WORKPLACE-BASED LEARNING — AN IMPORTANT STAGE IN THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF A FUTURE TEACHER
Workplace-based learning plays an important role in the professional preparation of future specialists. It enables students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-life situations, acquire practical skills, and develop the professional competencies necessary for their future careers.
Damira Shorukova Shermamatovna, a fourth-year student in the English Language and Literature programme at the Institute of Philology of B. Osmonov Jalal-Abad State University (JASU), group ChT-1-23, is undertaking professional pedagogical practice at Sky International School, an international school.
The school employs teachers from Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Republic of South Africa. As lessons are conducted in English, the student has the opportunity to immerse herself in an English-speaking educational environment, observe the professional practices of international teachers, and become familiar with modern approaches to teaching.
During her practice, the student attends lessons in primary classes, studies methods of organizing the learning process, and explores different ways teachers interact with pupils. In addition to observing experienced teachers, she independently conducts lessons using interactive whiteboards, video materials, educational games, and visual aids. The use of various teaching resources helps increase pupils’ interest in learning and encourages their active participation in classroom activities.
Particular attention is paid to developing practical teaching skills, including lesson planning, effective classroom management, organizing learning activities, communicating with pupils, and conducting lessons in English. The experience gained helps the student improve her professional skills and develop a deeper understanding of the responsibilities of a modern teacher.
An important role in organizing and supporting the professional pedagogical practice is played by the university practice supervisor, Nasyikat Erkinbaevna Arslanbekova, Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of English Language and Literature at the Institute of Philology of B. Osmonov Jalal-Abad State University, and a scholar in linguistics.
During the practice period, Nasyikat Erkinbaevna visited Sky International School, observed the student’s lessons, reviewed her work, and provided professional recommendations to improve her teaching performance. Their discussions focused on lesson planning and delivery, selecting effective teaching methods, organizing classroom activities, and finding solutions to pedagogical challenges encountered during the learning process.
This professional guidance enables the student to receive timely feedback, reflect on her teaching practice, incorporate the recommendations of an experienced specialist, and strengthen her professional competencies. Cooperation between the university supervisor and the student contributes to a deeper understanding of teaching practice and helps develop a responsible attitude towards the future profession.
Workplace-based learning is an important stage in the professional development of a future teacher. It helps students consolidate the knowledge acquired at university, develop pedagogical skills, and prepare for independent professional practice. Practical cooperation between universities and educational institutions creates favourable conditions for preparing qualified, competent, and competitive professionals in the field of education.
