EXPLORE. Enjoy. EDUCATE. REPEAT.
Summary
I was known as an introverted person, which is not supposedly an attitude of a teacher. But when I joined this program, I gained lots of friends. I became friends with my co-SEAteachers, my CT, my mentor, and some of my students.
Aside from that, I also learned the importance of cultural diversity. I respect Indonesia's culture, especially its beliefs and traditions. Through this project, I want to be more exposed to exploring cultures. I learned a lot of things in Indonesia, such as their language and other traditions. I can easily remember some Bahasa words. I also learned many things about their Educational System.
Being a SEA Teacher is challenging for me, at the same time, exciting. This program changed my personality and even my perspective on teaching. I will treasure these experiences I had forever, and I will use those lessons I learned when I become a real teacher.
All in all, I am very thankful that I became part of SEAMEO's SEA Teacher program. I want to congratulate every person-in-charge in this program. I will surely recommend this project to the incoming batches. I want to say thank you to SEAMEO and Terima Kasih UPI, SMP Lab school, and CLSU-CED faculties for these experiences.
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Purpose of Practicum
The purpose of the practicum is to enhance the teaching skills of the SEA teachers. This program allows the students to apply their pedagogical knowledge and skills in teaching. It also aims to enable the student teacher to design, perform and judge the teaching ways on their methods and allow them to perceive their role within the larger profession and in the extended operational environment of the school.
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An essential goal of this is to help the student teachers develop and advance their development competence.
Procedures of Practicum
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Prepare documents for this program
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Gather some information about the cultures of Indonesia
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Accept and love the Indonesian culture, its people, and students
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Enjoy the beauty of Indonesia
Outcomes of Practicum
This practicum changed my perspective about diversity, not only the culture but also the educational system. Before joining the program, I thought that teaching flexibility is responsible for the task given to you. While being exposed to Indonesia's educational system, I realized I was wrong because a flexible teacher is willing to adjust, adapt, and loved other educational systems when they got exposed to them.
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As a Social Studies teacher, the lessons I learned about their culture would be helpful soon. I also learned some Thai culture and language with the help of my Thai co-teachers.
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I haven't even thought that the family I met far from my home would change my personality and my perspective in life.
Challenges of Practicum
The most challenging part I encountered during my practice teaching was more on communication. I observed that it is hard for some students to understand English, but using non-verbal language, audiovisual materials with Bahasa Indonesia subtitles, and some props like noodles, biscuits, and drinks. I was able to connect with them. Besides that, my teaching manual was written in Bahasa Indonesia. I need to translate every word of it for me to understand the lesson. But through my buddies' help, especially Fadhli, some points became easier.
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The challenge not only ends in the classroom. Without our buddies, it is hard to communicate with the people when buying foods, riding an angkot or taxi, asking for directions, etc.
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Despite all the challenges I encountered. I want everyone to know that I am thankful for every moment while staying in Bandung, Jawa Barat, Indonesia.