I have always believed in the famous saying that "First impression lasts." This thought struck me when I had my first glimpse of Universitas PGRI Semarang. My initial impression made me look forward to more exciting and valuable experiences. It still feels surreal that I am finally in Indonesia, where my SEA-Teacher journey will begin. 

A future language teacher once gave me a piece of advice to keep up with the changes happening in educational institutions. He said, "Be adaptive to the change of time, responsive to the needs of time, and be innovative as time passes by." I always carry this advice with me in every step of my teaching journey because change is constant, and we always need to be adaptable. As teachers, it is one of the essential skills that we need to acquire and hone. This will be a huge help in making the teaching and learning process innovative and effective. 

In a nutshell, it still feels like a dream that I am finally here in Indonesia. UPGRIS is not just an institution but a home for many. As the days go by, my SEA-Teacher journey is becoming more and more exciting. This huge step that I am taking will leave a mark that will become a part of history. Teachers should really be adaptive to the changes, especially since they are teaching younger generations. These youngsters are more interested in modern things. This can be an opportunity for teachers to level up their pedagogical skills and be innovative. If teachers can decipher this, it will not only help students learn effectively, but it can also give teachers an advantage to improve their teaching strategies, methods, and practices. After all, teachers are catalysts of change, and they should be fostered with such skills to transform their students in the same way. 

During my 28-day practicum, I had the opportunity to observe the classes of two experienced teachers, Mr. Tri and Miss Lia, for less than three weeks. They implemented various strategies for teaching and learning which were successful in engaging the students. I was impressed by their approach and the outcomes they achieved. 

However, during my practice teaching in the last week of my immersion, I noticed that there were some strategies that I did not think engaged the students effectively. While these strategies may have worked in the past, I felt that they were not suitable in the current context. As a result, I decided to try out some new strategies that I had learned during my training, and I was pleased to see that they were successful in engaging the students and improving their learning outcomes. 

Overall, my experience in the practicum taught me the importance of being adaptable and open to new ideas. While it is essential to learn from experienced teachers, it is also important to be critical and reflective about the strategies that we use in the classroom. By being open to new ideas and approaches, we can continue to improve our teaching and provide the best possible learning experiences for our students. 

During my weeks of observing the classes of experienced teachers, Mr. Tri and Miss Lia, I learned many strategies that I believe will help me become an effective language teacher. I was impressed by their teaching techniques and the way they engaged their students in the learning process. I found myself emulating some of these strategies in my four practice teaching sessions. 

I was thrilled to see that these strategies were effective in engaging the students and making them more participative in class. The students were willing to learn from me, and I felt that I was making an impact on their learning outcomes. I could see that they were more motivated and enthusiastic about learning the language, which was a great feeling. 

By learning from experienced teachers and applying their strategies, I was able to enhance my teaching skills and become more effective in the classroom. I believe that being open to new ideas and approaches is essential for personal and professional growth, and the experience of observing the classes of these teachers has certainly helped me.

Overall, I feel grateful for the opportunity to learn from these experienced teachers. The strategies that I learned from them will not only help me become a better teacher but also help my future students in achieving their language learning goals. 

Practicum is an essential component of teacher education programs, providing aspiring teachers with the opportunity to gain practical experience in the classroom. While practicum can be an exciting and rewarding experience, it can also be challenging, with classroom management and technology being two of the most significant challenges faced by student teachers. 

Classroom management is a critical aspect of effective teaching, and it can be challenging for student teachers to establish and maintain control in the classroom. From dealing with disruptive students to managing time efficiently, classroom management requires strong organizational and communication skills. Without proper management, a classroom can become chaotic and unproductive, leading to a negative impact on student learning outcomes. 

In addition. the overuse of technology can also be a challenge in practicum. While technology can be a powerful tool in the classroom, student teachers must be careful not to over-rely on it. Overuse of technology can lead to a lack of student engagement, with students becoming more focused on the technology than on the learning itself. Moreover, technical problems or malfunctions can interupt the flow of the lesson, leading to a loss of valuable instructional time. 

To overcome these challenges, student teachers must be proactive and develop effective strategies for classroom management and technology integration. They can work with their mentors to learn effective classroom management techniques, such as establishing clear expectations, creating a positive learning environment, and addressing disruptive behavior proactively. They can also learn to use technology in moderation, ensuring that it enhances rather than detracts from the learning experience. 

In conclusion, practicum provides an opportunity for aspiring teachers to gain practical experience in the classroom. However, it can also be challenging, with classroom management and technology as two of the most significant challenges faced by student teachers. By developing effective strategies for these challenges, student teachers can enhance their teaching skills and provide the best possible learning experience for their students. With the right mindset and approach, practicum can be a great experience for student teachers, setting them on the path to becoming successful educators. 

It still feels surreal that I finally went to Indonesia, and I am grateful to call UPGRIS my home. As the days go by, my SEA-Teacher journey is becoming more and more exciting, and I feel like I am making a meaningful impact in the lives of my students. I believe that this experience will leave a lasting mark in my life.

"Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world." 

This is a famous quote of the great Nelson Mandela, which always reminds me that education is the best tool to make a difference. With that, I believe that Semesta School can serve as the shelter for little dreamers to achieve their aspirations and make an impact at the same time. From the three weeks of immersing myself in this excellence-centered school, I have seen their own ways to guide each child to be a better individual today and in the future. . 

In conclusion, Semesta School is indeed a center of excellence. The various programs that they offer will surely produce students who are equipped with enough knowledge and skills to make a difference in this changing world. In addition, the teachers do not just act as mere teachers but also as beacons of hope to lead their students on the right path. Hence, I am expecting that the school will remain steadfast to hone their students to be better individuals.

As an educational institution, it is essential to continuously seek ways to improve and enhance the learning experience of students. One suggestion for future improvement is to provide more opportunities for practical learning and hands-on experiences. 

Incorporating practical learning experiences can help students apply their knowledge in real-world situations, providing them with valuable skills and experience. This can be achieved through different learning opportunities that allow students to work alongside with their teachers.

Another suggestion is to continue incorporate technology into the learning experience, but in moderation. Technology can provide students with access to a wealth of resources and can enhance the learning experience in various ways. This can include the use of online learning platforms and digital tools that can make learning more engaging and interactive. 

Lastly, it is important to foster a culture of innovation and creativity within the institution. Encouraging faculty and students to explore new ideas and approaches can lead to exciting teaching and learning process. This can be achieved through researches, collaboration, and other initiatives that promote creative thinking and innovation. 

In conclusion, there are many ways in which educational institutions can improve and enhance the learning experience of students. By providing more opportunities for practical learning, incorporating technology, and fostering a culture of innovation, institutions can prepare students for success in their chosen fields and make a meaningful impact on society.