with a diverse community of students, played a significant role in my decision to pursue a Master of Teaching (Primary) degree.
I decided to pursue my studies in Brisbane due to its tranquil atmosphere in comparison to other Australian capital cities. Brisbane locals are always ready to help during challenging times. I adore Brisbane's coffee scene, charming cafes, lively bars, bustling markets, hiking locations, and picturesque picnic spots.
Highlights of my course
The Master of Teaching course is 'real-world,' as the practical aspects closely resemble actual teaching scenarios. Collaborative activities, such as group moderating of student work, equipped us with essential skills. Additionally, units emphasising lesson planning and preparedness for teaching felt directly applicable to real-world teaching scenarios.
My studies at QUT, particularly through the Master of Teaching program, provided me with a strong foundation in educational principles. I have applied this knowledge in subjects like Physical Education and utilised constructivist learning theories and differentiated instruction in my teaching. For example, in Japanese culture classes and during relief teaching, I find that inquiry-based learning engages students' curiosity and accommodates diverse learning styles.
The R-block's Level-4 curriculum collection area provided a serene and conducive environment for ideation and lesson planning, particularly when sourcing teaching materials for group projects. I also enjoyed the ping pong table whenever I needed a break from studying.
Caring and enthusiastic educators
It was great to be taught by lecturers and tutors who demonstrated enthusiasm for teaching, especially within the arts, mathematics, and physical education units.
The kindness and helpfulness of both students and educators within this degree pleasantly surprised me. The supportive environment fostered collaborative learning and the exchange of innovative ideas, providing a nurturing platform for aspiring educators. I truly enjoyed studying teaching at QUT and would recommend it to others! The faculty members, tutors, HiQ, and online assistance staff were all highly professional and helpful. Whenever I had questions or concerns, they were always available to provide answers and guidance.
Putting theory into practice
My teaching placements proved to be incredibly valuable. These experiences exposed me to diverse teaching strategies and classroom environments across different schools. The opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations equipped me with effective behaviour management skills and emphasised the importance of thoughtful lesson planning tailored to learners.
My job as a teacher
I am currently teaching at Aspley State School. I began with Physical Education earlier this term and have been primarily focused on teaching Japanese culture full-time. Additionally, I am involved in relief teaching on Fridays, taking on various roles as required by the school.
As I prepare for my upcoming Year 5 role, I am focusing on backward mapping to ensure my lesson plans align with student learning outcomes. QUT's emphasis on behaviour management has also been instrumental in creating a positive classroom environment. Reflective practice, which I learned at QUT, continues to guide me in refining my teaching methods for better student outcomes.
Throughout my career, I have learned the importance of embracing challenges and remaining grateful for new opportunities. This mindset has taught me resilience and the value of exploring different facets of education. I look forward to sharing my journey with prospective students from QUT, highlighting the rewards and impact of a career in education.
