Summary &
Suggestion
The practicum aims to provide exposure to the educational system in the Philippines, enhance understanding of its school culture, develop teaching skills in the classroom, cultivate soft skills such as public speaking and problem-solving, and strengthen educational relationships between the two countries.
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Purpose of practicum
The practicum serves several important purposes that contribute to the professional growth of educators. Firstly, it provides valuable exposure to the educational system in the Philippines, allowing participants to understand the structure, policies, and practices that shape learning in a different cultural context. This experience is crucial for gaining insights into diverse teaching methodologies and classroom management strategies. Secondly, it fosters a deeper understanding of the school culture in the Philippines, which includes the values, traditions, and social dynamics that influence students and teachers alike.
Additionally, the practicum helps develop essential teaching skills in real classroom settings, enabling participants to apply theoretical knowledge in practice. This hands-on experience is vital for honing pedagogical techniques and adapting to different learner needs. Furthermore, it emphasizes the development of soft skills, such as public speaking and problem-solving, which are critical for effective communication and collaboration in any educational environment. Lastly, the practicum aims to expand educational relationships between countries, promoting cross-cultural exchanges that enrich both the participants and the institutions involved. By fostering connections and sharing best practices, the practicum ultimately contributes to the enhancement of global education.
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Procedure of practicum
The practicum procedures in this SEA Teacher batch 10 program are as follows:
1. Register through the study program department.
2. Attend some training before the program starts (Pre-departure training).
3. Participate in the SEA Teacher Program at Central Luzon State University including on-campus activities, cultural tours, and other activities.
4. Observe classes at the cooperating school.
5. Classroom teaching, including preparation, observation, and demo teaching.
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Outcome of Practicum
The practicum serves several important purposes that contribute to the professional growth of educators. Firstly, it provides valuable exposure to the educational system in the Philippines, allowing me and other students to understand the structure, policies, and practices that shape learning in a different cultural context. This experience is crucial for gaining insights into diverse teaching methodologies and classroom management strategies. Secondly, it fosters a deeper understanding of the school culture in the Philippines, which includes the values, traditions, and social dynamics that influence students and teachers alike.
Additionally, the practicum helps develop essential teaching skills in real classroom settings, enabling participants to apply theoretical knowledge in practice. This hands-on experience is vital for honing pedagogical techniques and adapting to different learner needs. Furthermore, it emphasizes the development of soft skills, such as public speaking and problem-solving, which are critical for effective communication and collaboration in any educational environment. Lastly, the practicum aims to expand educational relationships between countries, promoting cross-cultural exchanges that enrich both the participants and the institutions involved. By fostering connections and sharing best practices, the practicum ultimately contributes to the enhancement of global education.
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The challenges of practicum
There were several challenges that I faced while participating in this activity, including:
1. Difficult access to the internet at some points such as in the classroom. There are wi-fi facilities but the distance is too far from the classroom so I cannot use wi-fi as a substitute for the internet network.
2. Fighting fears within myself, I was afraid to communicate in English, but after four days I was at Central Luzon State University and met many friends who communicated using English, it gave me the confidence to dare to communicate using English even though my grammar was a little messy. But I am still proud of myself because I can still entertain people.
3. Difficulty in delivering the material, but it was easy to overcome by practicing independently in front of the mirror. This happened because it was my first time teaching English outside my country using full English. I sometimes felt nervous in class but the positive energy from the cooperating teacher, friends and students boosted my confidence and focus when delivering the material in class.
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Overall impression
I am proud of myself for struggling and surviving one month in the Philippines. I am so glad that I had such a valuable experience when I joined this SEA Teacher batch 10 program. Having international friends, laughing with them at the guest house dinner table, sharing stories, and helping each other when composing lesson plans are precious memories that I will never forget.
By joining this program, I gained a lot of new knowledge such as the learning system in the Philippines, curriculum, lesson plans and teaching methods in schools in the Philippines. I also understood the differences in the education sector between Indonesia and the Philippines in terms of teachers, students, school environment and school curriculum.
During my two weeks in the placement school, I felt the warmth and positive aura given by the students in the classroom, they were very active when discussing and always paid attention to the material given by the teacher. It is quite easy to get the attention of the students when explaining the material, they are not shy to argue during the discussion in the classroom, I am very happy with that. In the beginning I found it difficult because I was nervous and felt insecure, after entering the class and meeting all the students in the class, all my nervousness and insecurity disappeared. I was able to communicate with them and even laugh with them.
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Suggestion for future improvement
All the activities that I carried out were very good and very outside and even exceeded my expectations, although there should be better communication between cooperating teachers and students who participated in the SEA Teacher batch 10 program, such as activity schedules that can be informed in advance so that there is no miss communication between us.
The rest is very good and I hope that the collaboration between Ahmad Dahlan University and Central Luzon State University can be continued in the following year and can provide a more stunning experience with improved improvements.