V. Summary and Suggestions
Purposes of Practicum
Aside from being able to apply the pedagogical skills and content knowledge I have gained over my 4 years in my university, this project was also me learning from other teachers who utilize a different approach to teaching.
This overseas practicum also gave me the opportunity to learn from the educational system in Indonesia and contrast it with the system of the Philippines. Hopefully, what I learned from this project would help improve the system of my country once I get to serve the people.
Lastly, this was truly an exchange of culture and an introduction to a whole new world beyond my world, which is the Philippines.
Procedures of Practicum
WEEK 1
1. We were introduced to the officials of the host University (UNPAK) and to the administrators and faculty of our Practicum School (Sekolah Kesatuan).
2. We were to observe the classes in terms of teaching methods, assessments, and etc.
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WEEK 2
1. I was asked to assist the 6th grade students with their seatwork and exercises.
2. I was assigned to teach a part of the lesson in the 2nd grade.
3. I was also given the opportunity to teach partially for the 3rd grade.
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WEEK 3
1. I taught the 2nd grade students from start to end.
2. I engaged in casual conversations with the 6th grade students to help them prepare for their reading test.
3. I also taught in the 3rd grade.
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WEEK 4
1. I prepared and performed by teaching demonstration that was to be evaluated by my mentor.
2. We shared our experiences in Bogor to the faculty and administrators of Sekolah Kesatuan.
3. We exchanged gifts with our receiving university.
Outcomes of Practicum
This overseas practicum opportunity made me a much more relaxed and confident teacher in front of the class. It made me a more flexible educator because of the language barrier. Lastly, it reminded my of why education can change the world.
The Challenges of Practicum
The main challenge I had to overcome was the language barrier. Language has the power to move mountains and touch people's lives. Even if I may not have verbally understood everyone and every thing, but I was able to understand them through the non-verbal cues they used.
Overall Impression
I am all smiles and all thumbs raised for both my receiving university (UNPAK) and practicum site (Sekolah Kesatuan). They we all very friendly, hospitable, accommodating, and generous which added up to a positive practicum experience.
Suggestion for Future Improvement
I guess my only suggestion for my practicum site is to make the student teacher a little bit more busy since he/she will stay in school for 8 hours a day. Although, it was still a good experience for me overall.