What brought you to Adelaide?
I've always dreamt of guiding and shaping young minds. It’s this dream that brought me to Adelaide, South Australia, to pursue a Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) at Flinders. Having come from a small city in China, the laid-back lifestyle and serene surroundings in Adelaide suited me perfectly.
One of my favourite spots in Adelaide is the footbridge in Flinders Bedford Park, which offers a breath-taking view of the hills around the city. I almost walk [on] the bridge every day. I can see the [water] shining from the sunset through the mountains, which greatly soothes me whenever I am anxious or stressed.”
What do you have to say about your course structure at Flinders?
The curriculum and teaching methods at Flinders are highly specialised. They focus on both, theoretical knowledge and practical skills to prepare us for real-world challenges and opportunities. The course is a wonderful combination of theory and practice as there are two 6-week block placements in early childhood and primary school settings to apply our learnt knowledge in practice.
Apart from professional knowledge, this experience also enhanced my interpersonal and communication skills, which are critical for my future career. Most importantly, Flinders doesn’t just offer these practical learning opportunities – it gives students like me, the time to reflect on these experiences.
Tell us more about some of your placement experiences.
There are two 6-week block placements in early childhood and primary school settings to apply our learnt knowledge in practice. The placement provides me with wonderful opportunities to utilise what I learned, reflected and wrote during class. I have built great relationships not only with children but educators.
Apart from professional knowledge, this experience also enhanced my interpersonal and communication skills, which are critical for my future career. These placements were invaluable in refining my skills, boosting my confidence and expanding my connections in the field.
How have your placements helped you become career ready?
After completing her studies, I hope to become a primary school teacher – a dream that I am confident will come to fruition thanks to my training at Flinders. Since studying at Flinders University equips me with critical skills both in study and life, I believe this plan is not implausible. I believe in five years; I will become a sophisticated teacher with critical thinking and a growth mindset.
My studies at Flinders extend far beyond knowledge and skills. Rather, my experience here is completely transforming my outlook on life and the bright future that awaits me.