Across the SEA :
A Voyage full of learnings anchored for a lifetime
SUMMARY AND SUGGESTIONS
P
U
R
P
O
S
E
S
OF
PRACTICUM
This teaching practicum not only prepared me for what to expect in this profession that I chose, but I also witnessed how it contributed to the educational experience of the students I taught.
It made me more flexible because what I taught was quite different from what I used to socialize with in the Philippines. They are Indonesians who speak a different language, are used to a different teaching method, and cope with the instruction in a different way. However, those were the reasons I pushed myself to adjust to them and have a better understanding of whatever transpired. They taught me to be more patient, to give my all, to adjust, and to learn while teaching.
With regards to them, I knew firsthand that what I performed in class was effective since they actively participated in my discussion from the start to the finish. They constantly raised their hands to recite, something one of the teachers told me they don't typically do. This just means that the students who were once passive gained their confidence to raise their hands and recite in class. In addition, they made every effort to communicate in English, despite the fact that it was a foreign language to them. Which is another thing that I appreciate about them because they tried it regardless of how difficult it was for them.
To conclude, the main purpose of the practicum is that they learned something from me and I learned something from them --- the reason why this profession exists and still continuing to exists.
P
R
O
C
E
D
U
R
E
S
OF
PRACTICUM
The greetings came first. Then I began the period with an encouraging and engaging activity to wake their whole being. Since, we cannot expect the students to be active in class if they are not physically and mentally ready about it. Then, when I noticed that they were prepared for my lesson, I started the discussion.
Basic concepts were introduced initially, followed by the main topic, and then, structures and examples were provided for deeper understanding. The flow was smooth even if there were some cases that I needed a translator to convey what I say to the students because of the language barrier.
​
With regards to the activities, they were carried out both orally and in writing to assess what were their strengths and weaknesses. Questions have been raised and promptly answered.
At the conclusion, the discussion was clarified and generalized.
O
U
T
C
O
M
E
S
OF
PRACTICUM
Frankly speaking, I was surprised by the outcome of my teaching practice.
My first impression about them was that they were passive students who couldn't speak English no matter how hard they try since it is not the language that they are accustomed to and even the basics are considered hard for them. However, the two sections that I handled impressed me and lifted my perception about them, about their abilities, knowledge, personalities, and among others, because they actively engaged in my class. Whenever I asked them questions regarding the topic, they answered them bravely even though they had difficulty communicating and that they were hesitant with their answers.
Through this, I recognized that they appreciated me teaching them despite the fact that I was a foreigner who didn't know much about them, specially their preferred way of learning. They participated in my class as if I was their true teacher, and they respected me for what I had to offer them and I never heard a complain about it.
Thus, the outcomes made me believe what they said that I did a great job teaching them because they learned something from me as well as they liked my way of teaching because they enjoyed it.
C
H
A
L
L
E
N
G
E
S
OF
PRACTICUM
I believe that regardless of what classroom we are in, who our students are, or what curriculum we are following, there is no such thing as perfection; everything is faulty, and there is always a gap that should be filled primarily for the purpose of students' learning.
Once again, as I indicated in earlier parts, one of the most difficult issues I experienced during my practicum was the differences in everything between me and my students. Their native tongue was Indonesian, while mine was Filipino. I am certain that there were instances that misinterpretation occurred because they did not fully comprehend what I said, and the same is true for me. Regarding the religion difference, I worked hard to adjust because the beliefs and practices are completely different from what I practice in my religion. All of the students I taught and the teachers I interacted with were Muslims, and I had to respect their beliefs no matter how different they were from mine. Furthermore, they were unaccustomed with the methods of instruction I employed in class. According to one of the students, some of their teachers allowed them do whatever they wanted in class, even if it was sometimes unnecessary, but as for me, I encouraged all of them to get involved and didn't let any of them be left out. I made sure they paid attention to the board and to me, and not close their eyes and totally drifting off to sleep.
There may be gaps and disparities, but at the end of the day, I am enthusiastic that we handled each other properly, leading us to the conclusion that the process of instruction and learning was successful.
OVERALL IMPRESSIONS
As I quoted “differences may be odd sometimes, but it is what make things more interesting.” My overall experience made me realize this one. Despite the contrasting language, religions, and practices, as well as the doubts and uncertainties I felt, I was still able to survive the journey.
​
Before entering the different world that I conquered recently, I already expected from the beginning that I would encounter a lot of differences as we were born and raised in a different land, and that was what really happened. Communicating with its people, adapting to their culture and practices as the majority of them are Muslims, adjusting to the kind of food they have, teaching students possessing various behaviors, and conforming to their everyday routines for a while were the challenges that I had come across while staying in Indonesia. However, through these challenges, I was able to expand my horizons with the beauty of diversities and measure how flexible I am. Also, these encounters led me to the realization that the notion of differences is not always challenging, but it is also exciting.
​
I may have experienced hardships and difficulties as it was my first time meeting new people with completely different perceptions and beliefs as mine, but these hardships made me more eager to know and learn more about various things so that I will have something engaging to share with my future students that will make them appreciate, embrace, and accept differences that they will bump into.
​
With the help of my home university, University of Northern Philippines (UNP), my receiving university, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), and above all, the school where I was deployed, SMP Muhammadiyah 1 Kartasura or Muhjitos, I experienced great things teaching across the sea and a voyage that is full of learnings anchored for a life time.