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Summary and Suggestions

PURPOSES OF TEACHING PRACTICUM

The SEA-Teacher project aims to provide an opportunity for pre-service teachers from universities in Southeast Asia to have teaching experiences (practicum) in schools in other countries in Southeast Asia. Based on the SEAMEO seven priority areas for the eleven SEAMEO Member countries to work together to improve the quality of education in Southeast Asia, "Revitalizing Teacher Education" is one of the priority areas in building and strengthening the capacity of teachers in the region. Aside from the professional development of the participants, attendance in the program will result in to enhancement of the teaching skills and pedagogy of the pre-service teachers of the College of Education. More so, it will aid the college in producing competitive teachers in the global context.

 

At the end of the program, the student teachers have achieved the following:

 

1. the student teacher developed his teaching skills and pedagogy.

2. the student teacher practiced his English skills.

3. the student teacher gained a broader regional and world view.

4. the student teacher was exposed to diverse teaching and learning situations and opportunities, and the value of flexibility.

 

Unquestionably, the SEA-Teacher project allows the student teacher to meet his academic and professional development as he was given the opportunity to stretch his skills and knowledge in the global context.

PROCEDURES OF TEACHING PRACTICUM

The student teacher followed the systematic procedure of practicum to successfully achieve the goal of the program.

 

  1. The student teacher attended first the orientation program of Sekolah Harapan Prestasi together with the Universitas Kristen Indonesia’s International Office staff. This gives the student teacher the essential things to know before the practicum begins. This gives him an overview of to what expect from the program and the teaching practicum as a whole.

  2. Following the orientation program is the observation week. This gives the student teacher the time to witness the education system in Indonesia and the time to adjust and adapt to the new environment. The observation week allows the student teacher to modify his teaching strategies to effectively facilitate the teaching and learning process.

  3. Afterward, the student teacher proceeded to the assistantship. For the following week, the student teacher becomes an assistant to one of the Filipino cooperating teachers at Sekolah Harapn Prestasi. This was the time that he was exposed to experience the tasks of a teacher in an international school. This also opens an opportunity to create a lesson plan and use the Cambridge Curriculum.

  4. Finally, after the assistantship, the student teacher entered the actual teaching. He was given the chance to facilitate the teaching and learning process. From observing the students, and making lesson plans, the Filipino student teacher has experience in handling Indonesian students who are eager to learn about English.  

OUTCOMES OF PRACTICUM

SEA-Teacher project serves as a venue for sharing and learning teaching skills and pedagogy. Participation to the project helps the student teacher to:

 

  1. Possess a high sense of professionalism

  2. Explore Indonesia’s teaching pedagogy and education system as a whole

  3. Expound his cultural horizons and network

  4. Improve teaching skills and English skills

  5. Gain knowledge about the different Curricula used in Indonesia

THE CHALLENGES OF PRACTICUM

The following are the challenges encountered by the student teacher:

  1. Language Barrier. Communication becomes challenging because students are switching back and forth from using the Bahasa Language to the English Language.

  2. Cultural Adjustment. It is inevitable to be culture-shocked when adjusting to a new environment. It is essential to relate and adapt to the daily living of Indonesians in order to familiarize with their social norms and culture.

  3. Financial Constraints. It is expected that participating in the SEA-Teacher program or in any exchange student program is expensive. Budgeting is a must when there are few financial supports.

  4. Homesickness. Being away from your loved ones is a challenging one. It requires emotional support in order to be motivated as it affects the whole experience.

OVERALL IMPRESSION

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The SEA-Teacher program allows me to unleash my fullest potential, this is such a beautiful journey that I genuinely treasure throughout my life. This motivates me to strive for excellence and to take risks in life. It was a transformative experience that enriched my academic journey, teaching skills, and pedagogy, and broadened my cultural horizons. The experience that I obtained in this program made an impact on who I am now as I embodied the life lessons that are truly useful for survival. This is just more than a teaching practicum as it helps me build friendships and a healthy support system. They become my inspiration and strength as I pursue this noble profession. The SEA-Teacher project is a transformational experience for students who have big aspirations in life, this is a huge step for the students to witness the beauty and impact of teachers on one student. This program can touch someone’s life and could turn a dreamer into a dream maker.

OVERALL IMPRESSION

SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE IMPROVEMENT

The following are the suggestions and recommendations for future improvement of the SEA-Teacher project:

  • Extend the one-month teaching practicum for the student teachers to be more exposed to the actual teaching.

  • The physical or online presence of the heads and founders of the SEA-Teacher project should be considered for the legitimacy of the program.  

  • Opening and closing ceremony for all of the participants of the SEA-Teacher project.

  • More financial support for the participants is highly appreciated because many students did not make it to participate in the program due to financial constraints.

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