Summary and Suggestions

 

PURPOSES OF PRACTICUM

The SEA-Teacher project aims to provide opportunities for pre-service student teachers from universities in Southeast Asia to gain teaching experience (practicum) in schools in other Southeast Asian countries. Some of the objectives to be achieved through this practicum include:

1. Developing effective teaching skills and pedagogy during the practicum process.
2. Expanding knowledge and understanding of how to improve the quality of education, especially in Southeast Asian countries.
3. Training and providing direct experience for prospective teachers about the education system in the school or country where the practicum is carried out.
4. Broadening perspectives in dealing with the diversity of student character and understanding, as well as how to act wisely in facing such situations.
5. Building good relationships between prospective teachers, international students, local students, and teachers at the school where the practicum takes place.

PROCEDURES OF PRACTICUM

The practicum process I underwent followed a structured procedure that spanned four weeks. Each week had its own set of activities and learning experiences designed to help me grow as a prospective teacher. Here are the details of each stage:

a.       Week 1: Orientation and Classroom Observation

In the first week, I, together with my mentor, went to the school and received an orientation from the principal and teachers. They provided clear guidelines about what was allowed and prohibited within the school environment, teaching methodologies, and how to interact with students. This orientation was crucial in helping me understand the school culture and teaching practices in the local context. Afterward, I had the opportunity to observe classes to get a sense of how lessons were conducted, how students responded, and the overall classroom dynamics.

b.       Week 2: Teaching Assistant

During the second week, I played the role of a teaching assistant. I observed how the teachers delivered lessons and managed the class. Additionally, I helped facilitate the learning process, particularly during exams, by assisting the teacher in monitoring and supervising students as they took their tests. This experience not only provided insight into classroom management but also gave me an understanding of the assessment process.

c.       Week 3: Teaching in the Classroom

In the third week, I had the opportunity to teach in four different classes, which included both Grade 7 and Grade 11. Throughout this week, I was observed and evaluated by my mentor and cooperating teacher. After each teaching session, I received valuable feedback from both my mentor and evaluator. Their constructive advice highlighted areas of improvement, such as refining my teaching strategies, improving student engagement, and using clear explanations, which helped me develop as a more effective educator.

d.       Week 4: Reflection and Lessons Learned

The final week was focused on reflection and documenting my experiences. I worked on finalizing my blog and SEA-Teacher program report, which served as a comprehensive reflection of the practicum. My mentor was instrumental in helping me gather documentation of my teaching activities and guiding me in organizing the content of my blog and report. One of the most valuable lessons I learned from this program was the improvement in my English communication skills. The opportunity to teach in an English-speaking environment helped me sharpen both my verbal and written English. Additionally, this program enriched my teaching abilities, broadened my perspective on education in Southeast Asia, and strengthened my adaptability in handling different classroom situations. Overall, this experience has been instrumental in shaping my journey as a future educator.

By following this structured practicum process, I was able to gain comprehensive teaching experience, improve my pedagogical skills, and deepen my understanding of the complexities of education in a cross-cultural setting.

Outcomes of Practicum

From the implementation of the practicum, I gained several significant outcomes, including:

1. Increased Confidence in Teaching. This practicum helped me overcome nervousness and boosted my confidence to teach directly in front of the class.
2. Improved teaching skills. Through observation, assisting teachers, and hands-on teaching experience, my teaching skills improved, both in terms of lesson planning and classroom execution.
3. Development of time management skills. The experience of teaching with limited time made me more effective in managing time, from starting the class to evaluating student learning outcomes.
4. Broadened understanding of the diversity in education systems, cultures, and societies in southeast asia. I gained a broader understanding of how education systems are applied in other countries and how culture and society influence the learning process.
5. Enhanced english proficiency. While in the Philippines, I communicated in English both in the school and the university environment, which directly improved my English skills, both in speaking and writing.
6. Learning about flexibility and adaptation in teaching. This practicum also provided me with the opportunity to learn how to adapt to various teaching situations and interact with students who have diverse characters and abilities.

THE CHALLENGES OF PRACTICUM

During my teaching practicum at SLU BEDS High School Department in the Philippines, I encountered several significant challenges, including:

Cultural and learning style differences

The students in the Philippines have different learning cultures and interaction styles compared to those in my home country. Some students were more active and vocal, while others were more reserved. This presented a challenge in balancing attention and ensuring that all students were actively engaged in the learning process.

Difficulty in explaining scientific terms in english

Some scientific terms or formulas were challenging to explain or pronounce in English, particularly since English is not my first language. This required me to find creative ways to explain the concepts more simply and ensure that students understood the material clearly.

Strict time management

Each teaching session at SLU had a limited duration, so I had to be very effective in managing time between explaining the material, discussions, Q&A, and evaluations. This challenge pushed me to adapt quickly and ensure that I delivered all the content within the allotted time.

OVERALL IMPRESSION

Saint Louis University, especially the SLU BEDS Junior and High School Department, has been an essential part of my journey in the Philippines, leaving such a deep and lasting impression. The friendly and polite people of Baguio truly made me feel at home, while the support and guidance from my friends at Atic, teachers, cooperating teacher, and mentor added meaningful value to every step of my practicum experience.

To my friends at Atic, thank you for providing a space where I could learn, share stories, and laugh together. A place where I could calmly work on my lesson plans, enjoy Filipino snacks, and exchange many valuable experiences. The memories of the city tour, Sunday sessions, night market, and the send-off program will always stay with me warmly.

My favorite food, “Turon”, which I frequently enjoyed in the school canteen, will forever remind me of the simple yet meaningful moments I had at SLU. A special thank you to the canteen ladies who welcomed me every day with smiles and kindness.

Through this program, I also had the opportunity to meet and interact with friends from various countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Myanmar. Meeting them broadened my perspective and enriched my experiences, creating unforgettable cross-cultural friendships.

I truly wish I could stay here longer, teach more classes, and spend more time with all of you. However, all good things must come to an end, and I now have to return to Indonesia. It feels hard to leave this place, but the memories and lessons I’ve gained will continue to live within me. The Philippines, especially SLU and Baguio, will always be an inseparable part of my life's journey.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE IMPROVEMENT

After undergoing the practicum activities at Saint Louis University, I would like to offer some suggestions for future improvements. First, I hope that Saint Louis University can pay more attention to the scheduling of assignments at school. Ideally, assignments should not coincide or overlap with exam schedules, allowing program participants ample time to teach in the classroom. This way, the teaching experience can be more optimal, and participants can contribute more effectively during their practicum.

For the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) as the program organizer, I suggest holding a welcoming or farewell event for all SEA-Teacher program participants, even if it's online. This would allow all participants, regardless of their different countries, to get to know each other and build intercultural relationships. Such events would not only strengthen the bonds among participants but also provide opportunities to share experiences and learn from one another.

Additionally, I hope that SEAMEO can provide further benefits to SEA-Teacher program participants after they graduate from university. One form of support could be offering full scholarships to continue their education at the universities where they completed their program. With this initiative, participants will have the opportunity to continue their academic growth. With these improvements, I am confident that the SEA-Teacher program will be even more successful and have a greater impact on all participants.