The purpose of this practicum is to develop my creativity while understanding art concepts such as repetition, contrast, rhythm, and balance. I was given the task of creating a bus or jeepney design using creative patterns, lines, shapes, and colors so that I could demonstrate my understanding of these concepts. In addition, this activity helped me appreciate Filipino culture through the observation of traditional jeepney and bus designs, which are known for their unique patterns and colors.
I started the activity by reviewing the previous material about painting, color, shape, and texture. I then read a poem titled Good to See to introduce the exploration session. The teacher showed pictures of a jeepney and traditional Filipino buses with artistic designs, and I observed the differences in shape, color patterns, and overlapping elements.
After observing the objects, I answered questions like:
What objects do I see?
What patterns can I identify in shape, color, and lines?
How do the colors enhance the design?
This process helped me understand the concepts of repetition, contrast, and rhythm in design.
I learned more through images of Philippine public transportation, such as jeepneys, tricycles, and buses, focusing on their unique designs and patterns. The session also introduced Indonesian culture through batik art. A short video tutorial showed how to create designs with repetitive patterns, color contrast, and rhythm.
Using my drawing book, I created a design featuring patterns of lines and shapes to showcase repetition, contrast, and rhythm. I used contrasting colors to make the design visually appealing.
I paired with a friend to evaluate our drawings, identifying where repetition, contrast, and rhythm were applied. We asked questions like, "What repetition do you see in your friend's drawing?" Some pairs presented their designs, and I explained how I applied the concepts in my work. I concluded by completing the sentence:
"In my drawing, repetition, contrast, and rhythm help to ___________."
By the end of my practicum, I observed remarkable progress in the students’ understanding and skills. They were able to:
Clearly explain patterns, contrasts, and flow in artworks.
Create their own designs using overlapping shapes and contrasting colors with creativity.
Discuss the importance of rhythm and variety in creating balanced and engaging artwork.
These outcomes were truly rewarding for me as a facilitator, as I could see how the students comprehended and applied the concepts taught in class.
One of the biggest challenges I faced during the practicum was time management. I noticed that the actual teaching sessions often exceeded the allocated time, which required me to adjust my teaching strategies accordingly. However, I didn’t encounter any significant challenges with the students themselves. This was likely because I had conducted several observations in the classroom before starting my demo teaching, allowing me to understand their needs and characteristics better.
My overall impression of the SEA Teacher Program is nothing short of extraordinary. This program provided me with invaluable opportunities to teach at an international level, experience meaningful cultural exchange, and grow as an individual. I truly felt the program’s purpose—enhancing cross-cultural understanding and professional development—throughout the journey. Participating in this program was a transformative experience for me, and I am deeply grateful to have been part of it.
For future improvements, I would recommend the following:
Adjusting the teaching schedule to be more flexible so that class durations are better managed.
Incorporating regular reflection or discussion sessions with mentors to address challenges effectively.
Providing additional teaching materials focused on local cultural arts to connect students with their own heritage.
Offering more comprehensive preparation training for participants to equip them for differences in education systems and cultural contexts.
I believe these enhancements could significantly elevate the program’s impact and make it an even more rewarding experience for future participants.