The main purpose of me joining the SEA Teacher Program was to gain hands-on teaching experience in a different cultural and educational setting. I aimed to enhance my teaching skills, adapt to a new learning environment, and develop strategies to overcome challenges, such as language barriers. The program also provided an opportunity to share my knowledge and culture with Indonesian students while learning about theirs. Overall, the practicum met my expectations and needs, as it allowed me to grow professionally and personally. It helped me become a more adaptable, resourceful, and culturally aware teacher.
My practicum involved teaching two subjects: Geography 10 and Environmental Science to Grade 10 students in Indonesia. For Geography, I taught Philippine Geography, introducing students to the three main islands, their cultures, and tourist spots. For Environmental Science, I discussed the World Distribution of Plants and Animals.
Each lesson was carefully planned and delivered using interactive approaches, such as Spin the Wheel and 4 Pics 1 Word as icebreakers. I prepared PowerPoint slides with Indonesian translations to ensure that students understood the material. Additionally, my cooperating teacher provided assistance by translating key points during the lessons. To assess learning, I conducted oral recitations and multiple-choice activities at the end of each topic.
The practicum successfully achieved several outcomes:
Improved Teaching Skills: I gained confidence in planning and delivering lessons, incorporating interactive activities, and using assessments effectively.
Cultural Exchange: I shared Philippine culture with Indonesian students while learning about their traditions and perspectives.
Overcoming Challenges: I developed strategies to address the language barrier, such as using translations and visual aids.
Professional Growth: I learned to adapt my teaching style to suit the needs of a multicultural classroom.
One of the biggest challenges during my practicum was the language barrier. Since most students were not fluent in English, it was often difficult for them to understand the lessons or communicate their thoughts. To address this, I included Indonesian translations on my slides and relied on the support of my cooperating teacher for clarification. Adapting to the teaching environment and managing two different classes also required flexibility and patience.
The overall experience of my SEA Teacher Journey in Indonesia was incredibly fulfilling and memorable. Teaching Indonesian students was both a joy and a learning opportunity. Despite the challenges, I saw their curiosity and eagerness to learn, which motivated me to give my best. The support of my cooperating teacher and the warm hospitality of the school staff made the experience even more enriching. I am grateful for the chance to grow as a teacher while gaining a deeper appreciation for cross-cultural collaboration.
To improve the SEA Teacher Program for future participants, I suggest the following:
Language Preparation: Offering basic language training or a list of commonly used terms in the students’ native language would help participants communicate more effectively.
Cultural Immersion Activities: Including more cultural exchange sessions or interactive activities between participants and the local community would enhance the experience.