My name is Nhee Anne T. Canarios. I am a fourth-year student at Iloilo Science and Technology University Miagao Campus, pursuing a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Mathematics. I chose this course because numbers have always fascinated me – their logic, their elegance, their power to unlock the secrets of the universe. But my passion extends beyond equations and theorems; I believe in the transformative power of education, in the magic of connecting with people from different cultures, and in the sheer thrill of stepping outside of my comfort zone. So, when I heard about the Sea Teacher Program, I never let the opportunity slip through my fingers.
I am a Sea Teacher Batch 10 Participant in Indonesia on October 1-31, 2024. I am beyond grateful that I had given a chance to immerse myself in a new culture, to collaborate with inspiring educators, and to learn firsthand how mathematics is taught and perceived in a different part of the world.
Join me as I share my incredible SEA Teacher Project journey—a life-changing adventure filled with remarkable experiences and invaluable lessons. I'll recount the highlights of this transformative experience, exploring the worlds of teaching, cultural exchange, and personal growth.
Cultural Immersion
Traditional Costume and Makeup:
Wearing authentic Balinese costume and makeup wasn't just about looking the part; it was about feeling the part. The intricate details of the clothing and the artistry of the makeup transformed us, allowing us to connect more deeply with the Balinese culture and its traditions.
More than just steps, learning traditional Balinese dance from a professional dancer was an immersive experience. We learned the graceful movements, the rhythmic beats, and the stories woven into each dance, transporting us to a world of ancient traditions and cultural expression. The dancer's passion and expertise were truly inspiring.
Batik Making:
We have experienced to delved into the art of Batik, a traditional Indonesian textile dyeing technique that has been passed down through generations. The intricate patterns, the vibrant colors, and the meticulous process of creating Batik were a testament to the artistry and patience of Indonesian artisans. We were fortunate to have a skilled instructor guide us through the process of making our own batik, sharing her knowledge and passion for this ancient craft.
Historical Exploration:
Plaosan Temple and Sonobudoyo Museum:
Visiting Plaosan Temple and Sonobudoyo Museum was like stepping back in time. The intricate carvings, the stories etched into the stone, and the serene atmosphere of the temple left us in awe of the craftsmanship and the enduring legacy of this ancient civilization. Then, as we wander through the museum's thoughtfully curated exhibits, we have discovered the stories behind each item, reflecting the rich traditions and customs of the Javanese people. I can say that it wasn't just a collection of artifacts; it was a window into Indonesia's soul and we really felt a profound connection to Indonesia's rich history.
Culinary Delights:
Madiun's culinary scene proudly showcases its love for spicy food, a defining characteristic of its gastronomic identity. We experienced this firsthand, savoring the fiery flavors of Nasi Pecel, Nasi Goreng, and many more. The generous use of chilies in their dishes added a thrilling kick to each bite. This bold use of spice reflects the region's rich agricultural heritage and the adventurous palates of its people. Madiun's spicy cuisine is more than just food; it's a vibrant cultural expression.
Educational Exchange:
Teaching Observation, Practice Teaching, and Demonstration Teaching: Our SEA Teacher program included a valuable educational exchange at SMA Negeri 2 Madiun. The first week focused on classroom observation, allowing us to see various teaching methods firsthand. The second week marked the start of our practice teaching, where I taught classes X1-1 and X1-2. By the third week, I continued teaching X1-1 and also conducted a demo teaching for Class XI-4. This experience at SMA Negeri 2 Madiun proved incredibly rewarding. We interacted with students from diverse backgrounds, sharing our teaching skills and learning from theirs. Observing different teaching styles broadened our perspectives on education. The exchange provided invaluable insights into the Indonesian education system. We learned as much from the experienced educators as they learned from us. The entire experience was a significant highlight of our program.
SMA Negeri (SMAN) 2 Madiun, is one of the State Senior High Schools located on Biliton Street No. 24, Madiun, East Java Province, Indonesia. It was founded on September 1, 1953. Similar to high school in general in Indonesia, the school education period at SMAN 2 Madiun is taken within three years of study, starting from Class X to Class XII. In 2009, SMAN 2 Madiun opened an acceleration class that was only taken for two years of study. In 2007, this school used the previous Education Unit Level Curriculum with KBK. And began to implement the 2013 Curriculum in 2013 gradually.
VISION
The realization of a generation of the nation with high intellect and fighting power is based on Faith, Knowledge, Technology and Taqwa and noble ethics.
VISION INDICATORS
The realization of faith, devotion and noble ethics.
The realization of honesty, discipline and order.
The realization of high UN and UAS scores.
The realization of graduates who can be accepted at their favorite PTN.
The realization of student achievements in the academic field at the city/district, provincial, national and international levels.
The realization of student achievements in non-academic fields at the city/district, provincial, national and international levels.
The realization of an ICT/ICT-based learning process.
The realization of learning and communication in foreign languages.
MISSION
Implementing educational programs for the appreciation of religious values for the realization of a balance of imtaq, knowledge and charity as well as noble ethics.
Carry out effective and efficient learning to improve intellectual abilities and life skills and skills.
Carry out Information and Communication Technology-based learning.
Implementing learning programs that are able to actualize the identity of students who excel in the academic field.
Implementing learning programs that are able to actualize the identity of students who excel in non-academic fields.
Implementing learning programs that are able to produce qualified graduates and are able to compete in state universities, the business world and industry.
Carry out an intensive tutoring process to increase the acquisition of UN and UAS scores.
Carry out the learning process using bilingualism.
PURPOSE
Can improve the balance of imtaq, knowledge and noble ethics of all school residents
It can improve honesty, discipline and order of all school residents.
It can increase the average achievement of UN and UAS scores to 8.5.
It can increase the percentage of graduates accepted at favorite PTN to 95%.
It can improve students' academic achievement (Science Olympiad and POPDA) at the city/district, provincial, national, and international levels.
It can improve the non-academic achievement of students (LKIR, Art, Computer, Scouting, PKS and PMR) at the city/district, provincial, national, and international levels.
It can improve the ICT/ICT-based learning process.
Be able to realize learning and communication in foreign languages (English day).
SMA Negeri 2 Madiun prioritizes academic support, recognizing its crucial role in student success. The school offers a multifaceted system encompassing diverse learning resources, targeted assistance, and personalized guidance. This multimodal approach caters to varied learning styles, fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. Students are encouraged to actively participate in their education, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The emphasis extends beyond knowledge acquisition to cultivate a lifelong love of learning. A collaborative, student-centered approach is promoted, empowering students to thrive. This holistic support system equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate an increasingly complex world. SMA Negeri 2 Madiun's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its comprehensive support network.
SMA Negeri 2 Madiun's teaching system is grounded in the Indonesian national curriculum (Kurikulum 2013), encompassing core subjects like Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Bahasa Indonesia, English, and others. This framework provides a strong foundation, yet the school's approach extends beyond standardized instruction. A key element is differentiated instruction, which personalizes learning experiences to cater to the diverse needs and learning styles within the student body. In Mathematics, for example, the curriculum delves into algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, and statistics, but the delivery of this content is tailored to individual student strengths and learning preferences.
SMA Negeri 2 Madiun employs a diverse pedagogical approach, integrating traditional and modern teaching methodologies to effectively deliver its curriculum. The school's commitment to holistic learning is evident in its multifaceted instructional strategies.
One cornerstone of the school's teaching philosophy is lecture-based learning, where teachers impart foundational knowledge across various subjects through structured lectures. This traditional method provides a solid base of information upon which subsequent learning activities build. However, SMA Negeri 2 Madiun recognizes the limitations of passive learning and actively incorporates discussion-based learning to foster critical thinking and deeper understanding. Classroom discussions encourage active participation, prompting students to engage with the material and articulate their perspectives.
Furthermore, the school embraces more active learning approaches such as project-based learning (PBL). Extended projects allow students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems, developing essential problem-solving and research skills. Collaborative learning, through group activities and peer-to-peer interaction, enhances teamwork and communication abilities, vital skills for success beyond the academic realm.
The integration of technology is another key feature of SMA Negeri 2 Madiun's educational approach. The utilization of educational software, online resources, and interactive whiteboards enriches the learning experience, providing access to a wider range of information and engaging learning tools. Experiential learning further complements these methods, with field trips and laboratory experiments offering practical application of theoretical knowledge.
Supporting this comprehensive teaching approach is a wide variety of learning materials, carefully selected to align with national education standards set by the Ministry of Education and Culture. These materials encompass traditional textbooks and workbooks, supplemented by digital resources and multimedia materials to cater to diverse learning styles.
Assessment at SMA Negeri 2 Madiun is similarly diverse, reflecting a commitment to evaluating student learning across various dimensions. Formative assessments provide ongoing feedback, guiding student learning and identifying areas needing improvement. Summative assessments, such as midterm exams (Ujian Tengah Semester – UTS), gauge overall understanding and mastery of concepts. Practical and performance-based assessments, such as laboratory experiments and recitations, evaluate the application of knowledge and the development of practical skills. This comprehensive assessment strategy provides a holistic view of student progress and informs future instruction.
My time as a SEA Teacher Batch- 10 Participant in Indonesia has been more than just a program; it's been a transformative experience that has opened my eyes to a world of possibilities. It's not just about the skills I've gained, but about the personal and professional growth I've experienced through immersing myself in a culture so vibrant and rich.
Learning Indonesian wasn't just about memorizing words; it was about understanding the rhythm of conversation, the subtle nuances of politeness, and the joy of shared laughter. I've learned to appreciate the intricate beauty of traditional dances, the vibrant colors of batik, and the stories whispered by ancient temples. I've discovered the symphony of flavors in every meal.
The most profound lessons came from the people. Their warmth, their generosity, their unwavering belief in the power of human connection – it touched me deeply. I saw resilience in the face of hardship, a spirit that refused to be broken, and a kindness that extended beyond language and cultural barriers.
The classroom experience has been invaluable. Observing classes, teaching under the guidance of experienced Indonesian educators, and designing my own lessons has helped me hone my pedagogical practices and gain a deeper understanding of different learning styles. It's also allowed me to build meaningful connections with teachers and students at the local level, fostering intercultural understanding and partnership.
This SEA Teacher program has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to become an effective citizen and educator of the globe. I've learned the importance of adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and the power of human connection. I've discovered a passion for teaching that burns brighter than ever before, fueled by the desire to share these experiences and inspire a love of learning in others.
I believed that I am not the same person I was when I arrived in Indonesia. I am more confident, more adaptable, more aware of the world around me. I am a student teacher who has been shaped by the warmth and wisdom of the Indonesian people, carrying their spirit with me as I embark on my journey as a future educator.
My student teaching experience at SMA Negeri 2 Madiun provided invaluable insights into Indonesian teaching practices. The school's comprehensive program for student teachers—beginning with observation of experienced educators, progressing to co-teaching with mentors, and culminating in independent classroom management—fosters professional growth through continuous feedback. The high school students at SMA Negeri 2 Madiun are smart and eager to learn, making teaching a rewarding experience. However, to further enhance the program, incorporating more interactive activities (group discussions, role-playing, hands-on projects) and leveraging technology (educational apps, online quizzes, multimedia resources) would create even more dynamic, engaging and accessible learning experiences.
Another personal observation during the internship reinforced the importance of building strong student-teacher relationships. While students demonstrated good comprehension, a lack of conversational English practice hindered their confidence in expressing themselves. I found that using a combination of traditional teaching methods, such as instructional materials and writing on the board, along with modern techniques helped bridge the language barrier. To improve fluency, I recommend supplementary English conversation classes and integrating English into other subjects, using English-language materials in mathematics, for example. To truly connect with students, we need to speak their language – not just English, but the language of their hearts and culture. Investing in basic Bahasa Indonesian is an investment in a richer, more meaningful learning experience, far exceeding the simple exchange of greetings.