A significant part of my SEA Teacher journey involved conducting my teaching practicum under the supervision of mentor teachers affiliated with Mariano Marcos State University. This experience allowed me to observe real classroom situations and gradually take on the role of a teacher.
At the beginning of the program, I spent time observing classes and learning about the teaching methods used by the mentor teachers. These observations were very valuable because they helped me understand how lessons were structured, how teachers managed their classrooms, and how students responded to different teaching strategies.
As the program progressed, I began assisting the mentor teacher in preparing learning materials and supporting classroom activities. Eventually, I was given the opportunity to conduct my own lessons. Standing in front of a classroom in another country was both exciting and challenging, but it also became one of the most rewarding moments of the entire experience.
During my teaching sessions, I tried to create an engaging learning atmosphere by encouraging students to participate actively in discussions and interactive activities. I also introduced simple communicative activities that allowed students to practice using English in meaningful ways.
Through these teaching experiences, I learned that effective teaching requires flexibility, creativity, and empathy. Every classroom is different, and teachers must be able to adapt their strategies to meet the needs of their students.