WESTCAST Sessions

WESTCAST (the Western Canadian Association for Student Teaching Conference) occurred at Brandon University from February 24 - 26, 2011. Many students attended from many other Western Canadian Universities and it was a great learning experience. Many sessions were offered from a variety of different subject areas, specialties, and faculties. I had a phenomenal experience and hope to attend WESTCAST 2012 in Calgary next year.
My two favourite sessions that I attended were "Internationally Educated Teachers" and "Team Work will Get it Done! Hands on Kindergarten Thematic Units from Three Perspectives". The first session,  "Internationally Educated Teachers", was presented by four education students attending the bridging program at the University of Manitoba. This program gives teachers from other countries, a Canadian teaching certificate. The four different students were from South Africa, the Philippines, urban India, and rural India. Their teaching background varied from 10 to 25 years teaching experience in middle years, high school, and university professor in their home countries. They sat at a panel, and discussed their prior teaching experiences and the educational system in their home countries. Additionally, they discussed the differences they see within the Canadian education system, addressing the positive and negative aspects. I found it interesting to hear their perspectives and how they discussed their practicums in Canada. The main positive points they discussed about education in their home countries remained student work ethic, passion for learning, behaviour, and obedience. Overall, they embraced the Canadian education system, boasting about the abundant resources, small class sizes, and parental involvement in schools.
Secondly, the "Team Work will Get it Done! Hands on Kindergarten Thematic Units from Three Perspectives", workshop was presented by Brenda Margetts, a teacher from rural Manitoba, her two student teachers, and a faculty advisor. The students discussed their Author studies they implemented during student teaching, which revolved around author Eric Carle and Mo Williams. Brenda Margetts, played an integral role in the student teacher's lessons for their benefit and for the kindergartens benefit. The thematic units were interesting, colourful, hands-on, and students loved them. I enjoyed learning about author Mo Williams, because I had not heard of him previously. Lastly, I found hearing the perspective of the faculty advisor insightful because they were a fresh perspective on the situation.
WESTCAST was an excellent experience. I feel as though I have grown as a student and know that this will be evident in my teaching!