The practicum fulfilled its purpose of providing a hands-on teaching experience in a new cultural context. A teacher's happiness indeed is when the students are happy and understand. Learning is not just in the four corners of the classroom; it's always far beyond teaching life, experiences, and culture. This experience is a step in helping me develop not only professionally but also personally, as I gained insights into the Vietnamese educational system and culture.
I found that having an hands-on teaching methods and simple and clear activities allowed me to grow both as an educator and a learner. It's quite challenging to think activities and how to execute it in the class. Through observation, I followed structured approach to teaching which help me to gradually adapt. With this process, I was immensely helpful in building my confidence and skills as future educator.
The outcomes of my practicum were highly rewarding especially when I got the chance to see my evaluation. All of those are the fruit of my labor and I couldn't imagine how I surpassed the challenges. Upon observing myself, I noticed improvements in my communication and classroom management abilities, and I became more flexible and responsive to cater to the needs of my students even across language barriers. I definitely had a hard time but this program pushed me out of my comfort zone and offered new perspective on teaching. The lessons that I've learned whether it's inside and outside the school will stay with me throughout my career and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this remarkable program.
One of the main difficulties I experienced during my internship was adjusting to the language differences, which sometimes made it hard to engage with the students and convey ideas as effectively as I wanted. Handling a classroom, especially in a foreign environment test my adaptability. It was important to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere , even when cultural differences made communication difficult. I learned the importance of patience, flexibility, and understanding the local context to address the challenges effectively.
Being part of SEA Teacher Student Exchange Batch 10 not only provided a unique opportunity that lasted for 20 days, but also aided in my professional and personal growth, leaving me with a lasting appreciation for the culture and educational system in Vietnam. It was a journey of navigating a different educational system, learning how to adapt to a new culture, and developing teaching strategies that cater to the needs of the learner. It was eye-opening to become more confident, adaptable, and prepared for future challenges as I take the journey of being a teacher. It's a transformative experience that widens my horizons and equips me with skills that go beyond the classroom.
For future improvements, I propose workshops and seminars as a means to enhance skills, allowing pre-service teachers to share their insights and ideas, while also broadening their understanding of the country's culture and educational system. Workshops and seminars are excellent settings to develop adaptable teaching techniques and learn how to overcome common challenges in cross-cultural teaching environments. There's an opportunity to learn practical classroom tips, meet fellow educators, and learn techniques that will help you connect with students. This opportunity will provide you with valuable connections with individuals who can truly support and inspire you throughout your teaching journey.