Summary and Suggestions
This section is dedicated to summarize the experiences as an exchanged practice teacher (both academically and
non-academically), suggest for improvement, and to give special message to people who showed us love and care.
Summary
In one of my subjects in third year, college, we discussed how Indonesia implement inclusivity in classrooms, especially with atypical learners. Thus, before the opportunity to go to Indonesia, I have been curious about ways to promote inclusivity in classrooms and how Indonesian education system prioritize early childhood development. To say that my practice teaching journey in Indonesia is good is an understatement for the reset I have felt, not only in teaching but also in living.
Purposes of practicum
The SEA Teacher program aims to provide invaluable teaching experiences for pre-service student teachers toward better education development. On the other hand, I aim to develop my personal and professional skills with the experience I will get from my practice teaching in Indonesia. With my 29-day internship in Indonesia, these two aims were successfully achieved.
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When I applied for the SEA Teacher program, I specifically stated that I want to learn more about the different effective teaching strategies used in schools in Indonesia. This expectation was met as I observe and assist teachers at KB & TK Lab UM and as I taught Indonesian students. I learned new teaching strategies and methods that are aligned with my principle to teach children proactively and meaningfully. What more is that I got ideas as to what materials found around nature/surroundings I can maximize the use and what materials I should buy to target different areas of children's development. Additionally, I also got ideas as to how to make my classroom, lesson, and activity be more inclusive and diverse for all learners.
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I also stated in my application letter that I would want to improve my personal skills such as organizing my time and resources, adapting to changes, working through challenges, and working with others collaboratively. These goals have also been met as I learn how to budget effectively, how to get along with others who have different cultures, beliefs, traditions, and languages than I have effectively, and how to manage my time meaningfully. I was not just able to practice my communication and social skills, but I was also able to learn a new language and another culture. My experiences helped me to not be knowledgeable only, but to also show consideration and kindness. My another goal now is to apply the learnings I gained in teaching young learners, especially our young Filipino learners.
Procedures of practicum
My 29-day internship in Indonesia started with orientation. We were informed about the place where we will stay, we were informed of the schedule of observation-assist, as well as the schedule for graded and final demo, and we were also informed of some basic information we have to know such as basic greetings, places to go to when you need to buy materials or to print. On my first day of internship, I was informed of the sections, the school premises, and I was able to meet KB & TK Lab principal, our supervising teacher, and learners briefly, as well.
On my first week, I had my initial observations to four sections, A - Meteor, A - Sun, B - Moon, and B - Rainbow. My second and third week were dedicated to prepare and implement my graded demo on November 01, 2023 (Wednesday) with B - Moon, and my final demo on November 09, 2023 (Thursday) with A - Sun. On my last week, I focused on gathering the evaluation sheet and computing the grades I got.
Additional Experiences
WEEK 1
My 29-day internship in Indonesia was not only full of academic knowledge, we also learned additional knowledge in music, in daily life of Indonesians, in transportation, and even in famous places we visited. On our first week in Indonesia, KB & TK Lab younger teachers, Miss Arum and Miss Niken, along with UM Practice Teachers, invited us to go to Bedengan, a famous place in Malang where the weather is colder, to have a picnic and to get to know each other. We were able to eat Indonesian foods and we were able to play games, as well.
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WEEK 2
My second week started with a visit to Jalan Ijen - Car Free Day on Sunday. Personally, I was amazed at how beautiful the place looks like and I was more amazed seeing many foods and things to buy. If I would be honest, I think my money will be gone easily if I always go here. On the same week, Friday, after class, my co-pre-service teachers and I were invited to go to Nganjuk and stay at one of KB & TK Lab teacher's house overnight. To go to Nganjuk, we rode a train. The experience was unforgettable as we were able to see many beautiful places along the way. While we were on Nganjuk, we discovered the usual interior look inside Indonesian homes. We also experienced eating more local foods and riding the Ngacito Bus (Nganjuk City Tour Bus).
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WEEK 3
Week 3 was one of the most unforgettable moments as we visited one of the most breathtaking place I have ever been to and we also learned about Indonesian traditional music. On November 06, 2023 (Monday), PAUD UM organized a day trip where us, Filipino pre-service teachers in Indonesia, went to Kidzania and Bromo. Even if there was Kidzania in Philippines, I was not able to go there, so when we went to Kidzania, I was amazed with the interior we saw and the activities we did. Later that day, we went to Bromo to witness the sunset. Bromo looked like a place straight out of Ghibli films, so we were excited to take pictures of the place. After that day, on November 07 (Tuesday), we attended activities organized by PAUD UM. First, we visited the Ngopi Fip studio where we recorded very short podcast, then the traditional music class, and the early childhood class where we encouraged PAUD Students to also apply to exchange student program.
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WEEK 4
The last week was filled with bittersweet goodbye. On the last week, we bought treats to bring to the Philippines including Batik and local foods. We also bought gifts for Indonesian teachers and practice teachers who we became emotionally attached with even for a short period of time. Before we leave, we tried the indoor roller coaster at the mall near our dorm, as well.
Overall Impression
My experience as an exchanged pre-service student teacher in Indonesia was memorable, mainly for the knowledge and skills I gained and the bonds I created with teachers and students. I am grateful that I was able to gather knowledge and wisdom filled with warmth and welcoming atmosphere. The teachers were reliable, kind, accommodating, understanding, and supportive that I was able to confidently execute my demonstration teaching. Because of the experiences I had, I would also want to share with other teachers and my students the teaching strategies and learning materials I now know. I think what I am most grateful for is the feeling that my love for teaching was rekindled. I was reminded of my strengths as a teacher and I was also able to reflect on areas that I can improve.
Suggestions
The SEA Teacher Program is very helpful, especially to pre-service student teachers. The opportunities were unmatched and the memories created were unforgettable. Despite the excellent plan and execution, there are still areas to improve including,
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1. Sending of list of requirements to sending school. Months before the partnership, the receiving school may send the list of requirements from SEAMEO to sending school/s. With this, the aspiring applicants from sending school may prepare the requirements for the program earlier. Furthermore, SEA Teachers/delegates will be able to prepare final requirements after the internship, as well.
2. Orientation to chosen students/delegates. Orientation including school information of receiving and hosting schools, weather in the city, and some important tips will be of great help for delegates to prepare for the program.
Special Message
My experience as an exchanged pre-service student teacher in Indonesia may not be as beautiful if not for the people who took care of us with warmth and shared genuine love with us. First, I dedicate my gratitude to Universitas Negeri Malang for the opportunity and comfort they gave us. I may not be able to perform at my best if not for the comfortable dorm where we stayed at, the services that were given to us, and the privilege to have our internship at KB & TK Lab UM.
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Second, I give my deepest gratitude to teachers from UM, to Bu Rhere and Bu Nohan, as well as to PAUD lecturers who has showed us patience, kindness, and support. We were able to feel empowered with their kind and encouraging words and with their great assistance and help, too. Third, I give my heartfelt thank you to KB & TK Lab UM from principal, Miss Ayu, our supervising teacher, Miss Wahyu, to teachers who took great care of us and always considered our comfortability. Our stay and teaching has become easier with their effort to communicate with us and to help us in different ways possible. Thank you for making us feel at home.
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Fourth, I give thanks to my Filipino and Indonesian co-pre-service teachers who has been a great source of inspiration and support.
References
Indeed. (2023). 9 teaching methods to promote success in the classroom. Retrieved from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/teaching-methods
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kbtklabum.sch.id
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