Pedagogical Content
In this 10th batch of SEA Teacher program I was placed at University Sciene High School (USHS), I held an opening ceremony together with my friends from Ahmad Dahlan University, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Tsukuba University, and Khon Kaen University. We received a very warm welcome from the school and we were introduced to our respective Cooperating Teachers for assistance and guidance during our classroom teaching activities.
Ma'am Cynthia Lyn P. Curada is my cooperating teacher, she is an Associate Professor I and teaches English at Universtiy Sciene High School. I was placed in a class of 8 Inventors and 8 Researchers, I carried out observation activities accompanied by Ma'am Cynthia to prepare me for teaching practice in both classes.
I started my observation by getting acquainted with the students in the class with the aim of making a connection or bond between me and the students in the class. I continued my observations by observing all activities that occur in the classroom starting from how the teacher presents the material, student responses, tools used in the classroom or tools that help learning activities in the classroom and much more that I observed.
Teaching Methods
The teaching method used by the teacher during my observation was Collaborative Learning method. The material taught at that time was Trace Historical Background of Egyptian Literature. Students were divided into groups of 2-3 students and then the teacher instructed students to read the history of Egyptian literature and then students presented the results of their literature reading in front of the class.
Students are asked to have a discussion with their classmates after the presentation. The teacher also participates during the discussion, the teacher will ask questions to the group that is presenting in front of the class to hone their memory skills of the literature that has been read before. This teaching method allows students to Emphasizes teamwork and group activities, fostering communication and social skills among students.
During the learning process, cooperative teachers utilize the discovery learning method by posing questions that encourage students to explore, investigate, and draw their own conclusions. For example, after presenting the material through a PowerPoint, the teacher follows up with generalization questions. Students read the directions and questions, and then the teacher selects students at random to respond. If there are any inaccuracies or unclear points in their answers, the teacher provides the correct information to clarify.
Learning Matrials and Innovation
The material being discussed at that time was Trace Historical Background of Egyptian Literature. Students studied Egyptian literature in groups and presented it in front of the class followed by a joint discussion. Students use manila paper on which all important information about the literature they have read is written as a reference for the presentation in front of the class. There are also students who use LCD screens in front of the class and display Power Point (PPT) from Canva which is made as creative as possible to present the results of their group discussions.
Sources of Learning and Technology
Literature books are used for this material, students read books from the internet and some buy physical books to read. In other materials, English textbooks are the source of reference with additional references on the internet.
Meanwhile, the technology used is an LCD screen to present the results of the discussion and a microphone and spekers that are useful for amplifying the presenter's voice in front of the class.
Authentic Assessment
Teachers apply Written work, performance and quarterly exams. The use of written work, performance and quarterly exams in the evaluation of students provides a comprehensive picture of their understanding and skills, with the variety of assessments allowing for constructive feedback, preparation for exams and increased motivation.
Observation on Teacher(s)
Planning for Teaching & Preparing Lessons and Materials
Teachers always prepare materials before the teaching day, teachers follow the schedule that has been available. Every week, there is a schedule that becomes a reference for teachers to prepare materials. For example, in week 19-20, the material taught is Trace Historical background of Egyptian Literature. Teachers have time to prepare materials before week 19.
Teaching in Class
The teacher opens the class with a recall of the material learned in the previous meeting, followed by a presentation by the students in front of the class, the teacher also conducts a brief discussion with the students after the students have finished presenting. The teacher asks what has been explained by the student who made the presentation and throws questions to students who listen to the presentation. The teacher also gives the opportunity to students who have never answered a question so that all students have the opportunity to answer questions and participate in discussions conducted during class.
Measurement and Evaluation
Teachers implement a comprehensive measurement and evaluation system to ensure students' all-round understanding and skills. This system includes several components, such as written assignments designed to measure conceptual knowledge and understanding, performance assessments that reflect students' practical ability to apply what they have learned, and quarterly exams that provide an overview of their academic progress over the course of a semester. With this approach, we are able to provide constructive feedback to students and parents and identify areas for improvement to support students' optimal learning development.