Hi! I’m Alifia Aminatuzzahra, 21 years old, a 5th-semester student at Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, majoring in English Education under the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education in Yogyakarta. Teaching has always been my passion, and I enjoy sharing knowledge while learning from others. I am grateful for the opportunity to join the SEA Teacher Program Batch 10 and be placed at West Visayas State University in Iloilo City, Philippines. This program allows me to experience teaching in an international setting, understand different classroom environments, and develop my teaching skills. Through this experience, I hope to broaden my perspective on education, enhance cross-cultural communication, and grow both professionally and personally as a future educator
Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD)
Location: Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD) is a private Islamic university located in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It is known for integrating Islamic values into education while focusing on innovation, research, and community service. The Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) at UAD offers various programs, including English Education, which aims to prepare future educators with strong teaching skills and global competitiveness.
West Visayas State University (WVSU)
Location: Iloilo City, Philippines
West Visayas State University (WVSU) is a public university renowned for its teacher training and education programs. Located in Iloilo City, WVSU is recognized as one of the top educational institutions in the Philippines, maintaining high academic standards. The university actively participates in student exchange programs and professional development for educators, making it an excellent placement for international teaching experiences through the SEA Teacher Program.
School : General Information and Academic Administration
The Integrated Laboratory School (ILS) is a part of West Visayas State University (WVSU) that serves as a laboratory school for education program students. ILS provides elementary and secondary education while also serving as a teaching practicum site for pre-service teachers before they fully enter the teaching profession. This school allows education students to apply teaching theories in a real classroom setting under the guidance of experienced teachers. WVSU itself was established in 1924 as Iloilo Normal School, focusing on teacher training. In 1965, it evolved into West Visayas State College, and in 1986, it gained university status under the name West Visayas State University. As part of the university, ILS remains a crucial component of WVSU’s mission to produce high-quality educators.
WVSU-ILS follows a student centered curriculum that integrates innovative teaching methodologies. The curriculum aligns with national education standards and incorporates active learning strategies such as Task-Based Learning, Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), and Fun Learning Methods. These approaches encourage students to participate actively in lessons and improve their critical thinking skills.
As a laboratory school, WVSU-ILS provides teaching practicum opportunities for education students from WVSU. The pre-service teachers receive mentorship and supervision from experienced cooperating teachers who guide them in lesson planning, classroom management, and instructional strategies. This hands-on experience helps future educators bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
To support effective learning and teaching, WVSU-ILS provides access to:
Well-equipped classrooms with modern teaching aids.
A resource library with educational materials and research references.
Technology integration through online learning platforms and digital tools for interactive education.
WVSU-ILS implements a comprehensive assessment system to track student progress. The school utilizes:
Formative and summative assessments to evaluate students' academic performance.
Regular teacher-student feedback sessions for personalized learning support.
Parental involvement programs to keep guardians informed about their children's academic development.
Pedagogical Contents
The pedagogical content at West Visayas State University Integrated Laboratory School (WVSU-ILS) is designed to provide comprehensive and practical training for both students and pre-service teachers. The curriculum emphasizes student-centered learning, active participation, and real-world application of knowledge.
WVSU-ILS adopts modern teaching methodologies that prioritize students' active engagement and critical thinking skills. These include:
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) – Encourages students to use English actively through discussions, role-plays, and collaborative tasks.
Task-Based Learning (TBL) – Integrates real-life scenarios into classroom activities, making learning more meaningful and practical.
Fun Learning Methods – Utilizes games, storytelling, and interactive activities to maintain students' enthusiasm and motivation in learning.
WVSU-ILS ensures that students receive a balanced education, combining academic theories with hands-on experience. The pedagogical content focuses on:
Conceptual Understanding – Strong foundation in subject knowledge across various disciplines.
Applied Learning – Opportunities for students to apply concepts through projects, experiments, and real-world problem-solving activities.
Reflective Learning – Encouraging students to assess their own progress, fostering independent learning and self-improvement.
As a laboratory school, WVSU-ILS provides pre-service teachers from WVSU with teaching practicum opportunities. They are required to:
Develop lesson plans following modern pedagogical principles.
Conduct actual teaching sessions under the supervision of experienced cooperating teachers.
Engage in classroom management and student interaction to enhance their teaching skills.
Receive feedback and evaluation for continuous improvement in teaching strategies.
The pedagogical content at WVSU-ILS is not limited to academic subjects but also incorporates:
Character Education – Emphasizing values, discipline, and social responsibility.
Leadership and Teamwork – Encouraging students to take on leadership roles and work collaboratively.
Creative and Critical Thinking Skills – Integrating problem-solving and innovation in various subjects.
Teaching Plan
The teaching plan at West Visayas State University Integrated Laboratory School (WVSU-ILS) is structured to provide organized, student-centered, and competency-based instruction. It ensures that both students and pre-service teachers experience a well-structured learning process that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application.
Before conducting a class, teachers and practice teachers at WVSU-ILS are required to prepare detailed lesson plans that include:
Learning Objectives – Clearly defined goals based on the curriculum and students' needs.
Teaching Strategies – Selection of appropriate methods, such as communicative language teaching, task-based learning, and interactive discussions.
Instructional Materials – Use of visual aids, multimedia, and real-life objects to enhance understanding.
Assessment Techniques – A combination of formative and summative assessments to measure student learning.
WVSU-ILS encourages the use of student-centered and interactive teaching methods, such as:
Fun Learning Approach – Incorporating games, storytelling, and role-playing to engage students.
Task-Based Learning – Providing real-world tasks that require students to apply their knowledge.
Collaborative Learning – Encouraging group discussions, peer teaching, and cooperative projects.
Technology-Enhanced Learning – Using digital tools, online resources, and virtual activities.
During the actual teaching session, the lesson follows a structured flow:
Warm-Up Activity – Engaging students with an interactive game or question to activate prior knowledge.
Lesson Presentation – Introducing new concepts using visual aids, real-life examples, or multimedia.
Guided Practice – Allowing students to practice the concepts with teacher support.
Independent Practice – Encouraging students to apply their learning through activities, projects, or discussions.
Assessment and Feedback – Evaluating student understanding and providing constructive feedback.
Reflection and Closing – Summarizing key points and encouraging students to reflect on their learning.
To maintain an effective learning environment, teachers implement strategies such as:
Setting Clear Expectations – Establishing classroom rules and guidelines.
Active Monitoring – Walking around the classroom, guiding students, and addressing difficulties.
Encouraging Participation – Motivating students to answer questions, present ideas, and engage in activities.
Positive Reinforcement – Rewarding good behavior and academic performance with praise and incentives.
Teachers at WVSU-ILS utilize a variety of assessment techniques to measure student progress:
Formative Assessment – Quizzes, class participation, and peer reviews.
Summative Assessment – Written exams, performance tasks, and project-based evaluations.
Self-Assessment – Encouraging students to reflect on their learning and progress.
Teacher Feedback – Providing constructive comments and areas for improvement.
After each teaching session, pre-service teachers are required to:
Reflect on their teaching experience – Identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
Receive feedback from cooperating teachers – Discussing strategies for better lesson delivery.
Revise and Improve Lesson Plans – Making necessary adjustments for future teaching.
Observation on Teacher
During the observation session at West Visayas State University Integrated Laboratory School (WVSU-ILS), I had the opportunity to closely examine the teaching strategies, classroom management, and student engagement techniques used by experienced educators. The teacher effectively utilized a student-centered approach, ensuring that learners were actively involved in the lesson. The class began with a warm-up activity that encouraged students to recall prior knowledge, followed by an engaging lesson presentation incorporating visual aids and real-life examples. The teacher also applied the Fun Learning method, integrating games and interactive discussions to maintain students' interest.
Teaching Practice
During my teaching practice at West Visayas State University Integrated Laboratory School (WVSU-ILS), I had the opportunity to implement various teaching strategies and interact with students in a real classroom setting. As a practice teacher, I was responsible for delivering lessons using student-centered and communicative approaches, ensuring that students were actively engaged in the learning process. Before each class, I prepared a detailed lesson plan under the guidance of my cooperating teacher. The lesson plan included learning objectives, instructional strategies, assessment methods, and interactive activities. One of the main methods I applied was Fun Learning, where I integrated games, role-playing, and group discussions to make the learning experience enjoyable and effective. This approach helped students feel more comfortable using English in both academic and social contexts.
Additionally, I learned the importance of adaptability in teaching. Some students required extra guidance, so I adjusted my teaching pace and provided additional explanations or examples when needed. Formative assessments such as quizzes, student reflections, and interactive games helped me evaluate students' progress and adjust my teaching methods accordingly. Overall, my teaching practice at WVSU-ILS was an enriching experience that enhanced my skills as a future educator. It allowed me to apply effective teaching methodologies, understand student learning behaviors, and develop classroom management techniques that will be valuable for my future teaching career.
Summary and Suggestion
The teaching experience at WVSU-ILS provided valuable insights into effective English language teaching strategies. The immersive environment, where English is widely used in academic and social interactions, contributed to a more natural language-learning experience for students. The implementation of Fun Learning, interactive activities, and communicative teaching methods proved to be highly effective in engaging students and encouraging them to actively participate in the learning process. Additionally, the role of lesson planning, classroom management, and formative assessments played a crucial part in enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.
Based on this experience, the following suggestions can be considered for improving English language education in Indonesia:
Encouraging English Usage in Academic Settings
Universities and schools should create an environment where students feel comfortable using English in daily interactions, both inside and outside the classroom.
Implementing Fun and Interactive Learning Methods
Incorporating games, role-plays, discussions, and project-based learning can enhance student engagement and improve language acquisition.
Providing More Speaking Opportunities
Schools should emphasize oral communication activities, such as debates, presentations, and storytelling, to help students develop confidence in speaking English.
Enhancing Teacher Training Programs
Professional development programs for teachers should focus on student-centered teaching approaches, classroom management, and the integration of technology in language learning.
Integrating Technology in Learning
Using digital platforms, educational apps, and online resources can support interactive learning and make English lessons more accessible and engaging.
By adopting these strategies, English language education in Indonesia can be improved, helping students develop stronger communication skills and preparing them for global academic and professional opportunities.