Summary and Suggestions

Purposes of Practicum

The practicum provides pre-service student teachers with an opportunity to learn the teaching methodologies and strategies employed in the country to which they will be exchanged. It introduces them to the diverse aspects of the teaching and learning process. Moreover, the practicum enables us to engage in actual teaching, allowing the application of strategies and methodologies learned both in our home country and from the exchange destination.

Furthermore, the practicum exposes pre-service student teachers to situations that require adaptability and flexibility. This hands-on experience equips us with valuable skills applicable to our chosen profession as future teachers

Procedures of Practicum

Before we actually go to Indonesia, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology conducts a Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar and International Internship Deployment Briefing. These sessions aim to provide us with knowledge about our activities in Indonesia and the necessary requirements.

Our practicum journey in Indonesia is divided into three sections.

The first week focuses on Observation. During this period, I have the opportunity to observe the teaching and learning process from primary to secondary classes.

The second and third weeks involve teaching assistantship and actual teaching. Assisting the teacher in instructing the students is incredibly fulfilling, especially initially when the students were somewhat distant, likely due to their difficulty in expressing themselves in English. However, as they realized my ability to understand and speak their language, they became more receptive, allowing me to assist them when they encountered challenges. The chance to teach the students directly and witness their enjoyment in the activities I prepared, along with active participation in discussions, makes me feel a sense of accomplishment.

Our weekends are dedicated to Cultural Immersions, where we visit the local tourist spots in the area.

Outcomes of Practicum

I enhance my social and communication skills.

I acquire valuable insights into various teaching strategies employed by my cooperating teachers throughout their teaching process, which I can later apply in the teaching field in our home country.

Furthermore, I gain awareness of my capabilities as both an individual and a teacher, realizing that I can effectively educate students from diverse backgrounds, overcoming any language barriers.

Challenges of Practicum

Language barrier is the main challenge that I encounter during my whole journey of practicum. There are students who are having difficulty in expressing themselves in English since it is a foreign language for them.

The mathematics terminologies that they use is different from what we used in the Philippines that's why I had a hard time understanding one of the lesson I am going to teach but good thing Mr. Jaypee Del Rosario (Chairperson of Teacher Education Program of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology Gabaldon Campus and one of my math teacher) come to the rescue and helped me. He explained it to me in much easier way and also tell me that some terms are just different than what we used in our country.

Overall Impression

First and foremost, being part of the SEA-Teacher Project has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that has enriched my journey in Indonesia with learning, fun, and excitement. The experience has equipped me with valuable knowledge applicable both as a student and a future educator. The adventure has been filled with joy and enthusiasm as I immersed myself in the culture, explored local tourist spots, and interacted with the delightful students and teachers. To sum it up, my stay at UMP and Puhua School in Indonesia has been an immensely rewarding and unforgettable experience.

 Suggestions for Future Improvement

1. There should be feedback and evaluation after each actual teaching session for the pre-service student teacher. This process would enable them to identify and address their weaknesses, fostering improvement in subsequent sessions.

2. Some students grasp topics quickly and finish tasks ahead of their peers, leading to boredom as they wait. I suggest incorporating additional activities suitable for these advanced students to keep them engaged.

3. Consider make the teacher's voice a little louder, as observations indicate that the teacher's explanations aren't audible at the back of the classroom during lessons.

4. Perhaps, in the future, the program's duration could be extended. Personally, one month seems too short for a more comprehensive learning experience.