The two weeks of internship I had at SD Fastabiqul Khairat were days filled with meaningful learnings, exhilarating experiences, and unforgettable memories.
Through observation, I witnessed how everyone in the school community conforms to standards and adheres to rules from having a proper dress code to practicing decorum and manners. Pupils at the school hold high regard for teachers as they are respectful and obedient. Moreover, their knowledge and skills are beyond standards.
Teachers on the other hand are cheerful, energetic, and dedicated. They are passionate about what they do. During the teaching assistantship I had, I observed how teachers make an effort to educate young minds as they are very competent with their lessons and organized in managing their time.
Further, I notice how pupils learn best through gamification and collaborative work. They are very active with activities that involve movement and task that requires teamwork. Further, class participation increases with this kind of approach. As per teachers, some apply collaborative activity while others prefer giving individual tasks in adherence to their learning guide. Though this is is effective in fostering independence, it also important to balance teaching methods to cater the learning needs of pupils.
For the environment, the school is safe and conducive for learning. The school is well equipped with facilities essential for developing contemporary knowledge and skills. The school operates with quality learning facilities such as a laboratory, library, multimedia room, and art room. For the classroom setting, each room is well-lit and ventilated with smart seating arrangements and functional built-in teaching equipment that are beneficial for the teaching and learning process.
Overall, my two-week stay at the school was a great teaching and learning experience. It made me witness various methods and techniques that are fun, engaging, and effective. I learned some organizing activities, gained ideas for classroom management, and experienced commendable school practices and culture.
Teaching methods and techniques are what set every teacher apart. While some prefer lectures, others go beyond by employing technology in the teaching-learning process. In today’s generation, teachers become more creative, flexible, and innovative in implementing their lessons.
During my two-day observation period at SD Fastabiqul Khairat, I witnessed various pedagogical trends and teaching styles. For Math class, the teacher encourages cooperative learning by giving activities that require teamwork for student-led learning. For English classes, the teacher uses the conventional lecture method with technology as a learning aid. For Science class, the teacher integrates inquiry-based and group learning by prompting pupils to observe and pairing them to share ideas. Overall, the teaching methods observed are a mix between traditional and contemporary pedagogy as teachers try to inculcate knowledge the best way they can while considering modern approaches and tools in teaching.
Nowadays, the integration of ICT in the teaching-learning process is the predominant practice. As such, technology is widely used as instructional material. However, teachers at SD Fastabiqul Khairat take it to a higher level. The school curricula integrate Cambridge University Press materials and teaching outlines specifically for the English subject. As such, their classes are more advanced in a way that they implore efficient teaching methodology, apply interactive learning activities, and utilize technological tools for discussion.
Further, classrooms are well equipped with audio and visual devices that aid teachers in delivering their lessons. Moreover, the traditional board discussion is still practiced, while textbook and worksheets are utilized in a manner that aids pupil’s mastery of the lesson.
Textbooks and worksheets are the common source of learning while slide presentations, computer, audio, and visual materials are the frequent technological tools used in the teaching and learning process.
Pupils are given various books for different functions. Textbooks are provided as references for class discussion, activity books are given as material for writing activities, and another book is used for enrichment tasks that may done at home. Teachers see to it that these materials benefit pupils by utilizing each book effectively.
Further, teachers use the aid of Power Up Plus, an application that can present images and play audio and film that is related to the learning material. Computers are also used for hands-on learning. Teachers discuss lessons while pupils either hear and view concepts on screen or answer activities using individual computers. Thus, learning is more student-centered as they are more engaged in the teaching and learning process with learning sources and materials that support their acquisition of knowledge and skills.
Assessment is mostly carried out in the form of pen-and-paper tests and performance tasks. Further, teachers organize meaningful activities for pupils to apply what knowledge or skills they learned. These involve question and answer method of prompting pupils’ ideas, journal writing that requires reflection, group tasks that encourage collaboration, and written activities that enhance critical thinking.
Moreover, the use of bulletin boards to display pupils' work is commendable. Each class has its own bulletin board filled with artwork and activities. This form of assessment exhibits the potential and excellence of pupils. Thus, it fosters confidence and fuel competence.