About

1. Teaching Method

From what I observed, Sir Sison was in the classroom for nearly 3 weeks. He used developmental lesson methods. He often asks students about the topic before continuing the discussion. He also always asks students to recount their thoughts or experiences on the topic. This is what makes his teaching a student-centered approach. Also, he gives assignments in groups at the end of the discussion as the part of implementation of the discussed topic. This also enhances students' critical thinking because most of the time, they're supposed to analyze something. 

2. Teaching Material and Innovation

For Senior High School grades 11 and 12, where I observed and taught, the teaching materials provided by teachers were modules according to the teaching guidelines of the Ministry of Education. Teachers also provide icebreakers at the beginning of the lesson to attract students' attention to the topic or continue the discussion.

3. Authentic Assessment Used by The Teacher

Based on my observations, my critical teacher used a performance-based assessment. An assessment is given at the end of the discussion to prepare the next topic and discussion. In addition, teachers give a summative assessment in a short activity, asking students to analyze sentences or a paragraph related to the topic.

Purposes of Practicum

As the participant of this SEA-Teacher program, I believe that this program has several purposes as mentioned below

1. Improving teaching skills of pre-service student teachers;

2. Facilitating pre-service student teachers to experience teaching in the school of other country and learn about the culture of the assigned country;

3. Training pre-service student teachers to face challenges regarding differences in new environment and letting them to adapt;

4. Enhancing pre-service student teachers’ English speaking ability.

Outcomes of Practicum

1. Enhancing my teaching skills as well my preparation to teach in the class;

2. Improving my English speaking skills, especially that I was assigned in the Philippines, which is a country that uses English as a second language;

3. Making me more open minded to different cultures, society and environment; and

4. Fostering myself to adapt into new environment and face challenges within the differences of educational system, cultures and society.

 The Challenges of Practicum

1. In the first section, I was nervous and made me stutter when I spoke. I had to think about how this teaching demonstration is fun.

2. Classroom management. Sometimes when they’re excited about something, it’s difficult to get the students to be quiet and attentive again.