The Journey's End

Summary and Suggestions

Purpose of Practicum

The purpose of the practicum is to broaden pedagogical knowledge and skills in a cross-cultural context. It fosters and challenges one's flexibility, communication, and adaptability skills through exposure to diverse teaching-learning situations and opportunities, and immersion in a foreign culture, language, and tradition.

Throughout my nearly month stay, I have been provided with a great teaching and learning opportunity. Thus, I am confident to say that I have met the abovementioned aims and expectations.

Procedures of Practicum

The practicum procedure was done in a seamless manner. Schedules and essential information were shared before the start of the program.

Campus tour, courtesy call to university officials, introductory lecture to Bahasa Indonesia language, and welcome program were organized before deployment at SD Fastabiqul Khairat Samarinda where I had my class observation, teaching assistantship, and actual teaching for a duration of two weeks.

Furthermore, aside from the scheduled internship at the partner school (SD FastKhair), I also had other activities organized by the Elementary Education Study program which involved visits to special needs education school, seat-in classes to PGSD courses, and cultural excursions and field trips.

During the practicum, I was well taken care of by my supervising lecturer, cooperating teacher, and a buddy. They provided all I needed and guided me throughout my practicum schedule.

Outcomes of Practicum

“Like a seed sown on a fertile soil, I sprouted into a flower with profound beauty.” The outcome of this practicum would be growth. Growth from learning disciplines, growth from mastering skills, and growth from gaining valuable realization.

The practicum widened my knowledge and perspective, enhanced my communicative competence, and improved my teaching ability. I learn new pedagogical methods and techniques, I become adaptive to teaching trends and practices, I master being flexible by being resourceful and open to changes, and I realize how teachers are significant in society regardless of culture, religion, and identity.

Furthermore, the practicum made me acquainted with the country’s culture and tradition. It also boosted my confidence and improved my socialization skills as I formed a bond and created network of friends.

The Challenges

The only major challenge I faced during my practicum was the adjustment to a new environment and culture. However, I adapted quickly due to the hospitality of key individuals and institutions who made me feel welcomed and accepted. Moreover, I also found comfort in the customs, flavors, and practices that both Indonesia and the Philippines share in common. Thus, I enjoy my stay. The rest were minor struggles and never been a problem.

For accommodation, I was provided with a fine room to stay and facilities to use. For transportation, I was given a buddy who drove me to every scheduled activity. For communication, I was introduced to good friends who translated my ideas and messages into vernacular for locals to understand. Further, I use an online translator whenever needed, and I was taught to speak basic Bahasa which is why communication was not a problem.

Overall Impression

My SEA-Teacher Project journey has been an exemplary and exhilarating educational and cultural voyage. This is credited to institutions and individuals who made my journey fun and meaningful.

The care, hospitality, and professionalism that the mighty institutions offered have exceeded my expectations. Universitas Mulawarman, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Pendidikan Guruan Sekolah Dasar, SD Fastabiqul Khairat, and other affiliated organizations have been accommodating, well-organized, generous, and supportive. Everything was provided and communicated.

The receiving institution offered me safety and accommodation. The hosting study program gave me a dependable buddy, managed my transportation, and organized enrichment programs for me. The partner school where I had my internship set and arranged my practicum schedules. Everything was provided from place to stay, facilities to use, schedule to follow, guidance and instruction to head, to programs to attend.

Overall, the teaching and learning experience made in this journey has been an eye-opener to the world of the teaching profession. It is a once and a lifetime opportunity that I’ll forever treasure.

Suggestions for Future Improvement

Words of gratitude are the only feedback I can provide for the excellent treatment I received throughout the duration of my practicum. They provided a good learning environment and opportunities that have profoundly influenced my pedagogical knowledge and skills.

I am satisfied with the care and service offered by the hosting institution, study program, and school. The practicum was well organized as the prior plans were carried out on schedule, set activities were beneficial and reasonable, and the goal of the program was achieved.

Dreams are the key, for us to conquer the world. Run tirelessly, until you reach them. This lyric from the song “Laskar Pelangi” reflects my overall journey as a SEA-Teacher Project participant who once yearned for a marvelous dream. The educational voyage and cultural immersion I had in Indonesia is a realization of a dream that will forever be remembered. This journey taught me how to dream big dreams. It is something that future teachers should do, to set goals in a higher perspective. Because dreaming never ends with just the thought, it ends with its realization. To be a teacher is to be a dreamer. A dreamer who wishes for transformative education, a dreamer who aspires to professional development, and a dreamer who yearns for a better tomorrow. Because, cliché as it may sound, but once we put our heart to it, that dream will come true. As a sojourner who sailed a sea of learnings, traversed a mountain of opportunities, and flew atop clouds of challenges, I can say that I conquered my dream - to be INDOmitable.

- Limuel Gabutan Habon

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