NewVic Interview (2)

For this interview:

1) Complete a 30mins task asking how I would assess my students to ensure they are learning.

I made sure I listed all the different ways I check students are learning and gave examples of how I implemented each one in my lessons.

2) Micro tech on photographic composition 

This was something I was more comfortable with teaching. To ensure I wasn't pitching to high I decided to do it on the 'rule of thirds':

• I gave out pieces of numbered paper to ensure I differentiated. I didn't know their names so I found this a better way of aiding and using Q&A. 
• I introduced the lesson 
• Looked at what composition is 
• Looked at what the rule of thirds means
• Looked at visual examples to support this as well as a video 
• I told one of the learners to come up and demonstrate the rule of thirds on the board 
• Task: I gave learners a selection of backgrounds and cut-outs of funny animals/celeb photos and objects and told them to arrange them on the paper to demonstrate the rule of thirds 
• On a whim I told them to get out their camera phones and take pictures of their examples and use their camera phones to crop and angle the photos

3) Interview with a panel of students 

This consisted of a panel of 8-10 learners who asked 6 questions regarding engaging learners, diverse assessment methods, disruptive students and classroom management. 

4) Tour of the college 

5) Final interview (Short list - I made it through) 

This consisted of similar questions to the students panel interview with additional questions on the implementation of ICT, diverse homework tasks, comprehensive idea, progression, classroom management and what I thought about my micro teach. 

There was only 3 of us left and I was admittedly hopeful. I made sure I:

• Constantly gave examples 
• Referred to my experience as a learners 
• Referred to my experience as a supervisor in the industry

Admittedly there were a 1/2 questions I did not do very well in. I knew the interview was going to be the hardest thing for me but I was hoping my previous tasks would shine. 

This whole experience lasted 7 hours and I was the last one out the college. It was the most nerve wracking experience ever! I have never felt so sick from nerves in my life!

I got a call 2 days later…You haven't got the job. 

Words cannot describe how sad I was. My confidence took another blow. I listened to my feedback:

• You did a very good micro teach with good differentiating but it was pitched a little low 
• The students liked you 
• There were a few questions you could have done better in (ICT and homework Qs)
• Assessment task was good 
• We particularly liked your reference to your experience as a learner and middle manager 
• We feel you lacked technical experience: Photoshop/Indesign/Illustrator and we want a teacher who can come in and already possess this knowledge 
• We feel you would fit very well with this college so if another position opens up we would like it if you applied 

At that last point I wanted to burst into tears and yell at the phone… So why didn't I get the job!?

So maybe I wasn't right for that particular job but I felt like in the end it came down to the back that I had a lack of knowledge in computer software used to edit/manipulate/organise images. I knew this was a weakness and I addressed it by saying I was happy to join courses that will enable me to develop in those areas. (I was also happy to pay and course only lasted a week)

Maybe its a sign ?/@*&

Interview (1) BSix

BSix 

I applied for an A Level Media teacher position. I worked so hard preparing for the interview, its possibly one of the most stressful things I have ever done in my life. That and some aspects of actual teaching.

1) I had an interview with a member of management, HR assistant and head of department.

2) I had to do a micro lesson on how new technologies are changing the way audiences watch film to a mixed group of students.  

3) Exercise on marking an A level piece of film work, a film trailer to be specific.

5) Tour of the college

6) Reflective entry on my whole experience

People thought I was going to get the job because I was an NQT who was already familiar with staff and students. I stayed till the end and worked over 200 hours of teaching. However, I received a call saying I did not get the job.

Feedback 

I went to one of the interviewers to get feedback. I needed to:

• Give my answers and constantly back them up with examples of what I have done or what I want to do 
• Refer to my experience as a learners and member of management within the industry. Make connections. 
• Improve my teaching - I was graded a 2 with elements of 3. Admittedly it was not my best performance but I was still shocked. The micro teach is the deal breaker. Thats where they see what you're really made of. 
• Structure my answers 

The advice that was given to me was actually very helpful. In the end, I was not strong in the interview and micro teach. I was up against an experienced, graded outstanding and number one in his department teacher. I already lost.

Although I completely understood why I didn't get the job I was still gutted and my confidence took a blow. Nonetheless I decided to try again…