SUMMARY AND SUGGESTIONS

 

PURPOSE OF PRACTICUM

As a physics education student and a participant in the 10th batch of the SEA-Teacher program, I feel that this program is very suitable for my needs, especially in preparing to become a teacher in the future. This program provides several important benefits, including:

1.   Improving teaching skills during the implementation of practicum;

2.  Expanding knowledge and insights on how to improve the quality of education in the Southeast Asian region;

3.   Providing comprehensive training, as well as enriching experience about the education system in the country or school where the practicum takes place;

4. It helps me to be more thoughtful in dealing with different characters and backgrounds of students;

5.   Establishing good relationships with international students, students, and teachers in the school environment where I am undergoing practicum.

 

PROCEDURES OF PRACTICUM

The SEA-Teacher program lasted for one month, where I was required to follow all the agendas that had been set by Dong Thap University (DThU). Here are the practicum procedures that I undergo:

1. First week: Orientation and observation of the class. This week, I and other inbound participants took a tour of the school to see its condition and facilities. In addition, I conducted two observations in different classes, with the aim of learning the learning process that took place.

2.  Second and third week: Teaching in the classroom. I was given the responsibility to teach in class 10S four times, with a schedule of twice per week on Mondays and Wednesdays.

3. Week four: Farewell Night. This event was held as a farewell moment between the SEA-Teacher participants and the school and university, marking the end of the practicum period.

 

OUTCOMES OF PRACTICUM

The practicum results that I obtained had a positive impact in several aspects, namely:

1.    My English skills improved, because while in Vietnam, all interactions were conducted in English;

2.   The addition of valuable teaching experience, which further honed my skills in managing the classroom;

3.   Increasing my confidence in teaching directly in front of students;

4.    Develop better time management skills, which are very useful in the face of a busy teaching schedule;

5.    Broadening my horizons about the diversity of educational, cultural, and social life systems in Southeast Asia.

This practicum really helped me become more prepared and competent as a prospective educator in the future.

 

THE CHALLENGES OF PRACTICUM

During the teaching practicum, I faced various challenges that not only tested my teaching skills, but also my ability to adapt to a new environment. One of the challenges that often arises is to keep the classroom atmosphere dynamic and interactive. Sometimes, classes get too quiet, and I have to find creative ways to involve students more actively in the learning process. However, the biggest challenge I faced was when I had to explain the material in English. Since most students do not fully master English, I often need the help of a friend (buddie) to translate the material I convey into Vietnamese. It was a very valuable experience for me, as I learned how to collaborate with peers and ensure that my message still reaches students despite the language barrier. This experience also strengthened my ability to deal with linguistic and cultural diversity in the classroom environment, and increased my confidence in teaching in an international environment.

 

OVERALL IMPRESSION

Dong Thap University and Future School left behind many wonderful memories that I will never forget. During the SEA-Teacher program, I gained many valuable experiences, one of which was the opportunity to teach directly in the classroom. This experience became more meaningful because I was assisted by my supervisor in making appropriate and effective lesson plans, which really helped me to be more organized and ready to face teaching challenges.

Not only that, the hospitality of the Vietnamese people made a deep impression during my stay there. Every day, I was greeted with a warm smile, both by teachers, students, and school staff, which made me feel welcome and comfortable. Buddies who faithfully accompanied me during the teaching practicum became an extraordinary friend. They are always there to help, not only in terms of tutoring in class, but also in translating the material I teach into Vietnamese, so that students who have difficulty understanding English can stay in the lessons.

Friends of inbounds from different countries are also an important part of this trip. We support each other, sharing stories, challenges, and successes during the practicum. This power of togetherness makes every challenge feel lighter and every success more meaningful. Overall, the experience at Dong Thap University and Future School not only taught me how to teach, but also opened my eyes to the importance of collaboration, diversity, and friendship in the world of education.

 

SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT

For future improvements to the SEA-Teacher Program, some suggestions that can be considered are the improvement of pre-practicum workshops, especially related to teaching in a multicultural and multilingual environment. The frequency of mentoring by supervisors can also be increased so that participants receive more optimal guidance related to teaching and lesson plan making. In addition, the active involvement of buddies in a more structured manner will increase the effectiveness of collaboration in classroom management and translation. A periodic evaluation system during the practicum can be applied to provide faster input for participants. Extending the duration of teaching can also help participants deepen their experience, while access to international learning modules will make it easier to adjust to the education system in the destination country.