Reflection Paper (1)

Background
Since I was a ten years old child, I dreamed to become a good teacher. After I had graduated
from a secondary school, I joined Higher Colleges of Technology to get a bachelor degree in
Educational Technology. Although I was eager to teach little kids, I worked with teachers
during whole teaching practice periods giving them training on how to integrate technology
into the classroom. However, after graduation, I went to primary school to work as a
computer substitute teacher. The most extraordinary thing about this experience is that I was
teaching both genders in two different schools/days. It was my first time teaching little boys.
Despite most teachers told me that it is much easier to teach boys than girls, I was struggling
when dealing with those boys. I have tried to apply what I have learned about learning
theories and teaching strategies as well as asking my colleagues about their experience. It was
just one-month contract. I believe I would be much better in dealing with those little boys if I
continued teaching them for a longer period. I noticed that I could manage the classroom
successfully in later weeks. I am pleased with that experience, in general. Later on, I went
back to HCT, but as a Faculty, not as a student. I am glad to be a part of the Education
Department at the college. I am learning something new every day either by dealing with my
colleagues or students. In addition to this great opportunity, I am doing my Dual Master
Degree with HCT and NYiT, which will help me to develop professionally and become a
better teacher.

Teaching Practice
I believe that we are working as a team at this Higher Education institution. Accordingly, if
we support its vision and mission, we will be part of its successful. When looking specifically

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at Education Faculty Vision, it states that By 2020, the HCT Education Faculty will be
recognized as delivering the most internationally connected practicum based programs in the
region resulting in the most sought after graduates throughout the UAE. (Faculty of
Education) As a faculty in training, I am working with a Mentor shadowing her classes to
learn how to teach a course and design assessments that help students to grow professionally
and adapt to life after Graduation. In addition, I am doing some co-teaching with another
mentor. It helps me, as a Faculty in training, to get specific experience in delivering different
courses in Education. In addition, I am aware of the Education Faculty Mission. It says, The
Education Faculty is dedicated to producing future innovative educators who can act as
agents of change by bringing experience of new methodologies and paradigms in order to
transform the delivery of instruction. (Faculty of Education) As a faculty, I should adopt
efficiently with different changes occur each semester. For instance, Classroom Technology
has been replaced with new devices at the beginning of this semester. In order to be familiar
with those new technologies, I attended a PD session offered by the college. Additionally, I
went to one of the classrooms to play around with the technology to make sure I know how to
use them when teaching.

Working Relationships
Being a Faculty from UAE and wearing Abaya and Sheila is one of the
biggest challenges I face, as many Emirati Faculties, in the college. Often,
every person I meet in the college first time, they will pretend that I am a
student. Once I start talking to them, they will say, Sorry. I thought you
are a student. Despite this challenge, I believe that I have built a good
relationship with my peers and administrators, especially in Education
department successfully. Over time, the circle started growing, and I could
build more relationships across the campus. Having a Mentor was one of

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the main factors that helped to break the ice from the beginning. I had to
work with my mentor every day discussing different issues related to the
teaching and learning process. Both my chair and peers were pleased to
have a conversation with me regarding any topic. They were and still now
very supportive. This attitude helped me to deal with them confidently. As
an Educational Technology Graduate, I used to assist with different
technical problems they face either inside or outside the classroom. I
could build a good relationship with peers from various departments as
well, especially during PD weeks and exam invigilating days. Being a part
of the 170@17 community, gave me the opportunity to meet my
colleagues from different HCT Campuses once a week. I started sharing
my experience with other faculties across HCT discussing various issues
about being a teacher in a Higher Education institution.

Frustrations and Challenges

As a Faculty, we should adapt to different changes often occur at HCT regarding the
Curriculums, Technology, and other aspects. Although this adoption is significant, we need to
expend more effort to ensure that we are delivering the content efficiently. Additionally, We
should never stop learning even if we believe that we know enough. We believe that Lifelong
learning is always significant. Though it is hard to manage time and keep us up to date about
Technology, especially as an IT teacher. We need to do so in order to support the institution
mission.

Reference:
Faculty of Education. (n.d.). Retrieved February 3, 2015, from HCT Portal:
https://portal.hct.ac.ae/sites/acs/educ/default.aspx
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