SUMMARY AND SUGGESTIONS
PURPOSES OF PRACTICUM
This practicum served as the gateway for me to expand my horizons. Through it, I was able to procure a new learning community where I could be molded, incubated, and developed by new seasoned pedagogues. I earned third teachers as I adapted to the new learning environment. This truly helped me to have a glimpse and embed strategies, techniques, and methodologies that I could use in my own teaching practice and share with others so we could build a better and stable home for our future students. The purpose of this practicum manifested in the skills I acquired, not only in my professional development but also in my personal growth. Building friendships, exchanging cultures and beliefs, and tying new strings made my stay unforgettable. All of these experiences caused holistic development and molded me as a fine individual and future teacher.
PROCEDURES OF PRACTICUM
Before flying to Vietnam, I felt that the practicum was well organized. We've been informed by the organizers and committee about the paper needed and the like. The day we arrived, we've been following the itinerary set by Dong Thap University. First, we had the campus tour, orientation, meeting with the supervisors, and tour around the Dong Thap. Then, the following day, we were able to have an orientation in Future School followed by a school tour. Until the day we first had our class observation. We met Mr. Marcelo our Cooperating Teacher at the Future School. I was very excited when I heard that he is a Filipino. After the two-class observation, we started to have our lesson planning and teaching demonstration.
Then the lesson planning and teaching demo started, as well as the consultation with our supervisor. During the consultation, it is actually my favorite part. Because, through this consultation, I was able to learn something new. This is where the learning happened, I am very eager and enthusiastic to learn and gain knowledge from my supervisor. He has given me a lot of feedback which I found very interesting, I was like a sponge, and all I did was absorb every single suggestion and feedback from my supervisor. It was fun learning.
In the process of my demo teaching, I could say that I enjoyed it. Seeing the students learn something from me, really made me satisfied, happy, and I felt like I was floating, because of the happiness I felt that time. Then I was able to finish 4 lesson plans and teaching demo. Then, before our departure or our flight back to the Philippines, Mr. Thruc, let us check our feedback form. And I am very happy with the feedback and results I had.
OUTCOMES OF PRACTICUM
I am very happy with the experience, learnings, and motivation I gained from this entire practicum. The experience I gained from this practicum was undeniably the best and can't even compared to the worth of money that I spent in this practicum. The outcomes of practicum were very successful that has made an impact on each inbounds life. Through this practicum we earned friendships, life experiences, knowledge, and even changing cultures with the other inbounds and buddies. I will cherish and treasure these experiences. I am very grateful to the SEAMEO and SEA TEACHERS for making this program or practicum possible for me as mere student. Please continue this program so you can continue changing lives of the students who just attempt to dream but were able to achieve through your hands.
THE CHALLENGES OF PRACTICUM
I always believe that in every aspect of our life we will encounter challenges. But, we must always think a way on how we can solve this. In the process of my practicum, I encountered a problem that has been anticipated. Which is the language barrier and how I can encourage students to participate in my class. Dead air has always been my what if... Considering that English is a foreign language in Vietnam, expected that there is a language barrier. To work on this challenge, I designed a plan where I could hook the interest of the students. Fortunately, it works, students made noise and became wild and waiting for me for them to be called in the class recitation. And that made me really happy. Being able to witness such reaction and response from my students really made my day complete.
OVERALL IMPRESSION
I will not get tired of sharing this experience with you! Because believe me everything I say here are all based on my own experiences. I am very lucky to be one of the SEA TEACHERS delegates. These whole things and program are definitely a huge success. Whenever I reminisce these whole experiences, it always comes with a smile in my lips.
SUGGESTIONS
To give you a sort of advice or suggestions. I do suggest studying the culture of the country that you are going to choose. Fortunately, we have been briefed 2 days before our departure about the dos and don'ts regarding their culture. So, we know what we shouldn't wear in the tourist spots and do once we get there. Also, study some phrases in their language that you think might help you to communicate with them. Just like what happened to me, there were times that I went to the practicum school alone. So, I commute alone, and it's actually a great experience though. Also, get a sim card that has data, so if you get lost you can check the map and book a taxi that is indeed a life saver. In addition, despite being busy do not forget to have fun, explore the neighborhood, meet new people, and create memories that you can cherish.
I want to share my suggestions for the future improvement regarding the practicum. I do suggest that lengthen the stay of the pre-service teacher especially their involvement in teaching. Also, tell them what to expect, like in their dorm how is look like or at least send photos to them. Overall, I think everything is good.
So, I hope you enjoy my victorious journey in my practicum. Don't be afraid of taking new step, in life you just need the courage to take the first step, and the following steps will naturally follow and will lead you to your desire path.
