Summary and Suggestion

PURPOSES OF PRACTICUM

SEA-Teacher program gives a chance to teachers from universities in Southeast Asia to practice teaching in other countries in Southeast Asia. In my journey, the SEA-Teacher program gives me an opportunity to teach in Suranaree Wittaya School. I gained a lot of new knowledge while I was teaching there. Apart from that, I also gained extraordinary experience which can be used as a provision for me in the future. After participating in this program, I understand and know how different education is in Thailand compared to Indonesia. This has inspired me to develop education in Indonesia, starting with implementing several learning strategies in schools in Indonesia which can increase students' learning motivation, especially in learning mathematics. In general, all the goals of the SEA-Teacher program have been achieved.

PROCEDURES OF PRACTICUM

SEA-Teacher program is divided into four steps:

Step 1: Observation

School observations were carried out in the first week. We made observations guided by one of the teachers there named Mr Lee or usually called Professor Lee. He took us around the school to see what the school facilities and elements were. Apart from that, we were invited to enter the teacher's room to greet and introduce ourselves to them. The teachers there welcomed us very politely and friendly. We are very happy to get to know them. Sometimes we chat lightly about Indonesia. Apart from that, we also observed students in class during the learning process.

Step 2: Teaching Assistantship

This activity was carried out in the second week. I got some advice from a mathematics teacher named Mr. Patrick about how to become a teacher in Thailand, what the challenges are, how to deal with students with diverse behavior, how to become a good, competent teacher and have noble behavior, how to manage time well, mastery of material, and so on.

Step 3: Teaching Practice

During my teaching practice in class, at first I felt nervous and afraid that the students would not understand what I was saying. However, Mr. Patrick always provided support, suggestions and constructive criticism for me so that I became enthusiastic about improving my teaching skills. I always follow his directions and fulfill whatever things are still lacking. My problem when teaching is language. Therefore, I have to memorize more vocabulary and sharpen my sense of hearing English.

Step 4: Evaluation and Reflection

Evaluation and reflection are carried out the week after carrying out teaching practice. However, sometimes Mr. Patrick delivers his evaluation at the end of the day before going home from school. The goal is to provide input and comments to me so that the next day I can improve it to be better. He also gave me important notes about what things I needed to improve.

From my perspective, the four steps required by the SEA-Teacher program are important to do. Observation helps us observe the school environment and observe students in class to see their characteristics, behavior, and how they learn in class. Teaching assistants give us step by step to become a true teacher because we will have time to approach students more closely to find appropriate teaching methods. Teaching practice gives us the opportunity to teach in the classroom as teachers abroad. Evaluation and Reflection helps us see the things we need to improve to become good teachers.

OUTCOMES OF PRACTICUM

The wisdom I gained as an outcome is as follows :

I have learned how to prepare a good learning plan so that learning objectives are achieved and according to student needs.
I have learned how to manage the class, manage time effectively, and master the material so that students understand what I am saying.
I know the work and study culture is slightly different from Indonesia. I have seen and experienced many good methods and attitudes that I can use to improve my teaching and work life.

THE CHALLENGES OF PRACTICUM

Challenge 1: Students wore masks

The students wore masks so I found it a bit difficult to understand their words when they asked me questions because the language used was English which is not my everyday language. When students asked, they did not remove their masks at all and they continued to wear them consistently.

Suggestions:

My suggestion is that it would be better for students to take off their masks for a moment just to talk to the teacher. This is a small thing, but it means a lot to me who is still new to learning English.

Challenge 2: Time for prayer

Because I am a Muslim who tries to carry out my worship on time, especially during the midday prayer, precisely at 12 p.m. But there is no time to worship at that hour. We are also reluctant to communicate this because there is no place to pray.

Suggestions:

My suggestion is that it would be better if the school gave us the time and place for midday prayers for those of us who are Muslim. However, don't worry because Islam is a flexible religion. I understand the situation, therefore the time for midday prayers can be combined with evening prayers. I know Allah is most merciful.

OVERALL IMPRESSION

During my time following this program, overall it was very good. I can say that this program has succeeded in producing prospective international teachers who are able to use English as the language of instruction when they teach in class.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE INPROVEMENTS

My suggestion for improvement in the future is that it would be better to add cultural activities, such as learning traditional dance in the placement country, learning to make handicrafts typical of the placement country, and so on to increase our experience. Thank You.