I have dreamed of being a part of this SEA Teacher Project once it came into my knowledge about the process and the benefits of this program for me.
PURPOSES OF PRACTICUM
I have been fielded to another country that has a different culture, different tradition that they practice, different environment and different people. But this had made it much more special because we get to experience a new world where everyday offers a new discovery of the life in a different country.
I do not have the right to complain for in the first place there is nothing to complain when it comes to people's generosity, and the services that have been offered to us in our time in Madiun, Indonesia. We had established high expectations for this program and I must say for the most part, it did not disappoint. It had exceeded our expectations especially in the school we were fielded to teach because it opened our eyes that in a non-english country, people still has that light of progress because of their future... THE CHILDREN.
Although, these were extraordinary factors that were positively overwhelming there were some that didn't quite met the needs of all the international students especially in the dormitory. Though it was just a minor need, we still needed the right facilities in the kitchen of the dormitory because we firmly believe it will be a waste of time and money. All throughout our stay, we felt obligated to buy food online or go out which can be a lot pricey because there are no stove, and other kitchen utensils available in the dormitory, only the kettle and rice cooker.
But nevertheless it was a fun experience we will never forget for the rest of our lives, because for the most part it had impacted greatly to our perspectives and the way we see life in general. I guess the main purpose of this program is not to send students abroad but because of its binding factors that it would make us when we understood better of cultural understanding and unity as ASEAN.
PROCEDURES OF PRACTICUM
Since we were first among the International students, our first days we were able to roam around Madiun, Indonesia for its main streets and the neighborhood we were part of in the dormitory.
In the first official week we had the welcoming for the sea teachers for both the University and the High School we were teaching as well as the observation phase of this program. We had 3 observations pre-teaching and took turns of observing one another with my classmate who is also teaching in the same class with me in the succeeding days.
In between teaching, we were fortunate enough to visit different places around Madiun and even outside of Madiun as a part of our Cultural Immersion of this program. We had BIPA classes beforehand and were fully immersed mostly on the weekends. We also had the opportunity to visit another province and went to Yogyakarta.
On our final week we had our final evaluation and Farewell Ceremonies for both the University as well as the High School where we performed a traditional Filipino folk dance called 'Carinosa.'
February 17 was our last day in Indonesia and had to go back to the Philippines. The time ended but surely the memories wont.
OUTCOMES OF PRACTICUM
At the end of this practicum the student teacher had been:
1. Culturally aware and open of all ASEAN nations;
2. communicatively improved in efficiency and in instruction;
3. resourceful in making materials;
4. considerate and sensitive in the kind of activities he conducts inside the classroom;
5. more understandable and knowledgeable on how inclusivity happens inside the classroom;
6. happier and proud on how he have realized the huge impact a teacher can contribute to the society.
CHALLENGES OF PRACTICUM
Anything in life, challenges are inevitable. In reality, you can aspire for perfection but nothing is perfect. In my experience of being a part of this SEA TEACHER PROJECT I also encountered my challenges.
PERSONAL CHALLENGES
In the first days, we were actually the first participants to arrive in Madiun. I was alone in my room and for sure that didn't help me at all with me missing my family. Although I consider myself strong, being away from my family for the first time can be really challenging.
Another personal challenge is the food. I consider it as a personal challenge because not all people are like me who doesn't really engage that much into spicy foods. Most of the Indonesian cuisines are into spicy side of taste and in the Philippines we are much of sweet lovers. Although it had been a struggle for me, tasting the food will always be a great way of experiencing the culture of another country.
TEACHING CHALLENGES
When it comes to teaching the students one thing is evident which could be a great challenge and that is the language barrier. Although I was quite impressed on the level of proficiency of most students in the english language, there were some students who weren't that fluent in the language which limited their chances of actually reciting in class.
Another teaching related challenge I have encountered is the lack of resources to be found around Madiun. There was a time when it was raining at night and we really need to print something but there were no open computer shops nearby, we had to take the motorcycle with our buddies to print to a far printing shop.
OVERALL IMPRESSION
This program regardless of not being perfect has opened a lot of doors not only for us international students but also for the partnerships and linkages of the organizations such as universities that are involved.
This is one great way of exposing students as well as promoting unity among the different nations that are involved. This has been an experience that I will never forget and will treasure in a lifetime. I was honestly curious yet excited at the same time when we had our flight to Indonesia. But as I said, it had exceeded my expectations.
This is a great way of making student teachers be exposed to different kinds of learners because this will challenge their work of inclusivity and learner-centeredness as a 21st century teacher.
SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE IMPROVEMENT
As I have said before everything has its room for improvement. In this project I have some suggestions that I hope would be considered for the convenience of the people involved and would maybe give a higher rating for the institutions.
FOR THE RECEIVING UNIVERSITY
1. BE MORE METICULOUS IN SCHEDULE. There were times where schedules weren't really followed and had many adjustments and the worst scenario is the students preparing for that event or schedule but it did not push through.
2. INVEST ON THE DORM NEEDS MORE. As i have stated that the boys dorm only had one clothing iron and not complete kitchen facilities and utensils.
3. BE A LITTLE CAREFUL ON THE TERMS THAT ARE USED. There will be times where you will encounter more sensitive students, so watch out for the words that will be used and make sure no people are offended.
4. SPEND THE TIME WELL. There were times when we had extra time after our tasks but the buddies decided to let us rest in the dorm but we insisted to explore more of Madiun. Spend the time very well, it could be a great adjustment or filler to activities in the culture or even just a walk around the city.
FOR SEAMEO
I have only one request for SEAMEO. PLEASE PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS. There are a lot of students who aspire to be one of the participants of the SEA Teacher Project especially my school but they didn't have the means to actually even provide the plane tickets.
Scholarships could be a great benefit in making sure to give chances and opportunities to those who are more financially challenged, so that they could also share their story that would inspire others to be in line with the scholarship as well.
