Kieng Do finds purpose through Primary Education at UTS

Learning in a supportive environment

Studying in a smaller cohort has been one of the highlights of Kieng's experience.

"I've enjoyed the face-to-face classes, getting to meet the teachers and the other students," she says. "It's a relatively smaller cohort than what I was used to, so I like the more personal environment and building relationships with the lecturers."

That sense of community extends beyond the classroom.

"We have a group chat, so if someone's unsure about something, we can ask each other," she says. "We caught up during the break to talk about our placements. It's been really good."

Building confidence through professional experience

Professional experience placements have been the most valuable part of the degree so far.

"You can learn a lot at uni, but it's never going to replicate what it's like when you're actually doing the job," she says. "Placements have been really useful and really meaningful because they give you an idea of what teaching is actually like."

Working alongside experienced supervising teachers has helped her develop practical classroom skills.

"I've learnt how important it is to be adaptable and flexible," she says. "There are lots of different abilities in the classroom, and my supervising teacher showed me different ways to support children where they are."

Feedback has also played an important role in her development.

"It lets you know if you're on the right track," she says. "Sometimes you think you're doing well and you're not, or you think you're not doing well and they tell you you're actually doing fine. It helps keep you moving in the right direction."

Learning by doing

The course extends beyond lectures and tutorials, giving students opportunities to learn in specialist teaching spaces.

"We used the science labs for experiments, which was really fun," she says. "For creative arts, we used the dance studio, did pottery with the kilns, and painting as well. I really enjoyed those hands-on activities."

Growing through study

Studying education has changed the way Kieng thinks about learning.

"I've learnt not just how to teach, but how children learn, and how I learn," she says. "There have been a lot of moments where I've thought, 'That's why children do that.'"

She's also noticed the difference it has made at home.

"I'm more sympathetic to my own children now," she says. "I've also become much more conscious about how I communicate because if you're not clear and explicit, children can easily misunderstand what you're saying."

Advice for future teachers

For anyone considering primary education, Kieng recommends spending time in a school before committing to the degree.

"Volunteer first if you can, whether that's through a school or a program like Primary Ethics. It gives you a chance to see if you enjoy it before you start studying."

Looking back on her experience at UTS so far, Kieng sums it up simply.

"It's helped me grow as a person," she says. "It's been a journey."