II. Pedagogical Contents
Teaching Method of the Teacher You Observed
Kesatuan Elementary School utilizes the Teacher-Centered Approach to Learning. For the English subject teachers I observed, direct instruction and lectures are the methods that they used daily. It does not require the use of much technology but it highly relies on the use of textbooks and/or handouts. The students would usually learn just by listening and watching the teacher. The teachers in this approach are highly systematic because of the strict compliance to what is said in the lesson plans.
On the other hand, Mr. Ken, a native English speaker from Alabama, makes use of the Student-Centered Approach because of students' active role in the learning process. In teaching expressive language or communicative English to the students, he coaches the students in becoming better English speakers.
Sources of Learning and Learning Materials
The English subject area would make use of the books, handouts and worksheets published by National Geographic. Additional handouts are also provided if there is something important that needs to be highlighted. PowerPoint presentations, video clips and simple instructional materials are the other materials used for learning. The school facilities (ex. audio-visual laboratory) and the human resources (Mr. Ken) are also the the other sources of information for this subject matter.
Technology and Innovation
Since classrooms in Kesatuan Elementary School do not have a monitor or projector, they would rarely use PowerPoint presentations. Although, borrowing a projector or using the audio-visual laboratory is available for lessons that require the use of technology. It is a good thing that there is an IT available in school who is able to help those who have trouble with accessing or using technology.
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Authentic Assessment
The students in Kesatuan are being assed regularly. They would have standardized tests in the form of a unit test once they have finished discussing the content of the unit, mid-semester examinations which are given two months after the semester has begun and their final examination at the end of the semester.
Drills and assignments are given to gauge the learning of the students during the discussion of a unit. The students are also being assessed when they are asked to read aloud, to answer questions, to play a game related to the topic.
For the English subject, they would authentically assessed when they would have their simple conversation test with Mr. Ken, and a reading and comprehension test for the higher levels. This gives them the opportunity to demonstrate how much they have mastered the skills related to English and communication.
Remedial classes are also given after the mid-semester exam for those who have a hard time catching up with the lessons and those who perform poorly in the given tests.