Lakshal is studying Deakin’s Master of Teaching (Primary and Secondary) course. He chose to study online as it gave him the ability to study from home and fit studies around existing work and family commitments. He shares some of his experience below.
What were you hoping to achieve in applying to study this course?
Lakshal: Coming from a migrant family that sacrificed so much to offer their children opportunities, I understand the power of education in changing lives. My local high school in regional Victoria has a high proportion of socioeconomically disadvantaged students and I wanted to be able to offer the same opportunities for these young people, allowing them to have greater choice in what their futures look like.
Tell us about some of your study experience.
Lakshal: I had some wonderful learning experiences in my degree. There were academics, particularly in my first semester, who fostered and encouraged a broader engagement in social justice and I felt this was a great introduction to help us reflect on and challenge our biases and to develop positive and socially conscious pre-service teacher identities.
During my final semester I attended a 2 day intensive course on Physics practical activities. During this session, the lecturer not only gave us opportunities to undertake some of the practical lessons we would one day offer our students but also hours of discussions about the types of misconceptions and understandings students possess. These insights have proven to be incredibly helpful as I have embarked upon teaching VCE physics.
What’s one thing you’ve learnt or explored in your course that you didn’t expect?
Lakshal: Growing up, there was very little understanding or acknowledgement of my cultural identity. I felt unseen and unrepresented in every aspect of my education and I was incredibly heartened to see that Deakin’s degree has a significant focus on addressing and supporting various forms of diversity.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your course at Deakin?
Lakshal: Having the best of intentions means nothing without the skills to be able to do something about it. I entered this degree with the hope that one day I could help the next generation of young people to create positive change in their lives and now I feel like I better understand some of the ways in which I can do that.
What would you say to someone considering study at Deakin University?
Lakshal: Do it! While my degree was incredibly challenging at times, it also aligned with my views of social justice and equity, helping me to see that the next generation of teachers could be more inclusive and understanding of all students’ needs.
Lakshal is studying Deakin’s Master of Teaching (Primary and Secondary) course.
I was incredibly heartened to see that Deakin’s degree has a significant focus on addressing and supporting various forms of diversity.