School: General Information and Academic Administration

1. School Profile

The Laboratory High School (LHS) of Aklan State University (ASU) serves as a premier training department under the university’s College of Teacher Education. Functioning as a "teaching laboratory," the school provides a specialized environment where educational theories are put into practice. It is designed to be a center for innovation, allowing both faculty and pre-service teachers to implement and evaluate modern teaching strategies within a real-world classroom setting.

Beyond its role as a training facility, ASU-LHS is committed to the academic and personal development of its students. The school follows a rigorous curriculum aimed at Junior High School learners, emphasizing a holistic approach that balances academic excellence with leadership and community involvement. This ensures that students from the Aklan community receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for higher academic pursuits.

For an exchange student in the SEA-Teacher program, this school offers a unique vantage point. Being immersed in a laboratory school means I am working in an environment that is intentionally focused on the evolution of teaching methods. It is an ideal setting to observe the integration of university-level research with secondary-level instruction, providing me with a deeper understanding of how the Philippine education system nurtures both its learners and its future educators.

2. Academic Support System

The academic support system at Aklan State University Laboratory High School is designed to ensure that both high school students and pre-service teachers have the tools they need to succeed. The school provides a solid foundation through the ASU Library, which serves as a central hub for research and learning materials. Students have access to a wide range of academic resources, from physical textbooks to digital collections, supporting their studies across all subject areas. 

Beyond just books, the school offers structured guidance to help students navigate their academic journeys. This includes educational counseling and skills training aimed at developing a student's full potential, not just in the classroom but as well-rounded individuals. There is also a strong emphasis on technology, with facilities like computer laboratories and E-Library access providing the necessary tech support for modern learning.

Since it is a laboratory school, the support system also extends to the interns from the College of Teacher Education. The school provides a supervised environment where these aspiring educators receive mentorship and practical training. This collaborative atmosphere ensures that the high school students benefit from fresh teaching perspectives while the interns gain the hands-on experience needed for their professional growth.

3. Teaching System

From what I’ve seen at ASU Laboratory High School, the teaching style is all about "learning by doing." Since it’s a laboratory school, the teachers try to move away from just lecturing at the front of the room. Instead, they focus on inquiry-based learning, where students are encouraged to ask "why" and "how" through hands-on activities. It’s really interesting to see how they take theories from the textbook and find ways to apply them to real-life situations.

The school follows the standard DepEd curriculum, but they have the advantage of using the university’s resources to make lessons more engaging. In the classrooms, I’ve observed a lot of group work and open discussions. The teachers don’t just give out answers; they lead the students to figure things out on their own. This helps the students build critical thinking skills and become more independent learners.

As an intern, I’ve also noticed how collaborative the environment is. The regular faculty members work side-by-side with student-teachers like us to try out new teaching ideas. It keeps the classroom energy high and ensures that the teaching methods stay fresh. This focus on active participation makes the school a great place for students to learn and a perfect training ground for us to grow as future educators.

Pedagogical Contents

1. Teaching Methods of The Teacher That You Observed 

During my observations, I had the pleasure of shadowed Teacher Elizabeth Gregorio and Teacher Jayvey Eleutorio. Both of them are incredibly professional, but what stood out most was how positive and energetic they are in the classroom. They have this friendly, cheerful way of teaching that immediately makes the students feel comfortable and ready to learn.

Because they are so approachable, they’ve built a real sense of trust with their classes. I noticed that when a teacher is this encouraging, the students aren't afraid to speak up or ask questions. Teacher Elizabeth and Teacher Jayvey are great at engaging with their students; they don't just lecture, they actually connect with the kids. This positive "vibe" creates a safe space where students feel supported, which I’ve realized is key to keeping them focused and excited about the lesson. It’s been really inspiring to see how their attitudes directly impact the social and emotional growth of the students.

2. Their Learning Materials and Innovation 

I’ve been watching Teacher Elizabeth and Teacher Jayvey in action, and honestly, their style is so refreshing! They aren't the type to just stick to a dusty old textbook. Instead, they’re always scouting the internet for the best resources, and I love how they make sure to give credit where it’s due in their lesson plans total pro move. One thing they do that I’m definitely going to steal for my own classes is the "Motivation" stage. They start every single lesson with a game or something fun to hook the students right away. It’s like a little spark that gets everyone curious and ready to learn before they even dive into the heavy stuff. The best part? It’s not just them standing at the front talking the whole time. They’ve totally flipped the script! It’s a student-centered vibe where they’re constantly throwing out questions that actually make the kids think. It feels more like a lively conversation than a boring lecture, which keeps everyone on their toes. To keep things visually cool, they rely on some pretty slick PowerPoints. They use images and videos to make sure nobody’s drifting off or getting "brain fog" halfway through. By mixing up internet finds, fun games, and great visuals, they’ve created this super modern classroom where students actually want to be involved. I’m learning so much just by watching them!

3. Sources of Learning and Technology Used by The Teachers 

I’ve been getting used to the tools we use in class, and it’s a cool mix of the "old school" and the new. While the whiteboard is still our best friend for quick explanations or scribbling down key points during a discussion, PowerPoint is really the star of the show. The teachers here put a lot of work into their slides, making sure they’re full of visuals that make even the most confusing topics much easier to follow.

We also have a TV in the room that we use as our main screen. It’s a total game-changer for showing videos or high-quality photos. It’s way more engaging than just staring at a page in a textbook, and I’ve noticed the students stay way more focused when there's something interesting to look at on the screen.

What’s also really cool is that the teachers don't just stop at the textbook. They’re constantly pulling fresh content from all over the internet to give the students a better, more "real-world" look at whatever we’re studying. It keeps the lessons feeling modern and gives the kids a much broader perspective on the topic!

4. Authentic Assessment Used by The Teachers 

I’ve been watching how the teachers here actually measure what the students have learned, and it’s a really solid two-step process: Application and Evaluation. Since I’m working with high schoolers now, the activities are much more advanced than just drawing or coloring—it’s all about getting them to think for themselves!

First, we have the Application part. This is my favorite because it’s so hands-on. The students get into groups to discuss topics or solve problems together. It’s great to see them taking what they just learned and actually using it in a practical way. Plus, watching them work in teams is a perfect way to see their communication and leadership skills in action.

Then, we finish up with the Evaluation. This is a more formal check, usually a quick quiz with True/False or short questions to see if everyone understood the lesson. But the best part is what happens right after—the teachers always go over the answers with the class immediately. This "feedback" session is so helpful because if a student is confused, they get the right answer right away. It also helps me see if I need to explain something differently next time!

5. Others 

One thing I absolutely love about how my associate teachers run their classes is how much they value student appreciation. A great example was in a Grade 9 class during a lesson on Broadcasting. After the students finished their group performance, the teacher held a little "awards ceremony" in the next meeting.

Instead of just giving a prize to the person with the highest grade, they gave out certificates for all sorts of strengths—like best teamwork, creative scriptwriting, or even just being super confident on camera. It was so cool to see because it made every student feel like their specific talent actually mattered to the group.

It’s such a simple but powerful way to keep everyone motivated. It teaches the students to take pride in their work and keep pushing themselves, knowing that their hard work—whether in leadership or just showing improvement—will be noticed. It really builds a supportive vibe where growing as a person is just as important as the score on a test!

Teaching Practice

1. Procedures of Teaching

My teaching journey began after a period of intensive classroom observation, which allowed me to understand the students' learning styles before drafting my lesson plans. Once my plans were reviewed and approved by my mentor, I moved into the actual delivery phase. Following the standard Philippine lesson structure, every session begins with the Preliminary Activities: a warm greeting, a short prayer to center the class, and a quick attendance check to settle the room. I then transition into a Review of our previous topic to ensure the students have a solid foundation before moving forward.

The core of the lesson is built on a very specific and effective flow. I start with the Motivation part a quick activity or game designed to spark interest—followed by the Presentation of the new lesson. To ensure the students don't just passively listen, I move into the Application phase, where they work on group tasks or practical exercises. This leads into the Generalization, where we wrap up the key takeaways together. Finally, I conduct an Evaluation to check their understanding. If the results show that some concepts weren't fully grasped, I provide an Assignment to give them extra practice at home.

Stepping through this process for the first time was an incredible experience. There is a specific kind of "rush" you get when a lesson you planned yourself actually comes to life and the students respond well to it. This journey has been full of "firsts" for me, and the satisfaction of seeing my students hit their learning objectives is something I’ll definitely carry with me throughout my career.

2.  Time Management and Organizing Activities 

At Aklan State University Laboratory High School, the standard duration for each subject is 60 minutes. During my consultations, my mentor, Ma’am Jeny, and my supervisor, Ma’am Mave, emphasized the importance of maximizing this hour to ensure a comprehensive learning experience. While some complex topics may span two meetings, I have structured my daily lesson plans to fit a tight 60-minute window.

• Preliminary Activities (5 minutes): Starting the class with a greeting, prayer, and attendance to set the right tone.

• Review (5 minutes): Briefly revisiting the previous topic to bridge the gap to the new lesson.

• Presentation (15 minutes): Delivering the core content using visual aids and interactive discussions.

• Application/Assessment (20 minutes): This is the bulk of the lesson, where students engage in group activities or problem-solving to apply what they've learned.

• Generalization (5 minutes): Wrapping up the key takeaways to ensure the students understand the "big picture."

• Evaluation (5 minutes): A quick quiz or check for understanding to measure if learning objectives were met.

• Closing (5 minutes): Final remarks, reminders, or assigning homework if necessary

3. Classroom Management 

Effective classroom management is the backbone of a successful lesson, and I’ve found that it starts the moment I walk through the door. To set a productive tone, I begin by establishing clear classroom rules at the very start of the session. This helps the students understand my expectations and ensures a respectful learning environment from the get-go. I also rely heavily on positive reinforcement, acknowledging good behavior and participation to keep the energy in the room encouraging rather than restrictive.

One of the biggest shifts in my teaching style is moving away from a script. I make it a point to lead the class without constantly checking my notes or lesson plan. This allows me to maintain better eye contact and stay fully present with the students. Instead of staying behind the podium, I roam around the classroom, especially during the "Application" phase. This allows me to check on each group’s progress, offer immediate help, and answer questions as they arise.

By staying mobile and interactive, I can catch potential distractions before they happen and keep the students focused on their tasks. This hands-on approach has not only helped me manage the class more smoothly but has also made the students feel more comfortable approaching me with their thoughts.

4. Problem Solving While Teaching and Staying in The Designated School 

One of the primary challenges I encountered during my placement at the Laboratory High School was the complexity of the curriculum. The English topics here are quite advanced, often covering material that is significantly different from what we typically focus on in the Indonesian education system. At first, I found the depth of the subject matter a bit daunting, as it pushed me well beyond my initial comfort zone as a student-teacher.

To overcome this, I took a proactive approach to my preparation. I spent extra time conducting thorough research online and deep-diving into the specific concepts of each lesson. More importantly, I leaned on the expertise of my mentor. By asking for her guidance and clarification on the more challenging topics, I was able to bridge the gap in my own understanding before stepping in front of the class.

This experience taught me that being a good teacher isn't about knowing everything instantly—it's about being a dedicated learner. Navigating these higher-level topics forced me to sharpen my own subject knowledge and taught me how to break down complex information into something manageable for my students. While the learning curve was steep, it has been an incredibly rewarding part of my professional development.

5. Others 

Once my lesson plans and multimedia materials were finalized and approved by my mentor, I had the chance to put my creative strategies into practice. A highlight for me was a session where I moved beyond traditional grammar rules and focused on making English feel "alive" for the students. Because I followed the "Motivation" model, I started the class with a quick, interactive game that got the students talking and laughing before we even opened our books.

In this particular lesson, I used my PowerPoint to present real-world examples that the students could actually relate to. Instead of just lecturing, I encouraged them to analyze the visuals and share their own perspectives. During the Application phase, I was impressed by how the Grade 8 students took charge of their group discussions. It was a proud moment for me to see them using the vocabulary and structures we had just discussed in a natural, confident way.

To wrap things up, I ended the session with a quick Evaluation that felt more like a challenge than a test. Seeing the students hit their learning targets while actually enjoying the process made all the late-night research and prep work worth it. These moments confirmed that even with a challenging curriculum, the right mix of technology and student-centered interaction can make a huge difference in how much a student learns.