Summary and Suggestion

Purposes of Practicum

In addition to enhancing hands-on teaching experience, the SEA-Teacher program can also help prospective teachers in: 

a. Form professional teachers through in-depth practicum experience. 

b. Broaden insights into improving the quality of education, especially in the Southeast Asia region. 

c. Develop effective communication skills to interact with diverse students. 

d. Strengthen professional networks in the education environment.

Procedure of Practicum

This program certainly has procedures that must be carried out, to fulfill this responsibility as one of those participating in this exchange program, here are some things that I did during the program.

Weak 1: Observation and orientation

The first week started with visiting the school for the first time, also my first thrilling experience where I met the students directly. We were introduced first by some teachers and then we went through each laboratory (especially science) and then we ended up in the library to find references for teaching later.

Weak 2: Teaching assistant

This week was different because we were introduced by the assistant teacher, I was very happy because I got a new friend and it will even help me in the future of course. After that I was allowed to enter the classroom to monitor what was being done and what materials were being presented.

Weak 3: Demonstration

The most stressful day has arrived, the day where I will dedicate my time to fulfill the tasks of this program. I start teaching students, delivering materials like a teacher. This certainly adds to my enthusiasm.

Weak 4: Evaluation

In addition to the previous stressful days, the day of the evaluation was much more stressful, but I admit it was very enjoyable. I returned to presenting materials in other classes, and I even supervised the exam and presentation of the student proposal seminar.

Outcomes of Practicum

As a student and prospective teacher, the things I got during the program were very many, and even changed some of my old habits. So that made me think that all this time I was lacking, even so I tried that's why I'm here now. Here are some things I got during the SEA-Teacher program.

1. Increase self-confidence, I am very confident in my daily life and it has increased since I chose to join this program.
2. Time discipline, something that sounds simple but is difficult to do. I think I should thank this program, thanks to it I pay more attention to my time.
3. Improve English language skills, the thing I like the most is learning a new language, of course this really helps me improve my vocabulary and grammar which were previously chaotic.
4. Learning how to be a teacher, yes I am a prospective teacher but I still have to learn how to be a teacher.

The Challenges of Practicum

Once again I emphasize, I am a prospective teacher who is studying to become a teacher, and my biggest challenge is dealing with students. Especially with the differences in language and culture and different ways of learning. This made me who was confident feel like giving up but I was slapped by the fact that I had come this far with my efforts, it would be great if I could learn again and know more differences.

When I first started this program and I started teaching in grade 11, my confidence in my language was decreasing but it turned out that the students did not mind our language differences. They were very understanding and even encouraged me, and from there I became more determined to improve my English skills.

Overall Impression

First of all, I would like to say a big thank you to SEAMEO for holding this very valuable program. I feel very helped by this program, and this is the most valuable experience that I will continue to tell people.

Secondly, I would like to thank Saint Louis University for treating us well during this program, honestly I am a little bit jealous of the education at SLU which I think is very good. My favorite thing is the way they study, I'm always amazed at how smart they are and how passionate they are about learning, especially how time disciplined they are. I would like to apply some of the things I learned there if I can, such as the way they save money by walking and using public transportation, time discipline, neat clothes that portray an educator and educated and patient friendliness. Baguio in my opinion is the safest city so I feel comfortable there even though the weather is erratic and very cold but if given the time to return I prefer to live in Baguio.

Then to my friends in the attic and also from Vietnam, I am very happy to have been part of you for a month. Also to the buddies who accompanied us while in Baguio, Philippines, I say thank you very much, thanks to you I did not feel afraid at all and instead felt comfortable. Especially for my Faith, lots of love for you. I think you have been very patient with me :) thank you very much.

Suggestion for the future improvement

One month is a short time, I hope SEAMEO extends it to 2 or 3 months, because this is not an opportunity that will come twice to prospective teachers who want to gain more knowledge. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who has this message.