Summary and Suggestions
“More risks, more rewards.” I have proven this saying as I joined this Pre-Service Student Teaching Program. Yes, joining the sea teacher project is a great risk, but the rewards it gave me are far greater.
In this program, I was exposed into a new world of teaching and learning. I learned about the differences of the educational process between our country, the Philippines, and Indonesia. I was able to see the advantages and disadvantages of the educational process and the curriculum employed in our country. There are also numerous things I have learned in Indonesia that I want to imply here in the Philippines.
Teaching students with a completely different culture have improved my perceptions. I have come to realize how important it is to tap the interests of the learners, because no matter what their nationality is, this is the best way to capture their attention. Make sure that as a teacher, you are updated to what is trending, do a research if needed. In my case, when I was teaching Indonesian students, I had to do my research on the famous teen actors and actresses in Indonesia, I even checked their Instagram accounts. Later, I have realized that there’s not much difference between the interests of my Filipino and Indonesian students, the girls like Korean Pop, while the boys can be lured by the simple mentioning of the game mobile legends. So, I included this in my lesson and relate it to the topic, motivation. More so, I was also exposed into new methods and strategies of teaching.
One of the challenges we have encountered during the practicum is that not everyone can speak or understand English. So, we had struggles at first when we went buying some things by ourselves (It’s a good thing that Indonesians are very baik hati or kind hearted, they were very patient). And also, when I was teaching, there were times I had to ask my cooperating teacher or my student buddy to translate because some students cannot express themselves much in English. So, that is one thing I would like to suggest to SEAMEO, that the students must have at least one week of training about the basics of the language of the country they are assigned in.
During my practicum, I was also able to enhance my English communication skills. Before I joined SEA Teacher project, I hate public speaking. I feel anxious when speaking in front of many people that causes my hands and lips to shake. This program required me to speak in front of people and resulted in me overcoming this weakness. Finally, I was able to hold the microphone and speak confidently even when facing the biggest of crowds.
Another important thing I have learned is about the similarities and differences of the culture of the Philippines and Indonesia. We have found out that there are a lot similar Indonesian and Filipino words. Maybe because we know we have the same origin or ancestors. One thing that amazed me about Indonesia is how well they have preserved their culture, like when the students played Angklung (traditional Indonesian music).
This program have truly mold me to become globally competitive.
Apart from transforming me into becoming an improved version of myself, the program also gave me the opportunity to wander into the beautiful parts of Indonesia. I was able to see how blessed the natural beauty of Indonesia is. During the excursions, all I can say was “God, how amazing you are.”.
I can never pretty much sum up in words what I have experienced in Indonesia because words will never be enough. But all in all, I can just describe the experience with this last word – LIFE CHANGING.
I pray this program will continue changing the lives of future teachers in the coming years.