KEETMANSHOOP - Student teachers’ dress code, code of conduct in classrooms and rules of corporal punishment were central topics at the University of Namibia’s Southern Campus’ second teaching practicum stakeholders’ engagement.

The meeting here on Thursday served as orientation for student teachers to prepare them for School Base Studies (SBS) that starts early next year.

The SBS gives student teachers a platform to use and try out various teaching methods, meet learners in classroom situations, and gain insight into school organisation and administration.

Addressing the student teachers, Kronlein Primary School principal Aupokolo Metumo urged them to know and understand that they are role models in the classroom, and warned that how they conduct themselves, dress and speak, influences learners.

“These learners look up to you. So, let us avoid inappropriate touching, avoid wearing clothes that are revealing, or something that will stir up a debate in classes such as soccer t-shirts. Do not come to class unprepared, or treat learners unfairly, and please know that corporal punishment is not allowed in schools. If you happen to be guilty of that, you can be fired. Rather come up with positive punishments in class,” he advised.

Metumo further called on the student teachers to familiarise themselves with the learners’ home environment to understand why they behave in a certain way in the classroom, and to help such learners accordingly.

Unam SBS coordinator Simon Albin said the SBS helps student teachers to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations, and experience teaching inside the classroom as well as outside.

“Now that you are on your SBS, you should be able to market yourself because these people can be your future colleagues, and they will want someone who is hardworking and who participates fully in school activities,” he noted. - Nampa