Embarking on the path of becoming a teacher is a transformative experience, and my journey as a pre-service student teacher in Indonesia has been no exception. This period has been filled with learning, growth, and profound insights into the world of education.
Hello, I'm Arianne Joy Amorin, a Science Education student from the University of Northern Philippines. This article will discuss my journey as a pre-service student teacher through the SEA Teacher program at Universitas Negeri Malang.
Name of Student: Arianne Joy Amorin
Date of Birth: July 17, 2003
Age: 21
University Name: University of Northern Philippines
University Address: Tamag, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
Faculty: College of Teacher Education
Major: Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Science
Year: 4th Year
Email : ariannejoyamorin@gmail.com
"Maysa aldaw, Maysa akkaw"
"One Step at a Time"
School Profile
Universitas Negeri Malang (UM) is a prestigious higher education institution managed by the Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education in Indonesia. It is located in Malang and Blitar, East Java. Established initially as the Malang Teacher Education College (PTPG) on September 1, 1954, it officially opened its doors on October 18, 1954, following a decree from the Minister of Education, Teaching, and Culture. Over time, it evolved into FKIP, or Teacher Training and Education, becoming one of Indonesia's oldest teacher training institutes. On August 4, 1999, it was formally renamed Malang State University.
UM distinguishes itself as the only state-run university in Indonesia dedicated to achieving the status of "The Learning University." This vision reflects its commitment to functioning as both a Learning Organization and a Learning Resource. With a rich history dating back to 1954, Universitas Negeri Malang stands as the oldest and most reputable university in Malang. In recent decades, the university has witnessed significant growth and development. Strategically situated in the city's heart, the campus is renowned for its impressive buildings and facilities, which foster academic excellence and empower students to become top achievers in various fields. "The Learning University," UM's academic community is deeply engaged in numerous projects aimed at academic, technological, and artistic advancements. Their efforts have resulted in various innovations, curriculum enhancements, and the empowerment of resources.
Inside the university there is a SMP Laboratorium for junior high school students offering grades 7 to 9. The SMP lab also has a specialization offered, which is the International Class Program (ICP) and regular class. There are 650 students that are enrolled at SMP Lab and 33 teachers. The vision of SMP Lab is Excellent in Faith, Achievement, Independence, Social and Character, and Environmental Culture, with the mission Excellent in Faith, Achievement, Independence, Social and Character, and Environmental Culture.
Academic Support System
The academic support system at SMP Laboratorium UM is a comprehensive framework that significantly enhances the learning experience for students. One of the most remarkable aspects of SMP Laboratorium UM is its state of the art facilities. Each classroom is equipped with a television and speakers, which are essential tools for modern learning activities. These technological aids facilitate interactive and engaging lessons, allowing teachers to incorporate multimedia resources into their teaching.
Moreover, the school boasts a variety of specialized facilities that support different educational programs. The IPA laboratory, in particular, stands out for its extensive collection of apparatuses. These tools provide students with hands-on experience, enabling them to explore and understand various scientific concepts in depth.
SMP Laboratorium UM offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, which play a crucial role in the holistic development of students. By participating in these clubs, students have the opportunity to pursue their interests and develop new skills outside the traditional classroom setting. Some of the popular clubs include English, Visual Arts, Arsimbo Scouts, Lab Entrepreneur, Traditional Dance, and Modern Dance. These activities not only foster creativity and leadership but also encourage students to collaborate and build lasting friendships.
The school provides numerous study areas that are designed to create a refreshing and conducive atmosphere for learning. The pleasant environment in these study zones helps students concentrate better and enhances their overall academic performance. The availability of well-maintained spaces for individual and group study ensures that students can choose the setting that best suits their learning style.
SMP Laboratorium UM, an esteemed educational institution in Indonesia, implements a unique blend of the Independent and Cambridge curricula. This approach not only aligns with the national educational standards set by the Indonesian government but also incorporates international educational practices. The integration of the Independent and Cambridge curricula ensures that students receive a comprehensive education. The Independent curriculum, provided by the Indonesian government, focuses on foundational knowledge and skills essential for students' academic growth. It emphasizes core subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and Indonesian Language, ensuring that students meet national educational standards.
On the other hand, the Cambridge curriculum introduces an international perspective to education. It encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and global awareness. Subjects such as English, Global Perspectives, and Information Technology are included, preparing students for a globalized world. The dual-curriculum approach significantly affects teaching methods at SMP Laboratorium UM. Teachers are required to be versatile and adaptable, employing a variety of instructional strategies to cater to both curricula. The combination of these curricula aims to produce well-rounded students who excel academically and possess critical life skills. Students benefit from a balanced education that fosters both academic excellence and personal development. In my observation, the instructional material my cooperating teacher uses is different strategies and diverse learning resources like textbooks, power point presentations, models and uses hands-on activities for the experiment in science.
Pedagogical Content
Science education at SMP Laboratorium UM is uniquely structured around project-based learning, offering students an engaging and hands-on experience. This approach allows students to actively participate in their learning process, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By focusing on real-world applications, students are encouraged to explore scientific concepts deeply and meaningfully. My cooperating teacher also integrates game based approaches in teaching science. The integration of game-based learning further enhances this experience by incorporating traditional Indonesian games. These games not only make learning fun and interactive but also connect students with their cultural heritage. Through this method, students are able to grasp complex scientific theories in a more relatable and enjoyable manner.
In addition to project-based learning and game-based activities, SMP Laboratorium UM also emphasizes media-based learning. This comprehensive educational strategy is structured around several stages: orientation, guiding, individual investigation, presentation, analysis, and evaluation. During the orientation stage, students are introduced to new concepts, followed by guiding sessions where they receive support and instruction. The individual investigation phase allows students to explore topics independently, fostering autonomy and self-directed learning. Afterward, students present their findings, engage in analysis, and participate in evaluation sessions. This structured approach not only solidifies their understanding of scientific concepts but also develops essential skills such as communication, analysis, and self-assessment, preparing them for future academic and professional endeavors.
At Universitas Negeri Malang, I joined lectures in undergraduate science classes. The science education curriculum for undergraduate students as i observe is uniquely designed to emphasize environmental awareness, particularly in the conservation of animals and plants. The university recognizes the importance of equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to address pressing environmental issues. To achieve this, educators at Universitas Negeri Malang develop a variety of innovative learning materials and activities that engage students actively. These materials are crafted to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of ecological systems and the challenges they face. Through hands-on projects, field studies, and interactive workshops, students are encouraged to explore real-world environmental problems and devise sustainable solutions. By focusing on these critical areas, Universitas Negeri Malang not only enhances the educational experience but also prepares students to become informed and responsible stewards of the environment.
Teaching Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) at SMP Lab has been a transformative experience for me as a future educator. One of the key aspects I had to adapt to was the diverse backgrounds of my students, which included a variety of cultural and learning differences. This diversity challenged me to adjust my teaching styles to better meet the needs of each student. By incorporating more inclusive and flexible teaching methods, I was able to foster a more engaging and supportive learning environment. Through this process, I learned invaluable skills in managing a classroom with diverse learners and gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of IBL in encouraging critical thinking and active participation among students.
Additionally, my cooperating teacher played a crucial role in my development as a science educator. Their guidance and feedback helped me refine my instructional strategies and integrate IBL more effectively into my lessons. This mentorship not only enhanced my teaching practice but also solidified my understanding of how to create meaningful learning experiences. The insights and experiences gained from teaching at SMP Lab have equipped me with the tools necessary to become a more effective educator, capable of adapting to various educational settings and fostering a love for learning in my future students.
The Southeast Asia Student Exchange Program is designed to foster cross-cultural understanding and academic collaboration among students in the region. This program aims to provide participants with the opportunity to immerse themselves in diverse cultural settings, thereby enhancing their global awareness and intercultural communication skills. As a student teacher, joining this program has met my educational and professional needs by offering a variety of enriching activities that have broadened my perspective. These activities are tailored to enhance the participants' teaching methodologies and expose them to innovative educational practices. Through workshops, seminars, and classroom observations, I have gained valuable insights into different teaching styles and strategies, which are crucial for my development as a science educator.
Participating in the Southeast Asia Student Exchange Program has been an eye-opening experience for me. Being exposed to a diverse group of students and cultures has significantly contributed to my understanding of the social and cultural dynamics that influence education. This exposure is essential for my future career, as it equips me with the skills needed to effectively engage with students from various backgrounds. I have learned a lot about adapting my teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning needs, which is a critical aspect of being a successful science educator. Overall, the program has not only enhanced my teaching capabilities but also enriched my personal growth by broadening my worldview.
In conclusion, this practicum the Southeast Asia Student Exchange Program is an invaluable initiative that meets my needs as a student teacher. It provides a platform for enhancing my teaching skills, offers transformative learning experiences, and exposes me to a wide range of cultures. These experiences are crucial for my development as a science educator, preparing me to effectively engage with diverse student populations and contribute positively to the global educational community.
During my teaching practice at SMP LAB UM, I encountered a comprehensive and structured approach that significantly enhanced my pedagogical skills. The process began with an observation phase, where I had the opportunity to watch experienced teachers in action, allowing me to understand effective classroom management techniques and various instructional strategies. Following this, I engaged in a teaching assistantship, which provided hands-on experience in supporting teachers and interacting with students, thereby building my confidence in a classroom setting. Subsequently, I moved on to the lesson plan preparation stage, where I learned to design structured and engaging lessons under the guidance of my cooperating teacher. This phase was crucial as it taught me how to align lesson objectives with curriculum standards while incorporating diverse learning activities to cater to different student needs. Finally, the lesson implementation phase allowed me to deliver my prepared lessons to the students, receiving immediate feedback from both my cooperating teacher and the students themselves. Throughout this process, my cooperating teacher offered invaluable guidance and support, ensuring that I developed a reflective practice to continuously improve my teaching methods. This structured approach not only equipped me with essential teaching skills but also instilled a deep appreciation for the teaching profession.
During my practicum, I faced several challenges, such as student inactivity due to the teacher-centered approach commonly used in Indonesia. However, with the help of my cooperating teacher, I successfully implemented my Inquiry-Based Learning Kit to engage students actively. I am grateful that there was no language barrier, as I was handling an International Class program. Additionally, I am thankful for the support of my mentors and fellow participants, which helped me overcome these challenges and create meaningful lessons.
Participating in the SEA Teacher Exchange Program in Malang, Indonesia, was an incredibly enriching and enjoyable experience. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the warmth and friendliness of the people in Malang. Their welcoming nature made me feel at home instantly and allowed me to immerse myself fully in the culture and environment of this vibrant city. One of the highlights of my stay was the opportunity to forge lasting friendships. I met many wonderful people who have become lifelong friends. I am particularly grateful to my buddies, Firslady and Azizah, who went above and beyond to ensure our stay was memorable. Their kindness and hospitality were truly heartwarming, and they played a significant role in making my experience in Malang unforgettable. I also had the pleasure of meeting three SEA teachers from Universitas Negeri Malang (UM). Despite their busy schedules and numerous activities, they graciously accompanied us and provided invaluable support. Their dedication to helping us adapt and thrive in a new environment was greatly appreciated.
I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the officials at UM, especially Dr. Sopingi. As our guide and mentor, Dr. Sopingi was the one who guided us in enriching our journey. Despite his busy schedule, he consistently updated us and organized activities that enhanced our learning experience. His mentorship was a blessing, and I am incredibly thankful for his guidance. My experience at SMP LAB UM was equally rewarding, thanks to my cooperating teacher, Ma'am Nisa. Her guidance and support in science education were invaluable. I learned so much under her tutelage, and her passion for teaching inspired me to strive for excellence in my own educational journey.