My reflective account of my first half term on the INSPIRE STEM PGCE PROGRAMME

Abstract

The INSPIRE STEM PGCE programme is a collaboration between Canterbury Christ Church University (QTS&PGCE) and Imperial College Outreach. INSPIRE PGCE differs from other PGCE programmes in that all student teachers (STs) must have a minimum of a Masters degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subject.  INSPIRE student teachers specialise in Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Physics with Maths.

As part of the INSPIRE STEM PGCE programme all STs engage in the L7 Enhanced Studies (ES) module entitled STEAM Communication. In the first ES session we were asked to explore eight different models for critical reflection. In order to develop our academic writing, we write a mini-essay every session. The four essays which make up this paper are examples of deep reflection from student authors on ‘My reflective account of my first half term on the INSPIRE PGCE programme’.