The Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), held an orientation programme for students participating in the Teaching Practice (TP) exercise on Tuesday, 15th September at the First Bank Lecture Theatre (FBLT). The programme commenced around 10 a.m. and featured lectures and sensitisation sessions aimed at preparing student teachers for the demands and responsibilities of the teaching profession.
The programme was anchored by Dr. A. A. Adetunji, who invited the Chairman of the TP Committee, Dr. E. O. Awopetu, to speak on the significance of the orientation. Dr. Awopetu described the orientation not as an annual ritual but an induction into the teaching profession.
Welcome Address
The Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. A. A. Adediwura, gave a welcome address. He appreciated the academic and non-academic staff for their efforts, commitment, and contributions to the progress of the faculty. He noted that the Teaching Practice exercise was one of the factors that would determine the success of his tenure as Dean. He also revealed that the University Chancellor had commended the previous Teaching Practice exercise.
Addressing the students, Prof. Adediwura encouraged them to embrace their chosen profession. ‘You have not selected the wrong course. Finding yourself in education should be a big privilege. This is where God wants you to be, and you should make good use of it.’ He stated.
He further described education as a noble profession and wished the students success throughout their Teaching Practice journey.
Effective Teaching and Instructional Resources
The first lecture with the topic, ‘Effective Teaching and Instructional Resources,’ was delivered by Dr. A. A. Alarape, who explained that the teaching profession goes beyond standing in front of a classroom to disseminate information. According to him, an effective teacher must constantly ask whether students have understood and can apply what they have been taught.
He described instructional resources as tools that help teachers communicate ideas and facilitate effective learning. He noted that instructional resources make teaching and learning more concrete and improve students’ retention.
However, he stressed that instructional resources should not be seen as substitutes for adequate content knowledge and effective teaching.
Protecting the Mind Through Teaching Practice
Prof. O. F. Adebowale delivered the second lecture titled, ‘Protect Your Mind While Navigating Life Developmental Tasks: The Place of Counseling’.
He advised student teachers to develop competence in classroom teaching, lesson preparation, assessment, supervision, and professional judgment while also building independence, confidence, resilience, emotional regulation, and self-awareness.
He acknowledged that Teaching Practice could be challenging, as lessons might not always go as planned, supervisors could identify areas of weakness, assessments might be disappointing, and academic and personal responsibilities could create pressure.
However, he encouraged the students to view these experiences as opportunities for learning and improvement rather than as measures of their personal worth. He also urged student teachers to protect their mental well-being throughout the exercise.
Similarly, he encouraged students to build support systems through their peers, lecturers, trusted individuals, and counsellors when necessary, emphasising that students learn not only from what teachers teach but also from how they respond to mistakes, corrections, frustration, boundaries, and help-seeking.
He concluded that student teachers should protect their minds, teach effectively, continue learning, and seek help if needed, while remembering that Teaching Practice is important but does not define their entire identity.
Effective Lesson Planning, Delivery, Evaluation and Classroom Management
The third and fourth lectures focused on ‘Ensuring Effective Lesson Planning, Delivery, Evaluation and Classroom Management’ and ‘Effective Teaching.’
The facilitator advised students to put into practice the knowledge gained during the orientation. He encouraged them to assess their preparedness by asking three questions: ‘Who am I teaching? How will I teach? How will my Teaching Practice be successful?’
He further urged the students to consider Bloom’s Taxonomy and align its three domains when writing their lesson objectives. He also advised them to plan effective introductions, organise core content with relevant examples, and incorporate practical activities into their lessons.
Teachers’ Personality and Effective Teaching
Dr. G. A. Okunola presented the last lecture, titled ‘Teachers’ Personality and Effective Teaching’.
Dr. Okunola advised the students not to allow anger to make them forget the responsibilities attached to their profession. She encouraged them to evaluate their responses to different situations, control their emotions, remain patient, demonstrate confidence with humility, and maintain flexibility.
She emphasised that a teacher’s personality influences the classroom environment and students’ engagement, stating, ‘Your personality will affect your classroom climate and student engagement.’
She further advised the students to develop their communication skills, noting that first impressions often leave a lasting impact.
General Information and Points to Note
The Chairman II of the TP Committee, Dr. A. O. Kareem, provided general information and important guidelines for the Teaching Practice exercise.
He announced that all Part II and Part III Education students were expected to resume at their assigned schools on Wednesday, September 16 2026, and participate fully in the exercise until Friday, October 23, 2026.
Dr. Kareem instructed students to wear their identity cards throughout their stay in school, obey school rules, act as good ambassadors of the University, and participate in both academic and co-curricular activities.
Notably, the committee advised students to remain within the school premises during school hours unless they obtained written permission from the appropriate authorities, as unapproved absence could attract sanctions. He also stressed the importance of proper and neat dressing as well as disciplined conduct throughout the exercise.
Vote of Thanks
The Secretary of the TP Committee, Dr. Gbenga Omiyefa, gave a vote of thanks and announcement, bringing the programme to an end.
He appreciated everyone who attended the programme and wished the students success as they commenced their Teaching Practice.