The main purposes of this practicum were to apply teaching knowledge in a real classroom setting, practice lesson planning and execution, and engage students in the learning process. It aimed to promote critical thinking by encouraging students to analyze the characters, plot, and themes of the folktale "Timun Emas." Classroom management was also a key focus, ensuring that the learning environment was positive and focused. Additionally, the lesson sought to introduce students to Indonesian culture and provide a platform for reflecting on the moral lessons of the story.
The lesson began with a warm greeting and an engaging quiz about Indonesia to motivate students and introduce the cultural context. Following the quiz, I played a video of the Indonesian folktale "Timun Emas," allowing students to visually connect with the story. Afterward, we discussed their reactions and thoughts on the plot and characters. We explored key story elements such as the characters, setting, plot structure, and themes, with a focus on the moral lessons of bravery, sacrifice, and love. To reinforce understanding, I gave students a worksheet that included comprehension questions and reflection tasks, which helped them connect the story to real-life situations. The lesson concluded with a summary and time for any remaining questions, ensuring students could reflect on what they had learned.
The outcomes of the practicum were successfully achieved as students demonstrated active engagement, critical thinking, and comprehension. They gained an understanding of the cultural context of the Indonesian folktale "Timun Emas" and were able to reflect on the moral themes of bravery, sacrifice, and love. Students participated actively in discussions, analyzed the plot and characters, and showed a deeper understanding through their responses on the worksheet. Overall, the lesson fostered cultural awareness, encouraged critical analysis, and allowed students to reflect on the story’s deeper meanings.
While the lesson was largely successful, a few challenges emerged during the practicum. Classroom management required attention, as there were some minor disruptions that needed quick redirection to maintain focus. Time management also proved challenging at times, as transitioning between activities occasionally felt rushed, limiting the depth of discussion. Some students, particularly quieter ones, were less engaged in the discussions, which required additional prompting to encourage participation. Additionally, there were minor technical difficulties with the video presentation, which caused brief interruptions in the flow of the lesson.
The practicum was a valuable learning experience that allowed me to refine my teaching skills. The lesson was well-structured and kept students engaged through interactive activities such as the quiz, video, and discussion. Classroom management was effective, though there were minor disruptions that required attention. The use of multimedia resources enhanced the lesson, making the content more engaging and accessible. The inclusion of cultural and moral themes enriched the students’ learning experience. Overall, the practicum was a success, with room for improvement in time management and ensuring full participation from all students.
Strengthen Classroom Management: Implement more proactive strategies to manage students’ energy levels, especially during group discussions and transitions. Consider using non-verbal cues or establishing clearer guidelines for participation to maintain focus.
Enhance Time Management: Set clear time limits for each activity within the lesson to ensure smoother transitions and allow more time for discussions. This would help ensure that students have enough time to reflect on the story’s themes and engage in deeper analysis.
Target Quieter Students: Use questioning techniques like random selection or think-pair-share to encourage participation from quieter students. Pairing students strategically can also help make everyone feel more comfortable contributing.
Increase Interactive Activities: Incorporate more hands-on or collaborative activities (e.g., role-playing, group analysis) to engage students in a variety of ways. This will cater to different learning styles and keep students more actively involved.
Align with University Academic Calendar: It would be helpful for the SEA Teacher Program to have a clear understanding of MMSU’s academic calendar, including academic breaks, holidays, and exam periods. This will allow for better planning and ensure that participating students can maximize their time in the program without conflicts with university schedules. Early coordination regarding these dates can help align teaching practicum sessions and make the most of available time for both the students and host schools.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to MMSU for the incredible opportunity to participate in the SEA Teacher Program. I truly appreciate the warmth and hospitality extended to me throughout the duration of my stay. The support from both the university and the host school has been invaluable, and I am deeply thankful for the positive learning environment created for all participants.
The guidance and resources provided have not only enriched my teaching practice but also contributed to my personal growth. I am particularly grateful for the chance to experience the local culture, engage with dedicated educators, and collaborate with fellow students in such a dynamic setting.